If you work in commercial buildings as an owner, tenant, or property manager, consider installing a key fob entry system to provide security, convenience, and cost savings. But with dozens of system providers, how do you know which to choose?
There is no single “best” key fob access control system for commercial buildings. Instead, the best choice for your building depends on its type, the number of entry points and occupants, the level of security you need, the features you demand, and whether your system needs to integrate with other hardware like security cameras, driveway gates, or alarm systems.
This article provides the need-to-know information on key fob systems based on our years of experience in the building access control industry. We then highlight 12 top key fob entry system providers, focusing on their primary product features and who they are best suited for. With this information, we aim to help you identify the right system for your commercial building needs.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Key Fob Entry Systems
- Why Choose Key Fob Entry Systems for Commercial Properties?
- Top 12 Commercial Key Fob Entry Systems
- Choosing the Best Key Fob Entry System for Your Business
Introduction to Key Fob Entry Systems
A key fob door entry system is an access control system that uses a small, portable device, often called a “fob,” instead of a metal key to unlock doors electronically. These systems are commonly used in residential and commercial settings for enhanced security and convenience.
The key fob is typically a small, wireless device, also known as a credential, that communicates with a proximity reader near the door via radio frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC) technology, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). If the proximity reader authenticates the key fob, the reader sends an electronic unlock signal to the door. The technology is analogous to the technology you’ll find in a car key you can leave in your pocket, a “tap to pay” smartphone or credit card, and a remote tollbooth tag reader.
These days, a key fob for opening building doors can come in a few formats:
- A key tag, the prototypical key fob, often the size of a quarter, can go on your traditional key ring (photo below).
- A rectangular ID card or badge can fit in your wallet or be worn on a lanyard.
- A smartphone with NFC or Bluetooth built-in can function as a key fob.
When a user approaches a door or a gate in a building, they can press a button on the fob or simply wave it near the proximity reader to send a signal to the lock. If the system recognizes the fob, the door or gate will unlock, granting access.
One key advantage of a key fob system is that it eliminates the need for traditional keys, reducing the risk of lost keys or unauthorized duplication. Fobs can also be programmed to grant or restrict access at certain times or for some doors but not others, making it easy to manage access control. Also, lost or stolen fobs can be deactivated remotely, enhancing security. While these systems have many applications in residential buildings, there are many use cases for commercial properties, which we outline below.
Why Choose Key Fob Entry Systems for Commercial Properties?
Choosing a key fob entry system for a commercial building offers several key benefits that enhance security, convenience, and access control management. Here are the main advantages of a key fob entry system in commercial buildings:
Enhanced Security
Key fob systems provide a higher level of security than traditional lock-and-key setups. Fobs can be programmed with unique identifiers, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain entry. Additionally, lost or stolen fobs can be deactivated quickly, preventing potential breaches.
Access Control and Monitoring
A key fob system allows building administrators to control who can access different areas of a building or campus. Access permissions can be easily managed and customized based on employee roles or schedules. Moreover, these systems often include logging features, enabling tracking of who entered specific areas and when, which is helpful for monitoring and security audits.
Convenience and Efficiency
Employees or authorized personnel can enter the building quickly with a simple swipe or tap of the fob without fumbling for traditional keys. This increases efficiency, especially in high-traffic areas, and reduces access delays. The key fobs can also work at gates in the lobbies of high-foot-traffic commercial spaces.
Compartmentalization and Customization
Certain commercial spaces, including industrial facilities, retail shops, and medical campuses, need to secure critical goods like inventory and pharmaceuticals and customize which employees have access to those high-security areas. Key fob systems allow every key to have customized levels of access. Advanced security features like biometrics built into the key fob system can provide a higher level of security.
Scalability
As businesses grow or change, key fob systems are easy to scale. New fobs can be issued, and access permissions can be adjusted without changing physical locks. Unlike a metal key, visitors can be issued a temporary key fob that automatically deactivates at the end of their authorized visit. Additional doors can be added to the system when a proximity reader is installed at each new door to take advantage of existing key fobs without issuing new ones.
