Access control is the key to protecting your life and property–so you don’t want your access provider to make things unnecessarily complex. Ideal security management should involve a solution that is easy to work with, for installers and end-users alike. ProdataKey (PDK) recognizes the importance of turning what could be a complicated solution into something approachable and easy to use. The following article goes over the many ways that ProdataKey makes access control simple, whether you’re installing hardware, managing a system, or growing your business.
Simplifying Everyday Security Management
Security systems are often managed on a daily basis, as system administrators meet constant demands to input users, manage rules, generate reports, add or revoke credentials, and more. Recognizing the day-to-day needs of system managers and users, ProdataKey is dedicated to making everyday management as simple as possible. PDK achieves this ease of use through various intuitive tools and features, including the ProdataKey mobile app, on-the-go management, and automatic updates.
ProdataKey’s mobile application makes it possible for users to manage their system from any place at any time. Embodying a mobile-first approach to cloud-based access control, ProdataKey’s developers have designed the app to perform all the same functions as the PDK.io desktop platform. This means that at any given moment, a system manager has the key to configuration right there in their pocket–a feature PDK calls on-the-go management.
On-the-go management refers to the ability to manage a PDK system remotely. Not all integrators or building managers can be on-site 24/7, so the ability to manage a system from afar is integral for countless PDK users. One of these users is Greg Cope, Owner of AddTech Controls, who explains, “On-the-go management is 75% of the reason why we use PDK.”
Greg, a PDK Platinum Dealer Partner, says that the remote management capability is one of the main things that helps him to always be there for his customers. ProdataKey’s on-the-go management guarantees that no matter the time or place, PDK users can always manage their system with ease.
Another way that ProdataKey aims to simplify everyday access management is through the automation of important software and firmware updates. In order to continually improve functionality and tackle emerging security threats, PDK develops frequent updates to keep your system as strong as possible. With PDK’s cloud-based systems, these updates are sent to head-end devices remotely. Compared to the manual process of installing updates in on-premise systems, the automatic updates provided by ProdataKey save installers a considerable amount of time, and they don’t get in the way of users’ daily management tasks.
Powerful Hardware Solutions
Alongside everyday management, PDK strives to make the installation process as streamlined and simple as possible. Every piece of ProdataKey hardware comes with a comprehensive installation guide, making it easy for integrators to know exactly how to install the device. In addition to the installation guide, ProdataKey also has an extensive online Knowledge Base, where detailed information related to installation, set-up, and troubleshooting for all PDK devices can be found.
Once the hardware is installed, the device set-up process is simple, thanks to one intuitive feature: automatic discovery. As soon as an Ethernet connection is made with a controller, it will automatically appear in PDK.io, ready to be programmed. Compared to the manual process of inputting IP addresses or obscure names to get devices connected, this discovery process is instantaneous.
The final component of what makes ProdataKey’s hardware easy to work with is modularity–a feature available for all Red series door controllers. By installing PDK’s PoE++ and WiMAC™ module kits, integrators can completely customize how devices receive power and communicate with one another. “The PoE++ and WiMAC modules make it possible for you to place a controller where you actually want it, rather than where wiring will dictate it has to go,” says Loren Bryner, PDK’s Director of Product Management. With the PoE++ module making 802.3bt Power-over-Ethernet possible, and the WiMAC kit facilitating wireless communication between devices, these modules expand the limits of where you can install hardware.
PDK’s modular hardware makes it easy for integrators to install devices in the places where they really want them, while also saving time and money by avoiding unnecessary wiring. And combined with the auto-discovery feature, integrators can easily jump into the configuration process right away, ensuring that they can get their jobs done in a quick, efficient manner.
Facilitating Simple Business Growth
ProdataKey provides access solutions built to grow with your business. When a business expands, bringing on new staff and opening new facilities, that company’s access control system needs to be able to keep up with the growth.
