Keypads and Card Readers
Electronic keypads and card readers are popular access control options for commercial buildings,
employee entrances, tenant spaces, restricted rooms, and controlled-access doors.
Code-based entry
Credential-based access
Limit who can enter
Installation and troubleshooting
Control Who Can Enter Your Building
Electronic keypads and card readers have become popular tools for access control. Keypads require a numeric
code to unlock a door, while card readers unlock the door when an approved credential is presented.
These systems can make it easier for businesses to manage access without relying only on traditional keys.
They are especially useful for employee entrances, shared commercial buildings, restricted areas, and doors
that need more controlled access.
Keypads vs. Card Readers
Electronic Keypads
Keypads allow authorized users to enter a numeric code to unlock the door. They can be a practical option
for businesses that want simple controlled access without issuing physical cards to every user.
Card Readers
Card readers unlock the door when an approved access card, fob, or credential is used. They are useful
for businesses that want to manage individual access and reduce the need for traditional keys.
Why Businesses Use Access Control
Convenience
- Reduce reliance on traditional keys
- Give authorized users easier access
- Useful for employees, tenants, vendors, and managers
- Can simplify access at frequently used doors
Security and Control
- Limit access to approved users
- Helpful for restricted rooms or back entrances
- Codes or credentials can be changed when needed
- Can be paired with compatible commercial door hardware
Access Control Works Best With the Right Door Hardware
A keypad or card reader is only one part of the access control setup. The door, frame, lock, strike,
exit device, closer, power supply, wiring, and related hardware all need to work together properly.
Electric Strikes
Electric strikes can allow a locked door to release electronically when access is approved.
Maglocks
Magnetic locks may be used in some access control applications depending on the door and code requirements.
Exit Devices
Panic hardware and exit devices must be selected and installed correctly for safe egress.
Access Control Door Service in the Denver Metro Area
Automatic Door Doctors can help with commercial doors that use keypads, card readers, electric strikes,
locks, closers, exit devices, and related door hardware. We focus on making sure the door hardware and access
control components work together reliably.
Installation Support
- Keypads and card reader door hardware
- Electric strikes and related hardware
- Door closers, latches, and exit devices
- Commercial door alignment and adjustment
Troubleshooting Support
- Door not unlocking properly
- Latch or strike alignment issues
- Door not closing or latching correctly
- Hardware problems affecting access control performance
Call Automatic Door Doctors
If you need help with keypads, card readers, electric strikes, access control doors, or related commercial
door hardware, call Automatic Door Doctors today.
Commercial Door Keypads
Keypads are a practical access control option for businesses that want code-based entry, controlled access,
flexible user permissions, and reduced reliance on traditional keys.
User-based access
Access levels and schedules
Lockouts and audit options
Door hardware integration
Choosing the Right Keypad for Your Business
There are many different commercial keypads to choose from, each with its own advantages. When selecting a
keypad for your place of business, think about which features will benefit your team, customers, tenants,
vendors, service providers, and security needs.
A keypad can be simple, with only a few user codes, or more advanced, with scheduling, remote management,
multiple access levels, reporting, and integration with other building systems.
Keypad Features That May Be Available
Programming and User Management
- Programmable access codes
- Remote management options
- Anywhere from 2 user codes to thousands of user codes
- Multiple or unlimited access levels
- Master, manager, supervisor, group, individual, service, event, and emergency codes
- Temporary or permanent user lockout options
Scheduling and Access Control
- Programmable scheduled events
- Control for multiple doors at one site
- Control for multiple sites, depending on the system
- Programmable entry time before re-locking
- Ability to disable individuals, groups, or all user codes when needed
Keypads Can Work With More Than Just the Door
Depending on the system, commercial keypads may be able to interact with electric locks, magnetic locks,
security systems, elevator controls, gate controls, and other access control components.
Security Features
- Programmable lockout after failed code attempts
- Encrypted keypad options
- Keyless options or keypad-with-key options
- Weatherproof models for outside use
- Fire-rated options when required
System Integration
- Electric strike integration
- Magnetic lock integration
- Security system integration
- Elevator control integration
- Gate control integration
Audit Trails and Access Reports
Some keypad systems can generate management reports and audit trails. Advanced systems may record thousands
of access events and transactions, helping businesses review who entered, when access was attempted, and how
the system is being used.
Audit Trail Options
- Access event history
- Failed attempt tracking
- User activity reports
- Management reporting options
- Large transaction histories on advanced systems
Code Security
A 4 to 6 digit code can offer thousands to millions of possible combinations depending on the keypad
and code length. The right system can help balance convenience, security, and ease of management.
The Keypad Is Only One Part of the System
A keypad needs to work properly with the door, frame, lock, closer, strike, power supply, wiring, and
related hardware. Even a good keypad will not perform well if the door does not close, latch, align, or
release correctly.
Electric Locks
Keypads may work with electric strikes, electrified locks, or magnetic locks depending on the door and application.
Door Alignment
Proper latch and strike alignment is important so the door releases and re-locks consistently.