Cost-Effectiveness
Key fob systems can be more cost-effective over time than rekeying locks when security is compromised. The ability to remotely control access also reduces the need for on-site security personnel, receptionists, and building lobby staff.
These features make key fob systems ideal for improving security, flexibility, and operational efficiency in commercial buildings.
Top 12 Commercial Key Fob Entry Systems
Now that you know a thing or two about key fob entry systems and their role in commercial buildings, we provide an overview of 12 major reputable providers of Key Fob Access Systems suited to commercial spaces. Below, we’ll cover what you should consider and determine before you create your shortlist of potential providers and contact them for more information.
1. Swiftlane
- Specialization: Swiftlane specializes in video intercoms that can include key fob functionality, focusing on modern security solutions for mid-size workplaces and multi-family residential buildings. Their systems integrate key fob, mobile, and facial recognition technologies to provide flexible and scalable security solutions. With face recognition, most tenants and residents are covered if they forget their keyfob when interacting with a Swiftlane system. Their intercoms feature sleek, contemporary designs.
- Product Lineup: Their key fob entry systems are part of an all-in-one solution that includes mobile access control from the smartphone using tappable STid Readers, video intercoms with face recognition access, and remote management. Swiftlane emphasizes user-friendly interfaces and robust security features like customizable access levels and real-time monitoring. With a focus on small and medium-sized commercial facilities and a smaller range of products than some other providers, Swiftlane helps avoid decision paralysis by focusing on a few easy-to-understand product lines.
- Who It’s For:
- Buildings wanting to integrate video intercoms at the external doors.
- Buildings looking to incorporate facial recognition as a fast alternative alongside traditional key fobs.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Buildings look for mobile phone integration with the access control system.
- Pricing: Installation costs start around $1,000 for a basic installation and can go up to $5,000 per door for advanced setups, depending on the number of doors and system complexity. The company also uses a subscription-based Software as a Service (SaaS) model to provide cloud-based apps for tenants and residents and a management platform for building operators.
2. Paxton
- Specialization: Paxton offers versatile access control solutions that can scale to extensive facilities. They cater to medium-to-large commercial buildings, focusing on scalability and integration with other security systems. ISO access cards, which often double as an employee or student ID badges, are a widely used credential on Paxton key fob systems.
- Product Lineup: Paxton offers a wide range of proximity readers that integrate with the company’s Net2 and Paxton10 systems. These systems support key fob entry, mobile credentials, and video surveillance integration. Paxton also provides entry panels, wireless door handles, and management software.
- Who It’s For:
- Schools, offices, and healthcare facilities.
- Users of ISO cards for employees or students/faculty.
- Buildings and campuses require centralized management of all doors.
- Pricing: Paxton’s systems vary in cost, with basic setups being relatively affordable and larger systems that can integrate up to 1,000 doors and security cameras, like Paxton10, offering more comprehensive security features at a higher price point. Paxton products are only sold through regional distributors, so pricing and installation vary depending on the size of the system and the installation region.
3. CDVI
- Specialization: CDVI focuses on innovative access control solutions with a strong emphasis on security, employee/staff, and student identification tools. They cater to various facilities, including the education market, offering systems tailored to specific security needs for a standalone facility or an entire campus.
- Product Lineup: CDVI’s offerings include key fob systems, biometric readers, keypads, and proximity card readers. An essential product in their lineup is their main ISO card product, TAG-EV2 wearable identity card necklaces for tapping at proximity readers, which can function as a customer, employee, student, or faculty ID badge. The company offers dozens of models of proximity readers, including those with keypads for pin-based entry.
- Who It’s For:
- Large organizations and campuses.
- Users of ISO cards for identification.
- Facilities with multiple access levels (e.g., visitors, members, staff, management), such as gyms or small/medium-sized education campuses.
