The security of businesses, offices, and private spaces is more than ever a major concern today. Faced with the upcoming challenges in information technology, smartphone access control emerges as an effective alternative to optimize people flow management and secure sites. This system also allows for time savings and better organization within establishments. Discover how smartphone access control works and what its main applications are.
What is smartphone access control?
Smartphone access control involves using a mobile device – such as an iPhone or any other type of smartphone – as a badge to access a building, office, or secured area. Instead of using a magnetic card or a traditional RFID badge, the employee uses their mobile phone to unlock a door, pass through a turnstile, or enter a secured parking lot.
These systems are based on contactless technology, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth, which establishes a connection between the smartphone and the badge reader nearby. Once this connection is established, the user can activate the door or gate opening simply by presenting their phone to the reader.
How to implement a smartphone access control solution?
Analysis and system selection
To implement smartphone access control, the first step is to conduct an analysis of the company’s needs and premises. This evaluation will determine which type of technical device is most suitable based on the spaces to be secured and existing technical capabilities (intercoms, video phones, etc.). It is also important to choose a solution compatible with different mobile platforms (iOS, Android) so that all employees can benefit from it. STORI Protection will advise you on selecting the solution by offering a custom offer that truly adapts to your constraints and integrates seamlessly with your IT systems.
Installation of hardware
Setting up a smartphone access control system typically requires the installation of suitable equipment, such as NFC or Bluetooth-compatible badge readers. These can be installed on doors, gates, or access barriers to parking lots. In some cases, it may be necessary to completely replace the old infrastructure, while in others, simply adding hardware is sufficient.
Deployment of the mobile application and user training
Once the hardware is installed, employees need to download a specific mobile application serving as a « digital badge » to access different areas. This application should be user-friendly and compatible with all smartphones in circulation. User training will then be provided to explain how to use the system on a daily basis and ensure that it is well adopted by everyone.
Advantages of smartphone access control for businesses
Flexibility and convenience
The primary advantage of smartphone access control lies in its ease of use. Employees no longer need to remember to bring their badge or access card, an item often forgotten or lost. Since the smartphone is already an indispensable accessory, it is a practical and quick means of identification and movement within premises.
Enhanced security
Another major advantage of smartphone access control is the improvement of business security. Indeed, systems using NFC or Bluetooth technology are generally more difficult to hack than those relying on magnetic cards. Furthermore, in case of loss or theft of a mobile phone, it can be quickly blocked, unlike a physical badge that could provide unauthorized access to a malicious person. And in the event of theft, the holder of your badge could gain entry to the site. With a smartphone, which offers several additional security layers (PIN code or biometrics), the thief won’t get in.
Finally, managing your access via smartphone will allow your IT service to be more responsive. Your Mobile Device Management (MDM) software will enable you to track your devices fleet in real-time and thus remotely block or deactivate those presenting a security flaw or risk.
Optimized access management and real-time monitoring
Using smartphones for access control offers advanced features such as:
- Remote access rights management: administrators can easily assign or revoke permissions with a click from an online interface, without needing to physically travel to retrieve or redistribute badges.
- Real-time tracking: the online platform allows for live visualization of entries and exits in different spaces, providing better traceability of movements and people.
- Access history: all access data is retained and can be accessed at any time for verification or to improve site security.
Implementing smartphone access control thus offers multiple benefits to businesses, resulting in better site security, time savings, and ease of daily management. By opting for this innovative solution, organizations can adapt to new challenges, including hacking, and ensure the protection of their assets and employees.