Businesses as well as property managers always want the best possible access control from their business to ensure that security is constantly achieved. Smart technology is allowing access control to become more secure and convenient without causing any additional hassle for the end user. By choosing a smart card over a proximity card for access control, you not only make the entire system more secure, but also have a myriad of options to add to the smart card. Many colleges are already taking advantage of this smart technology. Both Temple University and Drexel University of Philadelphia have implemented smart card technology that allows students access to dorms, classes, sporting events as well as using their campus dollars at stores throughout the university. This allows administrators to implement just one single identification card in order to access everything the student may need without the need for multiple access cards.
One smart card can be used for a range of purposes including identification and access control.
Due to the encryption that is available for smart cards when compared to proximity cards, businesses and property managers can get the most secure access possible. By having smart credentials all of the information that is stored on that card is much more secure than it would be on a proximity card. This makes them much more difficult for individuals to counterfeit, which is why many major universities have turned to smart card credentials for their access control.
Smart Phone Integration
As technology advances there will continue to be more and more convenience added to access control. The cutting edge of access control now is the use of smart phones within a smart card system. Many companies are joining the smart phone movement when it comes to access control and are allowing employees to access parts of their facility by using their smart phone as if it were a smart card. The smart phone features will only function when the access control devise is within a few inches of the phone, which helps users prevent unauthorized access from occurring.
With all of the technological trends in access control as well as security, locksmiths can no longer risk being just a lock and key service. Most locksmiths now have to be able to deal with an ever increasing flow of smart technology in their field. Whether it is transponder car keys, smart phone enabled locks, or smart access control, a locksmith must be ready to provide technical assistance, just as much as physical lock and key services. It will be interesting to see where this smart card technology begins to be implemented. Universities have taken the first steps due to their size and need to control the access and information of a student, but it will be interesting to see which businesses are next to pick up on this access control technology.