- Pricing: Pricing for CDVI systems can vary widely depending on the complexity and specific requirements of the installation. Scalable options are available for different budget levels. The company can offer solutions that scale to 500 doors and 10,000 users, such as a mid-size university campus.
4. Kantech
- Specialization: Kantech, part of Tyco Security Products, provides reliable and scalable access control solutions that are easy to install and manage. It focuses on serving small businesses and large enterprises.
- Product Lineup: Kantech’s key fob systems are part of their broader access control offerings, which can integrate with products from other Tyco Security brands. These include door controllers, readers, keypads, and network communication devices. Their systems are designed to integrate with Tyco’s security and building management systems.
- Who It’s For:
- Large-scale facilities and enterprises.
- Facilities looking to integrate key fob access control with Tyco family security and safety systems, including alarms and security cameras.
- Facilities using ISO card identification.
- Facilities requiring high security, such as banks and casinos.
- Pricing: Kantech’s pricing is competitive, and it offers options for various installation scales, from small businesses to larger commercial setups.
5. ASSA ABLOY (Aperio and HID Global)
- Specialization: Assa Abloy is a global behemoth in access control solutions, and HID Global is its main American subsidiary. It is known for its high-security RFID and smart card systems. Its Aperio product lineup provides comprehensive wireless and battery-powered key fob and electronic access control systems, which can be an excellent option for small commercial spaces that want to avoid complicated wiring at the door. Meanwhile, HID offers a wide range of products, including key fobs, smart cards, and mobile access solutions, designed for businesses that require advanced, scalable access control. It caters to various industries, including commercial, healthcare, and government sectors, offering highly durable and secure entry systems.
- Key Products: HID offerings include DESFire EV3 smart cards, HID Mobile Access (which allows smartphones to function as key fobs), and multi-factor authentication options like biometrics. They offer cloud-based services for large enterprises, such as healthcare facilities, enabling tracking of where all employees are at any given time.
- Who It’s For:
- Aperio: Small businesses looking for uncomplicated wireless access control solutions with key fob capabilities and low-cost installations.
- HID: Commercial buildings of any size seek a relatively simple and scalable system using RFID key tags.
- Price Range: A basic HID proximity card reader for one door runs about $200 before installation, while the company’s ubiquitous key tags cost around $4 per unit. Meanwhile, ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio key fob systems are known for being cost-effective due to lower installation costs for wireless door mechanisms and readers. The labor costs for installing these wireless systems can be up to 80% lower than wired systems, contributing to overall savings. The pricing for these systems typically varies depending on the number of doors and other factors.
6. Doorking (DKS)
- Specialization: Doorking specializes in telephone call box entry systems for gated communities, parking garages, and commercial buildings, with a strong emphasis on durability and ease of use. If you want to use a traditional, no-frills telephone-based call box as the building intercom, this may be the brand to turn to for key fob access control. The company also sells robust driveway gate systems to control access to parking lots and corporate or industrial campuses.
- Product Lineup: Their product lineup includes telephone entry systems with built-in key fob readers and other access control devices designed to work in a variety of environments. Their systems are known for being robust and reliable, suitable for both small and large installations. They also offer RFID tags that can be put on cars to automatically open gates to a property or facility.
- Who It’s For:
- Businesses and campuses that want integration with telephone call box entry systems.
- Facilities need durable outdoor equipment that can weather severe elements.
- Facilities with on-site parking that need vehicle access control and integration with DKS driveway gates.
- Pricing: Doorking systems are priced based on the specific needs of the installation, with a range of products available for different budgets. Generally, a DoorKing system starts with a basic telephone call box, which can run for about $2,000. The modular systems allow cost-effective scalability after the first call box installation.
7. Lenel-S2
- Specialization: Lenel is a leader in enterprise-level access control solutions, providing high-security systems for large commercial and government buildings and campuses. They focus on integrating access control with other security systems, such as video surveillance and intrusion detection.
