Commercial keyless entry systems are transforming the way businesses handle access control. Keyless entry in commercial spaces is about managing who can access what, when, and under what conditions. Unlike residential spaces, commercial systems require audit trails, remote management, and role-based permissions. In this guide, we discuss the different types of keyless entry systems that businesses can use to secure their facilities, such as keypads, key fob entry systems, and smart locks, and discuss the main benefits of keyless entry systems in access control.
What is a commercial keyless entry system? #
Commercial keyless entry systems are skyrocketing in popularity across many industries due to their ability to grant business owners, IT managers, and facility managers more control and security over their facilities. They replace traditional physical keys with methods like PIN codes, key fobs, proximity cards, or mobile apps. These systems can easily be customized to give staff members 24/7 access consistent with their responsibilities without having to manually lock and unlock doors.
Keyless entry systems offer convenience, enhanced security, flexibility, scalability, audit trail capabilities, and integration possibilities, making them a compelling choice for modern access control needs. Many access control providers offer easy migration options if you want to use parts of your old legacy access control system, like wiring or readers.
Types of commercial keyless entry systems #
As the name suggests, keyless entry systems grant access to a limited or restricted area without requiring a physical key. As a general rule, you can choose from several types of commercial keyless entry systems. These include:
Keyless locks with a combined keypad #
While this system offers an added layer of security that’s easy to implement, most legacy keyless locks with a keypad or pin pad do not have remote management capabilities. This requires office occupants and IT administrators to be physically present to input the key code to gain access or resolve any issues.
However, keypad-based systems can introduce security risks if PIN codes are shared between employees or not rotated regularly. In commercial environments, unique user codes and periodic updates are typically recommended to maintain accountability.
Modern security standards now lean toward using keypads for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). By requiring both a mobile tap and a unique PIN, businesses can protect high-security areas like server rooms or inventory closets far more effectively than with a code alone.
To enhance the functionalities of your key-pad system and enjoy global, centralized management, consider upgrading to a cloud-based system. With Kisi, you can even utilize mobile access while keeping most of your existing hardware, like the keypad readers.
Key fob door entry systems #
Locks with key fob and smart card control, or proximity keyless entry systems, make it easy to onboard new employees and visitors, granting access with just a simple tap of the fob or card to the lock. Most commercial key fobs and smart cards use RFID or NFC technology and require close-range interaction with a reader to authenticate access.
While these proximity keyless entry systems are slightly more flexible for administrators and users, fobs and smart cards are still only operational from a close distance and don't have any remote management capabilities.
This system is commonly used by businesses of all sizes because it’s fairly easy for administrators to assign and deactivate access and to react quickly when an access fob is lost or stolen. However, on traditional systems, this is a time-consuming process that might cost your team hours of work every month.
Mobile keyless entry systems #
Mobile access control enables smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices to function as access credentials to enter offices or other business facilities. Mobile access provides several ways of entering spaces. For instance, Kisi users can enter spaces by tapping on the appropriate door in the Kisi app, tapping their phone to the reader, or even contactless by waving their hand in front of it.
On the tech side, the mobile device communicates with the access reader using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to provide keyless access. Besides the convenience, flexibility, and enhanced 2FA security mobile access provides, it allows people to use their mobile devices as credentials, eliminating the need for physical cards, fobs, or keys.
Modern mobile access systems may also support credentials stored directly in device wallets, enabling secure NFC-based entry without opening a dedicated app. Administrators can instantly revoke or update mobile credentials remotely, reducing the operational burden associated with physical badges.
Smart locks in commercial keyless entry systems #
While keypads, keycards, and mobile credentials define how users authenticate, smart locks define how the door itself is secured and managed. In commercial environments, smart locks refer to wireless or cloud-managed locking hardware that enables centralized control, monitoring, and remote configuration.
Smart locks typically rely on wireless protocols such as Bluetooth or WiFi to enable remote management and integration with cloud-based software platforms. Smart locks can support multiple credential types, such as PIN codes, keycards, key fobs, or mobile credentials, depending on the deployment. Their distinguishing feature is built-in wireless connectivity and cloud-based management, which reduce the need for complex wiring and enable centralized configuration.
In commercial environments, smart locks are often integrated into broader access control systems that provide centralized policy management, user permissions, and audit logging across multiple doors. When integrated with video surveillance, smart locks can now trigger alerts for 'tailgating' (when an unauthorized person follows a badge-holder through a door). This creates a proactive security layer that identifies breaches the moment they happen.
Smart locks that integrate with mobile-friendly or cloud-based software are the most flexible solution for businesses that want to maximize security. Advanced smart locks are also the easiest to pair with security cameras and smart alarms, creating the safest environment for employees.
What your keyless access system is made of #
A complete keyless access system is not limited to just the door lock. Modern systems like Kisi have integrations with all sorts of helpful tools that you can add to the base system. Major components of any access control system, wireless or not, include door readers, system state controllers, sensors, and detectors such as smoke, fire, and motion sensors. Network infrastructure enables secure communication between door hardware and centralized management software.
In commercial deployments, core components typically include credential management software, access readers, door controllers, electrified locking hardware, network infrastructure, and power backup systems to ensure continuous operation. Audit logs and event reporting tools are also critical components for compliance and incident review.
Why businesses are switching to commercial keyless entry systems #
All keyless access control systems have one thing in common, namely, the lack of traditional keys and lock cylinders. Instead, you unlock the system using a key card, a key fob, or a mobile device. For example, with a keyless fob access system, you can distribute fobs to all employees to unlock doors at close range via RFID or NFC technology.
Cloud-managed Wi-Fi and IP-based systems have evolved this further, allowing administrators to manage doors remotely through secure network connectivity. Unlike traditional card or fob systems, which are passive by nature and remain inactive until prompted, modern mobile access control provides real-time visibility and the ability to open or close doors from any location using only a smartphone.
To ensure enterprise-grade reliability, these systems are designed with redundancy in mind. Modern solutions, like Kisi, utilize local fallback mechanisms and power backup solutions. This ensures that even if the building’s internet is temporarily interrupted, your encrypted local credentials will still grant access, removing the "single point of failure" risk associated with early cloud-based hardware.
Take control of access with commercial keyless entry systems #
Thousands of companies rely on Kisi's keyless access control system to enhance their security and streamline operations. A modern access control system that provides keyless entry may be an obvious choice for larger organizations, but even companies with less than 50 employees may benefit from this sort of solution.
Kisi’s system is particularly beneficial for businesses where multiple people need access to the facility, such as guests, consultants, cleaning services, and remote employees. As you grow your business, Kisi scales with you. To learn more about our product, take a look at our overview or get a quote.