Safe Egress
Exit devices, fire ratings, and life-safety requirements must be considered for commercial doors.
Call Automatic Door Doctors
If you need help choosing, installing, troubleshooting, or integrating a keypad with your commercial door
hardware, Automatic Door Doctors can help.
CARD READERS AND KEYCARDS
Like the keypads, the card reader controls who enters your property. It reads the credentials stored on the keycard (which is like the credit card in structure and function) of the person requesting entrance and determines if he is authorized to enter. If the electronic reader recognizes the credentials it mechanically disengages the lock on the door, gate or whatever barrier prevents entrance.
There are a variety of reader types that read the corresponding key cards. The magnetic stripe reader, the barcode reader, the proximity reader, the smart card reader and the biometric reader are the common ones in use today. Many electronic access control locks use Wiegand technology to connect the card swipe mechanism to the rest of the electronic entry system. Newer systems use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.
Keycards are frequently used in hotels and large corporations with many employees. When readers are part of a central system, this system controls which doors are opened by which card at what times of the day or night. Like with key pads, logs are often kept of the access control activity at each reader. When there is no central system, the key card works much like a standard key.
Card Readers for Commercial Access Control
Card readers help businesses manage access to commercial doors, employee entrances, restricted areas,
tenant spaces, gates, and controlled-access rooms.
Control who enters
Credential-based entry
Locks, strikes, and doors
Installation and troubleshooting
Common Types of Commercial Card Readers
Card readers are available in several types, each with different advantages, limitations, security concerns,
and use cases. The right choice depends on the building, the door hardware, the number of users, the level
of security required, and how access needs to be managed.
Below are descriptions of several common card reader technologies used in access control systems.
Magnetic Stripe and Barcode Readers
Magnetic Stripe Readers
A magnetic stripe reader uses a sensor to read the magnetic stripe laminated to the back of a card.
The information is compared against data stored in the reader or in a remote system.
- Cards are inexpensive to produce
- Can hold more information than a barcode
- Relatively easy to program
- Some readers may include a key cylinder for power failure situations
- Cards can wear out or be misread over time
- Data may be vulnerable to theft or copying
Barcode Readers
A barcode reader uses an optical scanner to read a barcode made from alternating dark and light,
thin and wide stripes. The organization of the barcode depends on the selected barcode protocol.
- Inexpensive technology
- Credentials are easy to generate and print
- Can be printed on cards or other items
- Simple to use in some low-security applications
- Simplicity can make it more susceptible to fraud
RFID Proximity and Intelligent Card Readers
RFID Proximity Card Readers
An RFID proximity reader radiates an electric field around itself and reads the code on a card when
the card comes within range. Each card typically includes facility and user codes.
- Can often be read without removing the card from a pocket or purse
- Cards cannot usually be erased like some older credential types
- Useful for convenient employee or tenant access
- Card format and code management should be planned carefully
- Different systems may use different formats and credential structures
Intelligent or Smart Card Readers
An intelligent card contains a read/write microprocessor and memory chip. Like a small computer, it can
perform functions based on how it is programmed and may be used for more than access control.
- Contactless smart cards use radio technology
- Can transfer more data than many basic proximity systems
- Can often be read while still in a pocket or purse
- May support multiple applications beyond basic door access
- Reader and credential security should be evaluated carefully
Fingerprint, Hand, Iris, Voice, and Face Recognition
Biometric readers identify individuals by comparing physical characteristics such as fingerprints, hand
geometry, iris patterns, voice, or face recognition against stored identity templates.
How Biometric Readers Work
- Compare a person’s biometric information to stored templates
- Templates may be stored in the reader or on a central server
- Access is granted or denied based on identity and permission level
- Can reduce the need for cards, keys, or memorized PINs
Common Use Considerations
Many biometric systems are paired with cards or PINs to speed up identification. Some smart cards may
also store biometric templates. The right setup depends on the required security level, number of users,
door hardware, and business needs.
The Best Reader Depends on Your Building and Security Needs
A small office, a multi-tenant building, a secure storage area, a medical facility, a warehouse, and a public
entrance may each require a different access control approach. The card reader is only one part of the system.
Security Level
Higher-security areas may need stronger credential technology, better reporting, and more secure door hardware.
User Management
Buildings with many users may benefit from systems that make it easier to add, remove, or restrict access.
Door Hardware
The reader, lock, strike, closer, frame, power supply, and exit hardware all need to work together properly.
Call Automatic Door Doctors
If you need help with card readers, keypad access, electric strikes, commercial door hardware, or access
control door troubleshooting, Automatic Door Doctors can help review the door and recommend a practical solution.
Technology has come a long way in access control. Modern systems can help businesses decide who may enter, which doors they may use, and when access should be allowed.
If you have questions about a possible access control system for your commercial property in the Denver Metro Area, call Automatic Door Doctors at 720-572-1867 or email us. You can also request a free estimate through our contact form.
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(303) 500-6105
Denver, CO