- Product Lineup: Lenel’s OnGuard platform includes highly customizable and scalable key fob entry systems. The platform supports a wide range of access control technologies, including biometrics and mobile credentials. The company also offers numerous online management platforms for tracking data and gaining insights.
- Who It’s For:
- Facilities needing high security, including aviation facilities, large corporate campuses, healthcare facilities, and government buildings.
- Facilities needing integration with security camera systems.
- Facilities looking for mobile phone integration into the key fob system
- Facilities requiring two-factor authentication (such as Face ID via mobile phone)
- Pricing: Lenel systems are typically on the higher end of the market, reflecting their focus on large-scale, highly secure environments. Ongoing service fees for cloud-based solutions are a standard in the company’s model.
8. Genetec
- Specialization: Genetec is a service provider offering unified security solutions that integrate access control, video surveillance, and license plate recognition using products from various manufacturers. They are known for their comprehensive approach to security management, especially for government, education, healthcare facilities, and large corporate campuses.
- Product Lineup: Genetec’s Synergis platform includes key fob entry systems as part of a broader security management solution. The platform supports various access control technologies, including mobile and biometric credentials.
- Who It’s For:
- Facilities need a robust remote management system integrating access control and security camera systems.
- Facilities wanting to centrally manage a mix of technology hardware, including Assa Abloy, HID, and STid equipment.
- Pricing: Genetec systems are typically priced higher due to their extensive features and integration capabilities, which make them suitable for large, complex installations.
9. ProDataKey (PDK)
- Specialization: PDK focuses on cloud-based access control solutions, positioning itself as a modern, flexible access control market leader. Their systems are designed to be easily managed remotely, offering significant advantages for businesses that require scalable and adaptable security solutions. The key fob entry systems provided by PDK are particularly noted for their integration capabilities with other security technologies.
- Product Lineup: PDK’s product lineup includes key fob credentials, high-security readers, controllers, and their cloud-based management platform, PDK.io. This platform allows real-time system management, mobile access, and instant notifications, making it ideal for businesses that need to manage security across multiple locations or on the go. They offer various credential products for mobile phones, key cards, fobs, stickers, or wristband devices.
- Pricing: PDK’s systems are competitively priced, with options accessible for small to medium-sized businesses while offering scalability for larger installations. The subscription model for their cloud services adds ongoing costs but also ensures that the system is always up to date with the latest features and security patches PDK.
10. IdentiSys
- Specialization: IdentiSys is renowned for providing comprehensive key fob access control systems using plastic card identification. Their systems are designed to prevent unauthorized access through uniquely programmed and encrypted key fobs, making them nearly impossible to duplicate or tamper with. Using RFID technology, the company can provide various tracking capabilities for employees and critical inventory.
- Product Lineup: IdentiSys offers solutions tailored for various sectors, including healthcare, education, and government. It also integrates key fob systems with video surveillance and visitor management systems, making it a holistic security provider.
- Who It’s For:
- Commercial buildings need a higher level of security, including encrypted ISO cards.
- Facilities needing integration with video surveillance systems.
- Price Range: A basic key fob entry system through IdentiSys typically costs around $1,000 per door. Depending on the complexity of the system and additional features like integration with video surveillance or biometric access, the price can escalate to $5,000 or more per door. The company operates using a service model, with ongoing fees for cloud-based management solutions.
11. Avigilon (Alta)
- Specialization: Avigilon is a leader in comprehensive security solutions, including keyfob-based access control, security cameras, and other building sensors. They emphasize real-time remote cloud-based management and end-to-end encryption, making their systems highly reliable and secure. Their keyfob readers work with ISO cards, key tags, smartphones, and smartwatches. Their systems are controlled with cloud-based management tools that integrate with video surveillance systems to provide building comprehensive analytics.
- Product Lineup: Avigilon’s systems are known for their scalability, making them ideal for small—and large-scale commercial properties. They also offer cloud-based management options, which are increasingly popular for remote monitoring and control.
