Commercial · Locksmith Service
Commercial Key Card Access Systems
Looking for a hassle-free approach to giving employees or authorized users access? Lock & Key Pros provides the service to install a key card access system for supported commercial doors as part of its Access Control system.
A key card access system should not be designed around the reader but the business as a whole. This includes the door, locking hardware, the reader, the type of credential, user permissions and access, power and control components, and the process for adding or removing a card.
- Commercial Access Control
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Why Businesses Use Key Card Entry
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Employee Turnover
If a departing employee held a card credential, you do not need to collect a physical key or rekey the system.
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Cards for Each Permission Group
Cards may be assigned permission group by permission group, so users are given access matching their role.
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Fewer Mechanical Keys
Card-based systems may reduce the need for mechanical keys on selected business doors.
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User Access Management
Credential management may be easier for companies with employees, tenants, contractors, and managers.
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The Benefits of Growth
A company with more users or doors may find it more convenient to use a card-based access system than a complex system of keys as the business expands.
Master Key Systems vs. Key Card Systems
A key card system uses an electronic credential, while a Master Key System is oriented around mechanical-key access.
| Factor | Key card system compared with master key system |
|---|---|
| Credential | Key card system: card or supported electronic credential. Master key system: physical key. |
| Access changes | Key card system: can be updated electronically within the supported system. Master key system: may require rekeying or key-plan changes. |
| Best fit | Key card system: businesses with changing users or a preference for card entry. Master key system: businesses that prefer a mechanical-key hierarchy. |
| Related hardware | Key card system: reader, electronic locking components, control and power equipment. Master key system: compatible locks, cylinders, and keyways. |
What Is a Key Card Access System?
A key card access system consists of a secured opening, an authorized card credential, and a reader which enables access. These systems are designed for supported access control platforms and configurations to make granting or removing access easier by eliminating the need for a traditional key.
Key card access systems are a form of access control. They are designed to work within the wider access control system, which is described in further detail on the Access Control page.
Key Card Systems vs. Commercial Rekeying
Commercial Rekeying retains physical keys which operate locks, and can be complemented by a key card system.
Rekeying is an adequate system for businesses with simple mechanical key configurations. A card access system may be more convenient if there are many changes to user permissions.
What Is Part of a Key Card Door?
The supported system and the door dictate the exact layout. A commercial card-access system generally consists of an electronic locking system, a card reader, door hardware, control and power equipment, credential-management units, and the door itself and the strike.
Just having a reader is not enough. The user has to close and latch the door for the system to secure the opening.
Card readers distinguish supported credentials presented by authorized users. The form of card or credential technology is predicated on the access control system selected.
Office Key Card Systems
Key card systems can equip staff access for main entrances, internal offices, management sections, storage, or other selected doors.
The system should consider the staff access requirements, the frequency of staff access changes, and the access method required per door.
Key Card Systems for Storefronts and Commercial Properties
Some storefront or commercial building doors can be equipped with card access systems, depending on the construction of the doors, the access configuration, the type of lock and strike assembly, exit hardware, and door closers.
Key Card Systems and Electronic Locks
Some card access systems work with supported electronic locking systems. Where the question is about the lock hardware itself, the Electronic Locks page covers that hardware, while access management is handled through the access control system.
What Happens When an Employee Leaves?
Card-based access is a major benefit for businesses because supported electronic permissions can be changed without reliance on physical key collection.
This process should include removing or modifying the credentials of the previous user in the supported system. It should also include assessing mechanical keys or other access methods.
How it works
How Our Key Card System Service Works
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Identify Users and Doors
Define who the users are and which doors they should have access to.
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Assess Commercial Door Hardware
The technician checks the door, lock, strike, and closer. They also check the hardware and the planned access control system.
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Choose the Supported Access Card Configuration
The system is planned based on the business requirements. The reader, credentials, locking, and associated hardware are taken into consideration.
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Install and Configure Supported Hardware
The door-access hardware is installed and configured as per the requirements.
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Test Operation and Permission Flow
The system is tested so the business understands how to use it and how to manage permissions.
How Long Does a Key Card System Installation Take?
The total time for the key card system installation depends on several factors including the number of doors, the existing hardware, and the available reader and locking configuration.
The time to set up and configure the key card system for a single door is very different from the time required to set up and configure a multi-door system in a commercial environment.
Key Card System Pricing
Factors that affect pricing include the number of doors, existing hardware, the method of credentialing, the type of readers and locking hardware, the scope of work, the number of users, and the complexity of the system.
Pricing is affected by the commercial doors involved; existing locks, strikes, closers, and door hardware; the supported reader and card credential configuration; locking hardware and access control components; the number of users or permission groups; the complexity of the work; and whether commercial lock or door hardware work is required.
For pricing, please provide an approximate user count, property type, existing access method, and the number of doors. Lock & Key Pros offers free estimates for projects that fit within its scope.
Service Area for Key Card Systems
Lock & Key Pros provides key card systems in its service area.
Why Use Lock & Key Pros for Key Card Systems?
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Access Control and Key Card Systems
Key Card Systems are part of our access control system offering.
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Assessment of Door Hardware
The reader and credential system are assessed together with the door and lock hardware.
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Card Access vs. Lock Systems
Card access systems are compared with mechanical master key systems based on how permission changes are managed.
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Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Lock & Key Pros has confirmed that it has all its business licenses.
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Free Estimates
Prices are quoted based on the locks, users, and hardware scope.
Key Card Systems FAQs
What is a key card access system?
Key card access systems use a supported card credential and reader to request electronic entry through a door controller.
Are key card systems part of access control?
They are. Key card systems are one of the commercial access control solutions.
Can employee key cards be removed when someone leaves?
Most systems allow the electronic credentials to be removed or changed. Any mechanical keys or other access methods also need to be reviewed.
Is a key card system better than a master key system?
It depends on the business. Card systems can be easier if electronic permissions change often, while master-key systems work better where mechanical-key access is preferred.
Can a key card system work with a storefront door?
It is possible, depending on the storefront door, lock and strike combination, door closer and exit hardware, and the supported access control system.
Do you install electronic locks for key card systems?
Electronic Locks is one of our confirmed commercial service offerings. The exact hardware will depend on the door and the access control configuration.
How much does a key card system cost?
The cost will depend on the number of doors, the hardware, the configuration of the readers and cards, required functionality, and the complexity of the system. Much more detail can be provided with a site visit.
Do you provide key card systems in Tarzana?
Yes. Tarzana is one of our service locations. Local details for this area can be found on the Tarzana location page and more key card system information can be found on this page.
Are You Interested in Key Card Access for Your Business?
How many doors need access control? How many users? How often do users change? What access control, if any, does your business currently have, such as keys or keypads? Lock & Key Pros can help you assess whether your property needs a key card system, another access control system, a master key system, or commercial rekeying.