Embrace the Advantages of Readerless Cloud-based Access Control

Cloud-based access control systems will elevate your building's security measures. Here's why you should embrace this revolutionary technology today.

Security ranks among every business leader’s top priorities. As such, they’ve likely already installed some sort of door control system to manage who can and cannot access their building and the offices within. But as technology evolves, new cloud-based access control systems are hitting the market. These advancements allow for quick and reliable readerless mobile door entry.

The best part? Cloud-based access control integrates with your legacy systems. Business leaders no longer have to “rip and replace” to upgrade their access control system; instead, they can leverage Bluetooth or NFC-enabled access from the comfort of their mobile devices.

Let’s unpack everything you need to know about this revolutionary technology. Why should you embrace cloud-based access control today?

The Rise of Mobile Readerless Access Control Systems: Enhancing Security and Efficiency

Access control systems are essential for keeping your building safe. Knowing who’s coming and going, where they’ve been, and what sensitive data they may have access to is critical to protecting your clients, employees, and reputation. Legacy access control systems were an effective first step in making buildings safer—but cloud-based successors take security to the next level.

Systems like Sentry Mobile Access are highly flexible; since the system integrates with your current set-up, there’s no need for costly rip and replace projects. That’s why Sentry Mobile Access was developed to be interoperable with all major pre-installed and new access control solutions. But what are some other benefits of leveraging readerless access control?

Enhanced Security

Employees and occupants will never complain about a safe and secure environment. With readerless access control systems, you can provide top-notch security for everyone inside a building. Mobile access also eliminates the need for physical credentials; employees, guests, and clients will access areas via their smartphones.

Think about the last time you gave someone your mobile phone. You can’t, right? That’s because people’s phones are like their hearts. They rarely share them, whereas physical credentials like key fobs and access cards can be lost, stolen, or willingly shared.

Furthermore, the security measures necessary to access your phone (and the mobile app) act as multi-factor authentication. Biometric unlocking measures ensure that whoever’s accessing this area is supposed to be there.

Scalability and Flexibility

Scalability and flexibility are among the most sought-after qualities in a readerless access control system. Systems like Sentry Mobile Access can accommodate various business settings and adapt to changing requirements.

executive using cloud-based access control
Source: Shutterstock

As your business grows, so will your visitor and facilities management needs. Thankfully, Sentry Mobile Access will seamlessly integrate with your other security measures. This layered approach to space management and building usage is crucial at a time when hybrid working and inflation is at its peak. Sentry’s stick-on wireless NFC tiles make it easy to add new doors and rooms to existing building access control infrastructure.

Finally, you can manage everything remotely via a desktop or mobile application with cloud-based infrastructure. Those in charge of security will have complete control over who comes and goes for specified time limited periods, at specific sites, floors and rooms.

Integrations

Sentry Mobile Access integrates with 20+ access control brands. When paired with cloud-based mobile access software, these products gain a new lease on life. Think of it like a “single pane of glass” for disparate systems. You might have one brand in your executive suites, and another for HR—Sentry Mobile Access unifies them under one secure platform.

Streamlined User Experience: Simplifying Access with Readerless Technology

Cloud-based mobile access control might sound like a mouthful, but it cultivates a streamlined, seamless experience. By eliminating the need for physical credentials (cards and fobs), occupants can easily get around your building with their smartphones.

Instead of swiping their card or scanning a fob, employees present mobile credentials to access secure areas. Their phone acts as an added security layer, confirming they are who they say they are. Then, the Sentry Interactive cloud infrastructure confirms their phone is allowed in this access-controlled area.

Visitors will also enjoy the benefits of cloud-based mobile access. Your security managers can grant digital, time-limited visitor passes remotely, allowing them to access areas around a Sentry-controlled building.

Improving Cost Savings and Efficiency With A Readerless Access Control System

Security is worth every penny. That said, business leaders want to avoid breaking the bank. Investing in a cloud-based access control system gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll save considerably on costly acquisition, installation, and maintenance.

Save on Physical Credentials

Readerless mobile access control systems don’t require physical credentials. That means you’ll save money on key fobs, cards, and ID badges. The cost of replacing lost or stolen credentials can add up—not to mention the stress of knowing one of your key fobs is lost for anyone to grab.