- Who It’s For:
- Buildings wanting robust cloud-based management of entry points and surveillance systems.
- Businesses looking for data analytics on building traffic.
- Price Range: Avigilon systems are known for their advanced security features, including real-time remote management. A typical Avigilon key fob system can cost just a few hundred dollars for a simple one-door proximity reader, not including installation costs. More comprehensive systems may run thousands of dollars per door, depending on the level of security and the need for integration with other security systems like cameras or alarms.
12. Giesecke+Devrient (StarSign)
- Specialization: Regarding access control, Giesecke+Devrient stands out for creating a key fob system that uses biometrics. The user credential has a fingerprint reader that uses an encrypted authentication system called FIDO. That way, if a key fob gets lost or stolen, it can only be used by its assigned user.
- Key Products: StarSign key fobs have a built-in fingerprint reader to authenticate that the person holding the key fob is the assigned user. These credentials can be used as a log-in authentication tool not only at doors and building access gates but also at computer terminals requiring robust user authentication, as is typical in healthcare facilities.
- Who It’s For:
- Facilities need biometric authentication of each key fob user.
- Healthcare and government facilities use key fobs to control access to computer terminals and software.
- Facilities looking to use key fobs as an on-campus payment system – such as educational institutions or large corporate campuses.
Price Range: G+D uses a subscription model, where users pay for ongoing access to the authentication service delivered over the cloud. Each key fob has a per-user fee, and systems are priced based on the number of users.
Choosing the Best Key Fob Entry System for Your Business
If you choose one or more of these reputable key fob entry system providers for a proposal, you’ll want first to consider the specific needs of your building and see how the chosen provider can accommodate them. We suggest answering the following questions for yourself before taking the next step and reaching out to the providers for their advice or proposals:
Access Control Levels
The building or facility manager needs to assess how much control they need over who enters different parts of the building. Some systems allow for detailed permissions, letting certain fobs access only specific areas or at particular times.
Preferred Credential
Consider whether your building tenants primarily use rectangular ISO ID cards, key tags, smartphones, or another electronic device to gain entry, as different hardware is optimized for different credential types.
Encryption & Security Protocols
For buildings with advanced security needs, it’s essential to ensure the system uses encryption, multifactor authentication, or biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized cloning or hacking of key fobs.
Integration with Surveillance Systems
If the building already has security cameras or alarms, the fob entry system should ideally integrate with these systems to create a comprehensive security network. Ensure your provider offers this integration if it is essential to your facility.
Foot Traffic and Scalability
The system should handle a high volume of key fobs and entry points for larger buildings with many occupants or visitors. It should also be scalable in case the building’s access needs grow, whether through additional floors, tenants, or expansion.
User Friendliness
A system that is easy for both tenants and the management team to use is critical. This includes simple fob distribution, quick deactivation of lost or stolen fobs, and intuitive software. Some fob systems offer temporary fob issuance or one-time-use access codes for guests, making it easier to manage visitors. Some systems allow managers to control access remotely via smartphones, making it easier to manage from off-site.
Installation and Maintenance Costs
The manager should consider the upfront cost of installing the system and ongoing maintenance or service fees. Higher-end systems might offer more features but also come at a higher price. Some systems charge more for replacement fobs, so it’s important to factor this into the long-term budget.
Technical Support, Training, and Set-Up
The provider should offer strong customer service and technical support, including 24/7 assistance in case of system failures or issues. The vendor should provide proper training for the management team and occupants, ensuring everyone knows how to use the system effectively.
Conclusion
To make the best choice, the commercial building manager should evaluate the building’s specific security needs, budget, user base, and future growth needs. Researching different systems, checking reviews, and consulting with security professionals will help make an informed decision. A great place to start is talking with one of the 12 reputable system providers we mentioned above.
If you are looking for more in-depth information about choosing a system, read our Key Fob Entry System for Commercial Buildings Buyer’s Guide.
