Door Key Fob
Door key fobs allow for easy entry into buildings and rooms by avoiding the hassle of jangling metal keys in a lock. They are often used in conjunction with RFID reader systems that can monitor credentials alongside integrated cloud security features.
Fobs can be programmed to be temporary, allowing building staff and property managers to grant access to contractors or work crews working on short-term projects. They are also harder to break into than traditional metal keys.
Cost
Key fobs cost little more than the metal key they replace. They are easy to use and offer significant Key Tag security benefits, including a theft deterrent. They are also programmable, which allows businesses to manage employee access and control their facility’s security.
Many newer key fobs also provide additional functionality, such as the ability to roll down a window or summon and auto-park your car. Some even come with a built-in screen that displays information about the vehicle and lets you change settings or unlock it. Some fobs even combine the metal key and remote into a single switchblade-style unit. These are typically found on pickups and SUVs.
The costs of a key fob entry system can vary by the technology used and how many doors need to be secured. For example, a key card system for a business can range from $400 to $1,200 per door. Alternatively, a smartphone access control system for a residential community can cost up to $1,500 per door.
Most of today’s fobs have a battery that needs to be replaced every so often. You can purchase these batteries at hardware stores, big-box retailers, or online. The process is usually straightforward, although you may need to remove the fob from its case to get at the battery. Some online sites claim to sell pre-programmed fobs shipped directly to your door, but these typically require proof of ownership before they’ll send one.
Functionality
Door key fobs work by allowing tenants to enter using their credentials, which are presented to an access reader at the front of a building’s entry door. This reader then instructs the lock to open. Fobs can be swiped like a traditional card or scanned with a contactless RFID system that allows tenants to simply hold the device up close to the reader. Fob systems can be linked to other on-site security features such as alarms that sound when the hardware is tampered with, and can also be integrated alongside cloud-based management software so that admins can monitor usage and troubleshoot problems.
Fobs are generally more secure than keys because they are harder to hack into. They can also be programmed with unique permissions and time restrictions so that administrators can control who gains access to a building and when. Fobs can also be revoked if they are lost or stolen, which helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Fobs can also be used to remotely activate certain car functions, such as rolling down the windows or summoning and parking the vehicle. This functionality is great when maneuvering a car into a tight spot in the parking lot. However, Consumer Reports says this feature can be frustrating if you forget to deactivate the fob before exiting the car.
Security
The main advantage of this type of door security is that it can be a lot more secure than traditional keys. Unlike physical keys, which can be easily copied and lost, a fob has a built-in unique code that cannot be duplicated or shared. In addition, it is much easier to track and monitor who enters the building and when. Fobs can also be deactivated if they are lost or stolen, which is difficult to do with standard keys.
Most key fob systems use RFID technology to secure doors. Each card or fob contains a microchip with an assigned frequency that communicates directly with an RFID reader. When the reader recognizes the right frequency, it instructs the lock to open. Fobs may also be linked to other systems, such as CCTV, to give users two-layer security.
Key fobs are an excellent option for office buildings that require access to multiple areas. They can be incorporated into a larger security system and provide a range of benefits for both tenants and employees. For example, a key fob can include a timer that limits the amount of time a tenant can spend in certain areas of the building. In addition, these systems can be integrated with visitor management components for streamlined guest experiences. They can also be connected to a cloud-based management system for remote accessibility and reduced operating costs.
Maintenance
Many people rely on their door key fobs to open and lock their cars, so it’s important to maintain them. Fortunately, this isn’t difficult to do. All you need to do is replace the battery, which can be done at most hardware and big-box stores for $10 or less. This will restore the door-unlocking capability of your car and prevent it from being locked out, says Consumer Reports.
Newer fobs, especially those made within the past five years, may require a trip to a dealer, however. This is because some European cars use digital key encryption that can only be programmed by a manufacturer-approved dealer, explains CR’s Mel Yu. However, Key Tag dealerships and even some independent auto repair shops do offer this service.
If you notice your door key fob isn’t working as well, try a simple test: Press the button on the back of the key fob and see if it unlocks the car immediately. If it has a one- or two-second delay, the battery probably needs to be replaced.
To replace a key fob battery, first find the small opening in the seam that separates the front and back of the case. Then, using a screwdriver, pop the fob open and take out the old battery. Replace the battery and snap the case back together. Before replacing the battery, be sure to take a note or picture of how the circuit board sits inside the case. This will help you properly place the new battery when you’re ready to close it.
