FM newsroom – facility management, access control. Facility managers have to stay ahead of consumer preferences and keep up with the quickly changing tech landscape. They should take advantage of the smart devices like phones, smartwatches, and tablets that tenants are surrounded by to manage, for example, access into and throughout properties.
FMs can count on tenants owning at least one smart device. Mobile access control is the practice of using these smart mobile devices – smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets – as a credential to open doors. Giving tenants the power to manage access from their devices takes the property experience to the next level – without sacrificing security –Aaron Rudenstine points out for Propmodo.
How do mobile credentials work?
Mobile access control systems allow smartphones to be used as access credentials by enabling communication between the reader on the door and the information stored on the smartphone itself.
With a WiFi-powered mobile access control system the reader and the smartphones connect to the same wireless network; thus, the access control reader can verify credentials before telling the door lock to open. Bluetooth-enabled devices use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to establish a connection; thus, when an authorized mobile device is nearby, the reader automatically picks up the device’s signal and unlocks the door or gate. Unlike Bluetooth, NFC (near-field communication) has a much smaller range, so for mobile credentials, the reader and the phone need to be in close proximity.
Why should FMs care?
Mobile access control is not just a trend, it’s a necessary method that enhances the tenant experience while improving security. Mobile credentials offer plenty of benefits for commercial buildings, like seamless tenant and visitor management, boosted security, and time savings for staff.
- Boosted security. Physical keys are among the most commonly lost or stolen items. And when they’re stolen, there is the risk that they’ll be cloned or used by unauthorized people.
- Seamless visitor management. Whether tenants are welcoming a client, a friend, or a delivery, mobile access control provides an easy way to grant them access to the building. Delivery passes and virtual keys offer temporary access, enhancing security even more.
- Flexible access control. Buildings require a versatile solution that enhances security for sensitive areas while granting easy access to high-traffic spaces. With mobile credentials, facility managers can manage all from a single smartphone app.
- Saved time. When tenants can use their smartphones to manage property access, staff can track who’s accessing the building and when. Even better, a robust access control system empowers operators to automate redundant tasks so the staff can focus on other, more critical tasks.
When picking the mobile access control system for the building, choose one that’s cloud-based, equipped with a camera, integrates with other access control products and systems, and has a mobile app that’s intuitive and highly rated by users.
