iPhone door entry system for enhanced security

For many businesses, onboarding an employee means issuing an access card, fob, or key and hoping they never lose it or let it fall into the wrong hands. Imagine if you could skip this process entirely, granting all your employees building or office access with an object they already have in their pockets, bags, or briefcases—their smartphones.

In today’s smartphone market, iPhones are the device of choice. More than one billion people around the world use them, and they account for around half of all smartphone users in the United States. Using an access control system that leverages iPhones is beneficial for everyone involved, from business leaders to employees to guests.

An iPhone door entry system is an effortless, high-tech office security solution that keeps your employees and company assets safe. Because it’s cloud-based, you can also seamlessly control access to your office from anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re new to physical security or an expert in the matter, understanding how iPhones can enhance access control for your organization is essential to maximizing security. In this article, you’ll learn what an iPhone door entry system is and how it can cater to your needs.

What is an iPhone door entry system? #

As the name suggests, an iPhone door entry system is an access control solution that allows users to unlock doors with their iPhones. These systems usually work with all smartphones, including Android phones. With this kind of system, business owners can secure their buildings while still allowing easy access for authorized individuals.

Comparison with other door entry systems #

Unlike the past, when a physical key was the primary—and sometimes only—option for access control, today’s businesses have a wide range of options. Before you can decide whether an iPhone door entry system is the right fit for your organization, you need to know what sets it apart from the alternatives.

A system that relies on keycards or fobs is one of the most popular varieties of access control. While these credentials can be touchless like a mobile-based system, they’re generally less convenient and secure. Users are more likely to lose keycards or fobs, and they don’t have an additional layer of security like an iPhone. If you prefer cards or fobs but also want to future-proof your building, many iPhone door entry systems allow you to use both.

Keypads are another potential door entry option. Unlike iPhone systems, keypads are not touchless, requiring users to type in a passcode to unlock a door. They’re also less secure because unauthorized individuals can steal or guess passcodes to gain entry to your facility.

Biometrics are also becoming increasingly popular, particularly for high-risk spaces. While they’re extremely secure, biometrics often require a larger initial and continual financial investment than iPhone door entry systems. In addition, some organizations find biometrics systems more difficult to manage, considering the sensitivity and privacy of the credentials.

Key components of an iPhone door entry system #

Mobile-based door entry systems differ in scale and complexity. However, they generally require a few core elements:

• An electronic door lock
• A controller that determines whether the user has authorization to enter
• A reader, such as the Kisi Reader Pro, that detects users’ iPhone credentials
• A cloud server that stores user data
• An iPhone, which holds the user’s digital credentials

Depending on the system you choose, you’ll most likely have some flexibility in what mechanism within the phone triggers the unlock. Door entry systems using iPhones usually allow users to open an app and press a button even without an access reader or hold their phones near a reader to activate the system through proximity.

How iPhone door entry systems work #

Efficient and high-rated security shouldn’t be an inconvenience to you or your staff. Effective smartphone door entry systems usually have relatively straightforward installation, operation, and management. From a user’s perspective, all they have to do is carry their phone and, if necessary, open an app to unlock the door.

Simple entries and exits #

Door readers use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or near-field communication (NFC) to connect with the digital credentials stored on the person’s phone. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi both consume very little energy, and readers with NFC can also connect to NFC-based cards or fobs. After reading a user’s credentials, the system sends a signal to the controller, and the door only unlocks if the data stored there indicates the user is authorized.

Uncomplicated management #

Security and business managers take care of authorizations for iPhone door entry systems behind the scenes. At any time and from any place with internet access, you can log into the system and grant or revoke access permissions. You can also set up temporary access permissions for short-term visitors, such as guests, clients, or contractors.

A good iPhone door entry system can also integrate with various security apps you may already be using. This allows you to extend your company's security throughout the physical office without requiring on-site management.

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Common concerns about smartphone door locks #

As with any security system, businesses have to consider whether a solution will create or worsen vulnerabilities. Fortunately, advances in smartphone and access control technology have addressed most potential issues with iPhone door entry systems.

Compatibility #

To create seamless, comprehensive security for your building, your iPhone door system should integrate with other security components, such as doorbells, intercoms, and video surveillance cameras. For instance, Kisi’s access control solution is compatible with multiple lock types, from wired mortise locks to magnetic locks.

