Key Card & Fob Systems
Modern credential-based access for Austin businesses
Key Card & Fob Systems in Austin, TX
Your office manager just spent her morning chasing down key returns from three departing employees - and one of them admits he made a copy two years ago. Physical keys are a security liability that multiplies with every employee, every turnover, every day you don't know who really has access to your Austin business. Key card and fob systems solve this fundamentally. Cards are programmed, not cut. When someone leaves, you disable their credential in seconds - they can't copy it, can't lend it, can't keep it. You know exactly who accessed what doors and when. We've installed card access for Austin businesses from 2-door startups to 50-door corporate campuses, and the consistent result is better security with less hassle.
How Key Card Systems Work
Key cards and fobs contain tiny circuits that transmit a unique identifier when presented to a reader. The reader sends this identifier to a controller, which checks if that credential should be allowed through that door at that time. If yes, the controller activates an electric strike or mag lock and the door opens. The whole process takes under a second.
The practical magic is in the database. Each credential has permissions - which doors, which hours, which days. An employee's card might open the front door 24/7, their department door during business hours only, and never open the server room. These permissions live in software, not in the physical card. Change them from your computer, and the card's access changes immediately.
Standalone systems work well for small installations. Each door has its own reader-controller unit with an internal database. You program cards directly at the reader. Good for 1-3 doors where you don't need centralized management or audit reports.
Networked systems connect all readers to a central controller managed through software. Add a user once, they're enabled at every authorized door. Pull reports showing who accessed which doors when. Scale from a few doors to hundreds. Most Austin businesses with more than 3 access-controlled doors choose networked systems for the management efficiency.
Cloud-based platforms extend networked capabilities to browser-based management. Manage your Austin office and your San Antonio branch from the same dashboard. Issue temporary access to visitors remotely. Get mobile alerts when specific doors are accessed. Growing fast in Austin's distributed-workforce business environment.
- HID, AWID Compatible
- Standalone or Networked
- Mobile Credentials
- Cloud Options
Card and Fob Technologies
Not all credentials are created equal. Understanding the technology helps you choose wisely - and avoid expensive security gaps.
125kHz proximity cards were the standard for decades. They're cheap (under $5 each) and work reliably. The problem: they're trivially cloned. A $25 device from Amazon can copy your proximity card in seconds. If security matters, don't use 125kHz credentials for exterior doors or sensitive areas.
13.56MHz smart cards with encryption (HID iCLASS SE, MIFARE DESFire, SEOS) resist cloning. The card and reader perform cryptographic handshakes that can't be easily duplicated. These credentials cost more ($5-15 each) but provide actual security. We recommend encrypted credentials for any business with genuine security requirements.
Mobile credentials turn smartphones into access cards. The phone communicates with the reader via Bluetooth or NFC. No plastic to manufacture or carry. If an employee loses their phone, they disable the old credential and enable their new device immediately. Gaining traction in Austin's tech-forward business community, though requires compatible readers.
Fobs vs. cards is mostly preference. Fobs clip to keychains and survive pocket abuse better. Cards fit in wallets and work with lanyards for visible ID. Many systems support both - employees choose their format. Same technology inside, different packaging outside.
Installation Considerations for Austin Businesses
Card access installation requires planning beyond mounting readers. Decisions made upfront affect functionality and cost for years.
Door hardware assessment comes first. Electric strikes work with most existing door hardware - we cut into the frame, install the strike, and your current lock handle remains for manual operation from inside. Mag locks require different considerations - typically used on doors that don't have standard frames or where you want fail-safe operation. Some doors need hardware upgrades before card access makes sense.
Power requirements affect installation complexity. Electric strikes and mag locks need power. Standalone readers run on batteries or low-voltage wiring. Networked systems need both power and data cabling to each door. Existing buildings may require running new wires, which affects cost and timeline.
Reader placement follows principles. Mount readers at 42-48 inches for ADA compliance. Position so users can present credentials while the door is still closed. Protect outdoor readers from Austin's weather with appropriate housings. Consider sight lines - you want to see who's badging in, not just hear the beep.
Integration planning matters if you have or want cameras, alarm systems, or visitor management. Card access can trigger video recording when doors open, arm/disarm alarm zones based on first-in/last-out, and issue temporary credentials through visitor management systems. Planning these integrations upfront is easier than retrofitting later.
Managing Your Card Access System
Installation is day one. The real value comes from ongoing operation - adding users, reviewing access, and maintaining security.
User management workflow becomes routine. New hire starts Monday - add them to the system Friday, encode their card, and they badge in on day one. Employee leaves - disable their credential before they leave the exit interview. Someone loses their card - disable it immediately, issue a replacement with a new number. These operations take seconds in well-designed systems.
Access review should be periodic. Does the marketing intern really still need server room access from that one-time project? Are there active credentials for employees who left months ago? Quarterly reviews catch credential creep and forgotten deactivations.
Audit reports provide visibility you never had with keys. If something goes missing from a secured area, you can see exactly who accessed that room and when. If someone claims they were at the office, access logs confirm or refute. Many Austin businesses discover the audit trail is as valuable as the access control itself.
System maintenance is minimal but important. Battery backup units need periodic testing and battery replacement. Readers occasionally need cleaning (Austin's dust and pollen). Firmware updates patch security vulnerabilities. We offer maintenance contracts for businesses that want ongoing support rather than call-by-call service.
Why Choose Austin Locksmiths for Key Card & Fob Systems?
Austin locals trust us for fast, reliable service
Easy Credentials
Cards and fobs are easy to carry
Instant Deactivation
Lost card? Disable it immediately
Access Logs
Track who enters and when
Low Per-User Cost
Credentials are inexpensive to replace
How It Works
Getting help is easy - here's what to expect
Site Survey
We assess your doors and needs
System Selection
Choose standalone or networked
Install & Enroll
Mount readers and set up credentials
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Call Now: (512) 354-0025Frequently Asked Questions About Key Card & Fob Systems
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