With cloud-based mobile access systems, your occupants use their smartphones and a free app to access areas around your building. On the back-end, you can see which rooms are under or over-utilized, allowing you to tweak operations to increase efficiency.

Save on Installation

When it comes to mobile access control, installation will be your most significant expense. It’s a price tag that might deter some building owners from investing in new systems. Thankfully, you won’t have to tear out your existing infrastructure when you leverage a readerless solution like Sentry Mobile Access.

Because it’s cloud-based, Sentry Mobile Access requires no new hardware. There’s also no wiring to worry about like there would be with legacy door readers, thus saving even more money on installation. Instead, you’ll place the customizable contactless NFC door tile(s) outside your access-controlled areas. They’ll link to the cloud-based infrastructure, enabling quick, reliable, and NFC contactless entry.

Save on Maintenance

Because readerless access control requires fewer breakable components, maintenance costs are much lower. They also require less attention to ensure they’re running smoothly. Now, your internal IT teams can focus on more pressing issues.

These cost-saving benefits combine to save on acquisition. As it has fewer components, is easy to install, and works via smartphones, cloud-based mobile access systems are incredibly affordable to implement.Products like Sentry Mobile Access will integrate seamlessly with your legacy door controller.

Adapting Readerless Access Control Systems to Diverse Business Environments

Cloud-based access control systems are scalable and flexible, meaning they can adapt to expanding and diverse business environments. Here are just a few examples of how cloud-based mobile access solutions will grow alongside your business.

Cloud-Based Technology

Because they’re cloud-based, readerless mobile access control systems can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Businesses with multiple locations, legacy systems, and remote employees can keep everything together under one digital roof. In the end, this “single pane of glass” concept boosts operational efficiency.

Ease of Management

Thanks to a user-friendly interface, anybody can learn how to use the new system. Admins can easily add or remove users, change permissions, and keep tabs on activity. As people come and go and the business environment changes, leadership will be able to adapt to complex security needs.

Building Usage Data

With cloud-based mobile access, you’ll gain heightened visibility into how employees and visitors use your building. You can see where energy is being wasted or conserved and pivot strategies to meet ESG targets and bolster space utilization.

Scalability

Every new access-controlled area can easily connect to the existing network. Businesses that are rapidly growing or have fluctuating security requirements can rest assured, knowing their needs are met.

Scalability will also lead to downwind financial savings. Every new employee or visitor can access areas with an app on their phone; gone are the days of spending money on new key fobs and ID badges every time you hire someone.

Seizing the Benefits of Readerless Access Control Today

Cloud-based access control systems have taken the security industry by storm. Smartphones act as an additional security layer; if one is stolen, it automatically locks when an unauthorized user attempts to break in. On the other hand, anyone can access your building if they obtain a lost or stolen key fob.

Sentry Mobile Access is an industry-leading provider of readerless cloud-based mobile access solutions. Their infrastructure leverages the highest level of access control security available. Furthermore, Sentry’s authentication process and encryption implementation are military-grade—meaning your building will be as secure as possible!

Get in touch with Sentry Interactive to learn how cloud-based mobile access will save you money, boost operational efficiencies, and take your building’s security to the next level.

William Bainborough

Board of Directors

William is an experienced British entrepreneur, founder, and accomplished board executive and advisor for a number of businesses. He is the CEO and co-founder of Doordeck, the world’s only true cloud-based access control aggregator. He is also the managing director and founder of Group Secure, a leader in providing security, CCTV, and access control solutions, products, and installation for high-net-worth individuals in the UK. 

William established his first business at just seventeen and brings 20-plus years of in-depth experience and industry knowledge. He has a proven track record for building businesses from the ground up—and then leading them to profitability and a successful exit across a myriad of sectors including hospitality, retail, security, telecommunications, and e-commerce. William’s leadership, vision, and experience in creating cutting-edge SaaS-based technology platforms will prove invaluable for Sentry Interactive moving forward.

