Unlocking Security: The Right Keyless Entry System Is a Smart Investment

The Modern Security Imperative

Picture this: it’s after hours at your facility. A door was left unsecured, and you have no way of knowing who entered or when. It’s a scenario that keeps facility managers and IT directors up at night—and one that a well-planned keyless entry system can prevent entirely.

Keyless entry isn’t just about convenience. It’s about controlling access in real time, protecting people and assets, and staying one step ahead of security risks. Whether you manage a school, hospital, government building, or corporate campus, the right system transforms how you protect your facility.

Beyond Convenience: The Core Benefits of Keyless Systems

Security: With keyless entry, you can instantly grant or revoke access, eliminating risks tied to lost or stolen keys. Credentials are digital, and controlled by you.

Accountability: Every access attempt is logged. You know exactly who entered, when, and where.

Efficiency: No more costly rekeying or cumbersome manual systems. Manage everything from a central dashboard.

Flexibility: Control multiple sites remotely, adjust access schedules, and issue credentials on the fly—from traditional keycards to mobile apps and biometric scanners.

Tailoring Your System to Your Environment

Schools: Prioritize student and staff safety with scheduled access, visitor management, and the ability to lock down instantly in emergencies.

Hospitals: Protect sensitive zones like pharmacies and data centers. Manage shift changes smoothly and comply with healthcare regulations.

Government: Ensure high-level security with multi-factor authentication, audit trails, and secure visitor protocols.

Businesses: Scale your system as you grow. Integrate with HR platforms to automatically manage employee turnover and streamline operations across multiple locations.

System Setup: From Planning to Perfection

1. Risk Assessment & Needs Analysis

A comprehensive risk assessment lays the foundation for a successful keyless entry system. Start by identifying critical access points: main entrances, delivery bays, storage areas, executive offices, and IT server rooms. Map the flow of people—staff, visitors, contractors—and note times of peak activity.

Engage your internal teams: facilities, IT, security, and HR. Their insights reveal vulnerabilities you might overlook, like unmonitored service entrances or inconsistent visitor protocols. Factor in regulatory compliance, such as OSHA requirements or data privacy standards, depending on your industry.

Also, consider potential future risks. Are you planning facility expansions? Will you need to accommodate evolving work models like hybrid or 24/7 operations? A future-focused assessment saves time and costs down the road.

2. System Design & Credential Options

This is where strategy meets technology. Start by selecting the right access credentials for your organization’s needs:

• Keycard or Fob Scanners: Simple to deploy and scale, ideal for environments with high user turnover.
• Mobile Credentials: Employees use smartphones or wearables, enabling remote provisioning and deactivation. Great for hybrid workforces and field teams.
• Biometric Readers: Fingerprint or facial recognition adds a high layer of security for sensitive zones like executive suites or R&D labs.
• PIN Code Keypads: Practical as a secondary or backup method, especially in shared spaces.
• Hybrid Systems: A combination of credentials enhances flexibility and allows you to tailor access levels by area.

Also, prioritize integration. Ensure your access system can communicate with video surveillance, fire alarms, and building automation platforms. Design your infrastructure for scale—think cloud-based management if you operate across multiple locations.

3. Professional Installation

Professional installation isn’t just about mounting hardware—it’s about ensuring system integrity. Certified technicians will verify that door frames, locks, power supplies, and cabling are installed to spec. They'll also ensure integrations with life safety systems and emergency power sources function flawlessly.

Importantly, they will test voltage levels, verify wireless signal strength (if applicable), and secure network configurations to prevent vulnerabilities.

Pre-installation site surveys are essential. Technicians identify issues like outdated infrastructure or access control panels that require upgrades. With professional installation, you avoid costly errors and ensure compliance with fire codes, ADA regulations, and insurance requirements.

4. System Programming & Credential Management

Programming your system is where policy becomes practice. Work with your installer to create access groups based on roles (e.g., executive, staff, contractors, visitors). Assign time-based permissions to control access during specific hours or shifts.

