How to choose the right access control system? Guide 2023

It won't take long before people will want to have everything on their phones, to be able to control locking systems is one of those things. In the future of rental safety, it will be important to choose the right access control system.

The interest for digital locking systems and mobile keys is growing now, and housing companies have started to realise the efficiency opportunities. The tenants and guests can do more and more everyday functions on their smartphones.

The keys will soon be on the guests' phones

When it comes to contract writing, it has been possible to do it digitally for a long time. Key management, however, is part of the administration that has been very challenging to make completely digital. There have been many obstacles, such as finding a solution if the phone with the key gets lost.

But recently new technology has enabled a fully digital solution where the key is downloaded and used via smartphone.

How does it work?

Let's try to explain how a digital access control system works. For mobile keys it works so that the host of the property can send a digital key. The guest will then download it on their phone through an app. It's important here that they download the key immediately and correctly. If not, there is the risk that the guest arrives in another country and will not have Wi-Fi when it is time to check in.
Once at the door, the guest opens the app or the downloaded key, holds the phone to the reader by the door and opens it.

Is it safe and stable?

The host can manage the key system in real time since the keys are administered centrally and digitally. That makes it possible to fully integrate it into a digital rental process.

This way, the rental companies or the host will have a seamless and comprehensive overview.
The host will have full control over which keys grant access to which areas of the property and to whom they are assigned.
For instance, if someone wants to book a gym, it's easy for the host/landlord to assign access for that specific key and for a specific period.

Other advantages

• A digital key cannot be duplicated – if the phone is lost, it's easy to deactivate the key
• More things, such as banking, payments, invoicing etc., have moved into the smartphone, now the key can do it too
• There is one less thing that you need to have control over – physical keys
• Keys are assigned without guests and hosts having to meet, which is beneficial during pandemics and at other times too.

Handing over the keys upon arrival and taking them back when guests leave are some of the most time-consuming tasks. Therefore, a system that reduces operating costs, speeds up the check-in process, and simplifies it can also lead to better customer reviews.

This should have given you an idea of how to select the right access control system.

We all like improvements, especially the ones that benefit both the hosts/landlords and the guests. Everyone wins!

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