Denis Hébert

CHAIRMAN & CEO

Hébert began his career at Honeywell International where he held several leadership positions including Managing Director for the Automation and Controls business in France and eventually President of the NexWatch Corporation from 1999-2002. Hébert led HID Global as President & CEO over a transformative 12-year period from 2002-2015, where he provided strategic guidance and grew the business tenfold through a mix of strong organic and acquisitive growth. Most recently, Hébert was President of Feenics Corporation which is a cloud-based access control company that was successfully sold to ACRE LLC at the end of 2021. Hébert also served on the Board of Directors for the Security Industry Association (SIA) from 2009-2020 and was nominated to be Chairman of the Board for SIA from 2016-2018. He is currently Chairman of the Board for Nightingale Security based in Newark, CA.

Stephen Taylor Matthews

Board of Directors
Stephen is a very accomplished attorney, member of the Texas State Bar, licensed commercial real estate broker, and an avid philanthropist. He is an experienced executive board member, serving in leadership positions for more than 20 community councils and corporate boards—ranging from Boy Scouts of America to the ABBA Business Leaders Council, and most recently the American Bank BOD, the Real Estate Council of Austin, and the Marbridge Foundation BOT. With more than 35 years experience, Stephen and his firm, Barrond & Adler, L.L.P. are devoted to eminent domain cases in Texas.

Jon Davis

Board of Directors

Mr. Davis is an Experienced corporate board member, having served on boards of public, private equity-backed, and venture-backed companies. Jon possesses deep industry expertise in dairy, food processing, food technology and manufacturing, and food, beverage, and entertainment services. 

During Jon’s tenure of 25 plus years, he’s led operations, research and development, and mergers and acquisitions. He’s served as CEO and has been the founder and active board member for many successful enterprises—from startups to billion-dollar corporations. While COO and CEO of Davisco Foods International, Jon built a state-of-the-art cheese plant which was awarded the United States Dairy processing plant of the year in 2005 by Dairy Foods magazine. Currently, Jon is active with several non-dairy projects, including investments in local real estate, the Wayzata Brewworks, and his latest venture the new CōV restaurant in Edina’s Galleria.

Joe Caldwell

Founder and Chairman of the Board

Joe is an American entrepreneur, investor, and accomplished executive. He has co-founded, founded, and led many successful businesses, including US Internet, a leading fiber internet service provider, Securence, a leading provider of email filtering software, and Ravon, an industry-leading digital voice communications service. 

It was Joe’s venture, Municipal Parking Services (MPS), that inspired him in 2020 to start Sentry Interactive, an advanced touchless and staffless detection platform.

Caldwell currently serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board for Municipal Parking Services (MPS), a global tech company based in Austin, TX responsible for inventing and patenting technologies that assist in parking and security enforcement.

Joe was named one of Minnesota’s 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders for the past two years—and is a seasoned corporate board member. He’s served on boards of public, private equity-backed, and venture-backed companies—and has deep industry expertise in all aspects of digital technology.

Jason Bohrer

Board of Directors

Jason Bohrer is one of the visionaries behind our mission to bring people back together safely and securely, in any environment, through Sentry’s advanced digital communications and detection platform. With over two decades of senior leadership experience, Jason’s track record of success spans across sales, operations, product innovation, strategy, and technology for domestic and global companies like Bexar Technology Partners, CPI Card Group, HID Global, and Motorola, Inc. Prior to launching Sentry Interactive, Jason was actively involved with several key technology transitions across multiple industries, including the contact and contactless EMV transitions in the U.S. payments industry and the adoption of smart card and mobile technologies in the global access and identity market. Jason was an inaugural member of the University of Chicago Executive Institute and holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin. He also serves as the Executive Director for two industry-leading not-for-profit organizations: the Secure Technology Alliance and the U.S. Payments Forum.
Brent Terry

Brent Terry

Chief Operating Officer
Brent Terry leads the operations and solutions organizations at Sentry. This includes all product innovation, development, and operations management. A veteran in the technology space, Brent has more than 30 years of experience across a myriad of industries, like physical security technology and building automation, SAAS, hardware and software product development, internet, digital TV, interactive TV, digital media, telecommunications, and medical products and services. Prior to Sentry, Brent has spun up successful startups and led high-performing teams for some of the biggest global, Fortune 500 companies, including ARRIS, Conerco, Motive Communications, SeaChange International, and IBM. Brent holds a BS in Computer Science from the University of Louisiana. He also is the committee Chairman and Program Director for a non-profit organization responsible for the rollout of smart cards for physicians and first responders.