In addition to physical compatibility, the system also needs to integrate with the software and apps you already use. Options like Kisi are compatible with a wide range of apps, including:

• Okta
• NFC transit card apps
• NFC token apps
• Cisco Meraki
• Azure Active Directory

Combining your security hardware and software creates a more cohesive system that’s less likely to have gaps.

Security and privacy #

Some organizations have been cautious about switching to iPhone door entry systems because they worry they pose a security risk. In reality, these systems are generally much more secure than others, particularly when you consider an iPhone’s built-in security settings.

In addition to locking your doors and requiring authorization, employees can also block access to their individual phones. Enabling a facial scan or passcode prevents anyone aside from the user from using it to unlock the door.

Another worry for some businesses is whether employee data is safe when transferred between phones, readers, and controllers. Solutions like Kisi use encryption to ensure your employee and guest information remains private.

What’s more, they offer primary device restrictions, ensuring users can unlock doors only from one specific mobile device. This also makes audit trails easier by allowing organization admins to trace back all unlocks to one device for a particular user.

Why choose an iPhone door entry system? #

Upgrading or implementing an access control system is a big decision, and some businesses wonder whether they should stick to what they know. However, mobile-based access control offers many advantages other kinds of systems simply can’t replicate:

• Convenience: People use their smartphones for virtually everything, so they almost always have them on hand. That means unlocking a door at work couldn’t be more convenient—rather than digging through their belongings to find their key, keycard, or fob, employees only need to pull out their iPhones.
• Usage: Smartphones have become so ubiquitous that 91% of adults in the United States own at least one, so you can expect most of your employees to already have access to the device they need to unlock your doors. iPhones are particularly popular, with 80% of Kisi mobile unlocks happening through them.
• Remote access: Traditional access control methods, such as keys, require you to be on the premises to issue credentials and unlock doors. Systems with cloud-based management allow you to make those same changes, plus receive real-time updates and feedback, from anywhere around the globe.
• Versatility: Some access control systems, including Kisi, are compatible with various kinds of credentials, including NFC cards, Apple and Android smartphones, employee badges in Apple Wallet, and digital keys for guests and visitors. You can set these credentials to automatically activate and expire at set times or situations or to remain active until you manually revoke them.
• Data collection: Tracking who enters, or attempts to enter, your building is vital to understanding potential security threats or vulnerabilities. An iPhone door entry system can keep tabs on those events and provide you with real-time information while you’re off-site.

Although an iPhone door entry system might require some getting used to, it will ultimately better protect your business against the biggest threats of the day, including vandalism, theft, and violence.

Selecting a door entry system provider #

Deciding to use an iPhone door security system is just the first step. Now, you have to determine what company offers a reliable, effective solution you can trust.

To make that choice, you’ll need to evaluate your unique business needs and preferences. During your research, focus on these factors:

• User interface: Your door entry system app or dashboard should be user-friendly and easy to navigate. The Kisi app is easy to download on both Android and iOS devices and allows you to manage access privileges on the go and keep all your virtual keys in the same place.
• Integrations: Look for a system that includes native or custom integrations with your preferred hardware and software. For instance, Kisi’s remote access system effortlessly integrates with various applications and is compatible with all Android and iOS smartphones.
• Features: Some systems include features to further protect your business against security incidents. For example, you can receive intrusion alerts, schedule your doors to lock at certain times, restrict phone usage to certain devices, and remotely lock or unlock doors.
• Maintenance: iPhone door entry systems are typically low-maintenance, but they do require regular software updates. Before you commit to a provider, ask how often they update their systems and whether those changes are pushed through automatically.

An iPhone door entry system that meets all these criteria will help safeguard your organization while also making the entry and exit experience faster and easier for your employees.

Take advantage of iPhone door entry systems with Kisi #

Smartphones have changed the way people approach many aspects of their lives, including how they open doors. An iPhone door entry system is an ideal way to put evolving technology to good use for the sake of both your business and your employees.

Off- or on-site access control security doesn’t have to be a headache. By turning your smartphone into an encrypted mobile key, you can unlock office doors with the type of a finger, by holding your phone near a reader, or by waving your hand in front of the Reader while your iPhone is safely tucked in your pocket.

One of the great things about Kisi’s access control system is that it offers flexible credentials and solutions that match your goals and preferences. Reach out to schedule a demo and learn how utilizing Kisi’s remote access technology helps keep your business safe.