Access Control in the Era of IoT and Smart Buildings

Access Control in the Era of IoT and Smart Buildings

by Mike Boehm on June 04, 2024

In today’s specialized industrial landscape, new technologies are constantly emerging. This is especially true in security networks and electronic building management systems, where new fields like IoT and smart buildings are merging with established forms of security enhancement like access control and entry/exit authorization. Knowing the relative merits of these systems will help you understand how each is best utilized. Whether you are an individual looking to secure their home or a business seeking scalable security solutions, it is important to be thoroughly equipped to handle any security challenge that might arise.

 

Proximity Key Fobs: A Reliable Solution for Businesses

A key element of any access control network is an entry/exit authorization system that is used to grant or deny entry to specified areas. Proximity key fobs are a key example of this technology and work by using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to grant authorized access swiftly and securely. Their small size, durability, and ease of use make them a great option for businesses.

 

Benefits of Proximity Key Fobs

One of the primary advantages of proximity key fobs is their scalability. For businesses with numerous access points and a sizable workforce, implementing a standardized proximity key fob system streamlines security management. Importantly, the scalability of proximity-based systems makes them easy to integrate into most centralized systems. Additionally, proximity fobs make it easy to add or revoke access privileges as personnel changes occur.

 

IoT and Access Control

IoT generally refers to any integrated home management system that uses WiFi and Bluetooth to control the internal environment of a building via a smart home ecosystem. While IoT technology has garnered significant attention in the consumer market, its place in access control for businesses is arguably less significant. IoT devices primarily cater to individual residences, offering functionalities such as remote monitoring and control of home appliances. For commercial consumers seeking a stable solution to the security management of a business, IoT remains a less attractive solution when compared to the durability of more standardized access control systems.

 

Smart Buildings and Security Integration

Since home IoT and commercial access control tend to fall on opposing ends of the security spectrum, system integration presents a convenient solution for many. Access control is a vital component of existing building automation systems (BAS), which work to control HVAC, lighting, and security. If smart home technology is present in a business’ BAS, integration with technology like proximity key fob readers is vital to security. Proximity key fobs are designed to seamlessly integrate into BAS frameworks, allowing overall simplicity and cohesion.

In summary, choosing between IoT, proximity-based access control, or BAS integration requires careful and accurate consideration of your building’s unique security needs. If you are an individual looking to secure a home, IoT may be a good potential solution. If, however, you require more robust and scalable security solutions, access control or BAS integration are likely more reliable options depending on the functionality of the building’s existing systems.

PROXIMITY CARDS AND KEY FOBS

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