Mobile credentials are a growing technology within the world of access control, as providers make use of emerging Bluetooth and mobile innovations to transform the security experience. This article will dive into the benefits and limitations of mobile credentials, and explore the many reasons why mobile credentials from ProdataKey (PDK) stand out as the best option for any and all customers.
What Are Mobile Credentials?
A mobile credential is a unique digital key, performing the same function as a physical credential, like a prox card or a key fob. While this is not the most commonly used credential type as of yet, it is a relatively new form of credentialing that is steadily on the rise. PDK provides both mobile access and Bluetooth credentials through the ProdataKey app, allowing users to unlock doors through proximity-based Bluetooth connectivity or remote unlocking via the application’s user interface.
Mobile credentials have a variety of benefits, particularly when compared to other credential options like key cards or fobs. ProdataKey’s Inside General Sales Manager, Sean Blaisdell, cites convenience and increased security as the two largest benefits: “They're not only more convenient, but they're more secure because physical credentials can be much more easily lost, duplicated, and stolen. But you can't just duplicate a phone, and people don't share their phone the way that they share physical credentials.” Mobile credentials can also save customers a considerable amount of money that would otherwise be spent on replacing lost or stolen physical credentials.
So Why Do Mobile Credentials SUCK?
Despite the various benefits of mobile credentials, many installers and end-users have identified notable drawbacks to this technology. The biggest issue with mobile credentials provided by most access control companies is the price. Typically, access control providers set a cost per-mobile credential–an expense that piles up and becomes incredibly burdensome over time, particularly in verticals that must facilitate a high amount of traffic and/or turnover. Pricing is a make-or-break factor in a customer’s decision regarding what credential they will move forward with, so a per-credential charge often pushes people away from this technology that is otherwise very reliable.
An additional concern held by users is related to a slow adoption and lack of trust in mobile credentials, seeing as this is a technology that many in the field may not be immediately comfortable or familiar with. Individuals who are accustomed to using physical credentials may be dissuaded from making the switch by the idea of getting the credential situated on their mobile device, rather than simply receiving a prox card that is already configured for them.
Why PDK's Mobile Credentials
Are The BEST In The Business
ProdataKey embodies a mobile-first approach to access control, and a significant part of that approach involves addressing the perceived drawbacks of mobile access. When it comes to mobile credentials in particular, PDK recognizes the concerns surrounding this technology, and strives to address these issues at their core. This begins with the problem surrounding the hefty per-credential charge all too common amongst access control providers. ProdataKey has taken a considerable step away from the status quo of the access control world by entirely eliminating the per-credential pricing model. Instead, PDK offers a flat rate to dealers, allowing them to utilize an unlimited number of credentials without any additional costs. Furthermore, ProdataKey doesn’t license mobile credentials from a third party provider–the technology has been created by PDK’s own engineers. This means that there is no excessive third-party cost passed on customers.
Alongside addressing the pressing issues regarding pricing, ProdataKey has also ensured that mobile credentials are incredibly easy to issue and accept. “With our mobile app,” Sean explains, “managers have the ability to send out credentials from anywhere in the world. I could just simply log in and send it out and not have to worry about having to meet in person and hand over a card.” This is particularly useful in verticals like school campuses, large apartment complexes, and gyms where large numbers of people need to be issued credentials frequently. And for the user, accepting the credential is a straightforward, easy to pick up process, involving
“Simply downloading an app, clicking a button, logging in and you're done - it's that easy."
Sean Blaisdell
ProdataKey Lets YOU Design Your Optimal Business Model!
ProdataKey’s decision to offer unlimited mobile credentials did not only come from a desire to reduce costs for users, but it was also inspired by the company’s fervent partner fanaticism. By providing a flat rate to dealers, ProdataKey leaves the door open for dealers to determine their own process of reselling the credentials back to the end user. “The reason why we did unlimited free credentials is because we could. We could offer something that allows our dealers the opportunity to build a legacy, to create job security for their employees, and to grow as a company,” explains Dallan. At the end of the day, PDK isn’t going to dictate how you structure your business and charge your customers. We want all of our dealer partners to succeed, and unlimited mobile credentials are a key part of that dynamic.
The Limit Doesn't Exist:
Superior Mobile Credentials With ProdataKey
Ultimately, mobile credentials are a powerful technology that comes with an identifiable set of drawbacks. But with ProdataKey, you can rest assured that these issues have been noted and comprehensively addressed. PDK’s unlimited mobile credentials entirely eliminate the need to pay a default price per-credential. This makes PDK a cost-friendly option for anybody looking to up their security game, particularly when it comes to verticals that see a lot of traffic and must issue large amounts of credentials. And with a user-friendly mobile application, PDK guarantees that adopting mobile credentials will be a breeze for every customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mobile credential?
A mobile credential is a unique digital key, performing the same function as a physical credential like a prox card or a key fob.
How do mobile credentials work?
Mobile credentials allow you to unlock doors remotely through an application interface or through Bluetooth connectivity.
Why does ProdataKey offer unlimited mobile credentials?
ProdataKey offers unlimited mobile credentials in order to make access control more affordable for users, and to create the space for dealer partners to structure their business in the way that they want.
