Smartphone Becomes A Mobile Key

Mobile access is changing the way we interact with buildings and how we manage their security. The smartphone becomes a mobile key just as easily as it transforms into a payment card or a map. The device which users already carry enables them to unlock buildings or rooms, across one or multiple sites, securely and at a lower cost to the business than alternative credentials.

According to one recent access control market report, users view the benefits as a powerful triad of convenience, cost, and security. The security of a mobile credential offers enhancements over a smart-card or fob because biometrics are built into almost every modern smartphone via fingerprint or face ID unlocking.

Human behavior is also on the smartphone’s side. How quickly would a student or employee notice a missing plastic access card? Everyone is more careful with their handset. Facilities staff are left frustrated when users lend or share credentials. Far fewer users are willing to pass on their phone, even for 5 minutes.

Streamlining security management with the smartphone

Around two-thirds of organizations plan to adopt mobile access control within two years, or already have. According to Omdia, mobile credential downloads grew by 220% between 2018 and 2019. This growth path is likely to continue. From a security management point of view, enhanced convenience is the major driver.

Mobile credentials can be amended over the air, without any need for dedicated updaters or asking a user to check-in their credential. Nobody is left waiting around for access permissions to update.

Furthermore, when a security administrator cancels a mobile key, it vanishes immediately from a user’s phone. No more time-wasting handover meetings are scheduled when a tenancy, employment contract or authorized visit ends. Cost efficiencies also accrue by switching away from plastic credentials: Mobile keys remove any need to source and print smart-cards, badges, or fobs.

Mobile access done right: Aperio wireless locks

Aperio locks are compatible with all major RFID credentials, Bluetooth, and NFC mobile wireless protocols All these advantages are available in a building…