For Greg and the team at AddTech Controls, simple scalability is a necessity: “90% of what we do is commercial, and 50% of that is new construction.” Working with commercial businesses and enterprises opening new locations, Greg needs to be able to integrate new devices and systems into existing PDK.io accounts with ease.
“Almost every single time, I’m brought back to a site a year later to add more doors in. And with PDK, scaling these systems is always so easy.”
With forward and backward compatibility in all PDK hardware, bringing new devices into an existing system is seamless, and you don’t have to worry about the time and money spent replacing old hardware.
Furthermore, with PDK’s multi-site management, it’s easy to bring together multiple Cloud Nodes and their associated systems under one customer account. This is a particularly useful feature for enterprise operations or any business that utilizes multiple distinct facilities. With PDK’s cloud-based solution, users can easily add and manage systems in completely different geographical areas, making it easier than ever to expand your operations without any growing pains.
In addition to scalability achieved through hardware additions, ProdataKey also prioritizes simple software scalability–particularly when it comes to the addition and management of a vast influx of new users and credentials. ProdataKey provides unlimited mobile credentials for all systems, making it easy for system managers to assign credentials to any new users as a business grows. Alongside keeping up with company growth, mobile credentials also allow for a greater management experience overall, as you can assign, update, and revoke credentials remotely.
Unlike many other access control providers who require a per-credential fee for mobile credentials, PDK provides this credential type to all integrators at no additional per-credential cost. This allows PDK dealers and end-users to accommodate growing businesses without paying extensive fees. It also adds a certain level of flexibility for dealers, as they can set their own per-credential fee for customers if desired.
The ability to generate recurring monthly revenue (RMR) in ways like this is a key aspect of why many dealers choose to install ProdataKey. “Recurring income is a big part of working with PDK,” confirms Greg Cope. “That’s a large portion of my gross income every year, and it makes my company more valuable over time.” So while ProdataKey opens the door for simple hardware and software growth for end-users’ growing businesses, they also lay the groundwork for dealer partners to experience monetary business growth of their own.
Expanding Your Security Through Integrations
ProdataKey provides a best-in-class access control solution–but access control is only one piece of the security puzzle. A well-rounded security system is one that allows you to cover as many bases as possible, from secured entry points to surveillance footage, visitor management, automations and more.
Bringing together distinct security systems to create a unified solution is known as an integration. Thanks to the company’s Open API, PDK is able to collaborate with various security providers to give users a plethora of integration possibilities to choose from. Steve Bardocz, the CEO of one of these integration partners, Savance, explains how important integrations are in creating the optimal security system:
“The value of leveraging integrations is that they allow the experts to come in and do what they do best. You bring in the right people to do what they're best at, and then you can get a best of breed solution.”
When it comes to managing an integrated security system, ProdataKey is dedicated to making this experience seamless. While developing integrations, PDK’s top-class developers prioritize reliable communication between systems and the creation of one unified interface. This commitment to seamless integration makes management as simple as can be, and eliminates the need to switch between various different interfaces in order to control your overall security.
Simple, Safe, and Streamlined Access Control
ProdataKey’s cloud-based access control solutions are a best-in-class option for any individual or business looking to protect their life and property. PDK continually raises the bar for the access control world by providing a solution that is not only effective, but is easy to work with. This ease of use is accomplished through various avenues, as PDK strives to simplify security in all stages of the access control process. Whether you are actively installing a system, completing everyday management tasks, expanding your system to accommodate for business growth, or integrating other security tools, you can do so with the confidence that ProdataKey has taken every consideration possible to make your work and safety effortless.
PDK is a team of security integrators with decades of hands-on, in-the-field experience. PDK believes that the best technology is created by professionals who know what it takes to secure a facility properly and provide the end-user with a solution that instills confidence and safety.
PDK is passionate about creating technology to enhance the security, safety, and overall experience of both the professionals installing electronic access control and those that live with and use the system. PDK continues to create technology every day to enhance its products and the products of its technology partners.