What are readerless mobile credentials?
Mobile credentials that don’t require new mobile-enabled access control reader hardware to work. Instead of communicating through a fixed reader, with readerless mobile credentials the smartphone becomes both the credential and the reader that communicates with an access control system via a cloud service. Readerless mobile credentials can work with legacy proximity access control systems, therefore don’t replace physical credentials such as keycards and fobs, but simply act as an alternative method of access.
How do readerless mobile credentials work?
With readerless mobile credentials for access control a user can unlock a door using NFC technology, iOS and Android Widgets, or QR code scan. Alternatively they still have the option to use their physical keycard or fob to enter a building as the legacy reader hardware remains.
Readerless mobile credentials come with a wireless, battery-less, and powerless NFC smart access tile that can simply be applied next to a door to allow for NFC tap-to-unlock door access.
- The user taps their smartphone onto the wireless smart access tile next to the door or uses the iPhone or Android widget to unlock the door remotely.
- The user’s smartphone connects to Sentry Interactive’s cloud service.
- Sentry Interactive’s cloud service communicates via SSL/SSH to the building’s
door access controller.
- The building’s access controller acknowledges the access request from the Sentry Interactive cloud.
- A signal is sent to release the electric/magnetic door lock and unlock the door.
Benefits of a readerless mobile credentials vs traditional mobile credentials
- Save on reader hardware costs, wiring and labor.
- With a simple SDK integration they can be added to third-party applications as a feature.
- They follow the highest security standards adhering to NIST cybersecurity standards.
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- One readerless mobile credential can be compatible with multiple access control systems.
- Time-limited, therefore access permissions can be automatically revoked.
- Integrate with systems of all ages.
Where do they best fit?
- Coworking and flexible workspaces
- Multi-tenant residential
- Campus facilities
- Private and sports club facilities
- Remote or unmanned sites (e.g. cell towers, substations, energy facilities)
- Facilities with limited retrofit budgets
Key considerations
- Connectivity – Ensure network coverage.
- Compatibility – Confirm access control system supports integration.
Summary
Readerless mobile credentials represent a new generation of mobile access, simpler to deploy, easier to manage, and more flexible than traditional reader-based systems. Whether extending mobile access to new spaces or modernizing legacy setups, going readerless can dramatically reduce hardware costs and open the door to smarter, software-driven mobile credential security.
