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What is a Key Card Entry System?

January 31, 2023 | Security & Safety

keycard entry system in use

Modern Access Control Technology

Key card entry systems let you control who enters your building and when. They keep out unauthorized visitors and restrict access to sensitive areas, while, at the same time, making it easy for authorized staff to move freely through the building. What’s more, key cards track entry, providing an accurate, time-stamped record of everyone entering and exiting your business.

They not only provide essential security, they also allow you to manage access at a low cost. Unlike traditional locks, business owners can configure key cards to permit entry through a single door or multiple doors. Or set to permit entry only at certain times or days. And while businesses relying on locks have to collect and reissue keys in order to grant access to new areas, key cards can be reconfigured without issuing new material to your staff. They can even be deactivated remotely, eliminating the risk someone might infiltrate your building with a lost, stolen, or missing key.

Each key card entry system works on the same principle, but provides different levels of security, calibrated to the needs of your business.

  • RFID Proximity Cards. A microchip embedded in the card or fob transmits Radio Frequency Identification Data (RFID) to a reader connected to the door’s locking mechanism. RFID cards can be set to operate on a wide range of frequencies and distances. Because RFID cards have the most complex encryption protocols, they’re widely used in high-security areas.
  • Swipe Cards. A magnetic strip on the card is run through a reader in order to activate the lock. A simple way to grant access to rooms and buildings, and an inexpensive option for businesses dealing with large numbers of employees entering and exiting through the same area.

Installing a Key Card Entry System in Your Business

As a leader in high quality door solutions, Vortex installs and repairs key card entry systems for businesses across a wide range of industries. Contact us to learn how we can help secure your building and assets from unauthorized visitors.

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We have a small print shop storefront close to the AT&T Center (where the SA Spurs play) and needed a retail front door. We shopped around and called a number of door companies with minimal, or should I say, less than enthusiastic efforts to gain our trust and business. Our stores structure was built in the 1950's so there were many company representatives who came to check it out and never got back to us or there quote was out of this world because of the possibility of many unforeseen issues, to say the least. Once we called VORTEX I could tell we finally had the ball rolling in the right direction. There were a number of folks involved from the beginning; the local Mgr. Randy McFarland, Scott McGauvren, to the installers including Cotton and Josh as well as a few others who's names I've forgotten. Most importantly it was a great overall effort by everyone involved ! Although not everything went as planned due to the age of the building and the unexpected obstacles, everything went as smoothly as anyone could expect. Even though they had to return after the initial installation, it was all handled in an organized and professional manner. Thanks to Mr. McFarland and his San Antonio, VORTEX group we have an awesome retail storefront door. JS
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