If you own a commercial building that needs to be rekeyed, a commercial locksmith may have recommended a key fob system to you. A key fob system is an electronic system that locks and unlocks doors. Employees have a small card or fob that contains an electronic chip inside of it. When this chip is waived in front of the reader, they will be granted or denied entrance into the building. Learning the pros and cons of this type of system will help you determine if it is ideal for your commercial building.
Cons of Using Key Fobs For Commercial Buildings
Installing a Key Fob System Can Be Expensive
One of the biggest downsides to installing a key fob system is that the initial costs can be high. It can cost as much as $5,000 to install a single card or fob reader on a door. And most commercial businesses have multiple doors they want to install a reader on. This cost covers the electronic lock, the card reader, system software and the computer hardware to control the card reader. If your business is on a tight budget, installing a key fob system may not be in the cards at this time.
Replacing Lost Key Fobs Can Be Costly
The other downside to installing a key fob system is that replacing lost key fobs can be expensive. If an employee loses a key fob or doesn't turn it back in after they terminate their employment, you will have to order new ones for the next employee. This is much more expensive than simply having to have a new key cut for your next employee. Once again, budget comes into play. If your business has a tight budget, this type of system may not be ideal.
Pros of Using Key Fobs for Commercial Buildings
You Have Full Control Over Who Accesses Your Building
One of the biggest advantages you have to using key fobs for a commercial building is that you have full control over who has access to your building. When you give employees keys, they may lose those keys or not turn them back in when they terminate their employment. This means that they will have access to the building until you have all of the locks rekeyed and give your employees new keys. This can make it hard to control who has access to your building at any time. With key fobs, you can shut off any particular key card or fob at any time with the computer program. The reader will no longer scan the card, and the person will no longer have access.
You Have a Way to Track Employees
The other benefit to installing a key fob system on your commercial buildings is that it gives you a way to track employees. The computer system associated with this type of key tells you when an employee scans the key card to enter and/or exit the building, depending on how you have the system set up. This can help you see when an employee arrives to work, when they take their breaks and/or when they take their lunch. If you have an employee who is constantly late, this type of system will help you track that and prove that, allowing you to take disciplinary measures.
When it comes time to rekey your commercial business, you have a choice to make. You can either rekey it the traditional way or install key fobs and readers. Learning the pros and cons associated with key fob readers will help you make an educated decision as to which type of lock system is best for your building. For more information, contact a local commercial locksmith with a company like Southern California Security Centers.
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