Build-in emergency protocols, such as automatic lockdown sequences or first responder overrides. Establish a clear credential issuance policy: who approves new access, how credentials are distributed, and how quickly access can be revoked.

Finally, set up automated alerts for unusual activity, like repeated failed access attempts or after-hours entry to sensitive areas.

5. Testing & Validation

Testing isn’t a one-time step—it’s an ongoing commitment to security assurance. Begin with functional testing: verify that all readers, controllers, and integrations operate correctly. Test battery backups and fail-safes.

Conduct scenario-based drills. Simulate power outages, forced entries, and emergency lockdowns to ensure the system responds as expected. Audit the reporting functions to confirm accurate event logs and real-time alerts.

Don’t forget user testing. Ensure that employees understand how to use credentials and that your help desk is prepared to resolve common access issues.

6. Training & Rollout

Effective rollout hinges on thorough training. Host hands-on sessions for system administrators and end-users. Cover daily operations, troubleshooting, and emergency procedures.

Prepare quick-reference guides and make them easily accessible. Establish a clear process for requesting access changes or reporting lost credentials.

Consider a phased rollout: start with high-priority areas, gather feedback, and refine the system before expanding to the entire facility.

7. Ongoing Maintenance & Support

Your system is only as strong as its upkeep. Schedule preventative maintenance, including hardware inspections and software updates, at regular intervals.

Monitor usage trends to identify anomalies or areas for improvement. Review access logs periodically to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

Finally, partner with a provider that offers 24/7 support and proactive system health checks. Their expertise helps you adapt to evolving threats and ensure your investment continues to deliver value for years to come.

Real-World Scenario: Enhancing Business Security with Keyless Entry

Last year, a regional distribution company approached us with concerns about managing access across their growing network of warehouses. With high staff turnover and valuable inventory on-site, they needed a reliable, scalable solution that wouldn’t slow down daily operations.

We started with a full risk assessment and then deployed a combination of mobile credential readers and biometric access points at key zones like loading bays and inventory rooms. Management was trained to issue and revoke credentials instantly, while real-time activity logs gave them clear visibility across all sites.

When an attempted break-in occurred after hours, their system automatically triggered an alert, and law enforcement was notified without delay. Today, the company operates with confidence, knowing its facilities and assets are protected by a responsive, future-proof system.

How Puget Sound Hardware Delivers Peace of Mind

At Puget Sound Hardware, we handle every stage of your project in-house—from risk assessment to installation, programming, and ongoing support. Our deep experience with complex facilities means we understand the stakes and the standards you need to meet.

We work alongside your team to design a system that protects what matters most, while staying flexible for future growth. With trusted manufacturer partnerships and a commitment to long-term support, we make sure your investment delivers security and simplicity, every day.

FAQs: Common Questions About Keyless Entry Systems

What happens if someone loses their phone or credentials?
No problem. With a keyless system, you can instantly deactivate the lost credential and issue a replacement. There's no need to change locks or rekey doors.

Can I manage multiple buildings from one dashboard?
Yes. Many modern systems allow centralized control, so you can manage access across multiple sites, view activity logs, and adjust settings remotely.

Are these systems ADA-compliant?
Absolutely. With the right design, your keyless entry system can include automatic door openers, touchless access, and other ADA-compliant features.

How long does installation take?
It depends on the size and complexity of your facility, but most systems can be installed and operational within a few days to a couple of weeks, including testing and training.

Is maintenance complicated?
Not at all. With regular updates and routine checks, your system stays reliable. Plus, our team provides ongoing support to keep things running smoothly.

Conclusion: Invest in Security Before It Becomes a Necessity

Keyless entry systems do more than open doors—they create a proactive shield for your facility. When carefully designed and properly installed, they give you full visibility over every access point and empower you to respond to risks in real-time. From preventing internal vulnerabilities to deterring external threats, the right system delivers operational clarity and stronger control over your environment. More importantly, it provides the peace of mind that your people, assets, and future are protected by a solution that evolves alongside your business needs.

Don’t wait for a security event to realize the value of modern access control. Contact us today to request a quote and let’s start on your security plan to better secure your future.