Do you run a gym or fitness facility? Do you have members who are asking for longer opening hours, but lack the resources to run a 24-hour reception? Have you ever considered using an access control system to let members visit at a time that’s convenient to them?
Modern security systems make it possible for you to give your subscribed members the freedom to come and go as they please, reducing the need for staff to be present outside of usual business hours. Read on to learn how these access control systems can help you.
Securing a 24-Hour Gym
Access control systems can work in a variety of ways. The most common systems used in gyms are:
- Key cards
- PIN locks
- App-based cards
Let’s take a look at each one in more detail.
Key Card Access Control Systems
Key cards have been around for a long time, and they’re popular because they’re inexpensive and easy to use. They’re often used in hotels, where people need to be issued a key to a room for a short period of time. However, they can be used for gyms, too, but do have some downsides. Firstly, many older keycard styles are easy to damage or accidentally wipe, as you may have noticed if you’ve ever kept a hotel keycard in a pocket with your mobile phone.
Secondly, the cards can be cloned, so there’s the risk of a member copying a card and sharing it with others. In addition, they’re easily lost, leading to administrative hassles if a member needs their card replaced. Finally, your members have to remember to bring the card with them every time they want to go to the gym, which may frustrate them.
PIN-Based Access Control Systems
Using a PIN card as an access control system can be convenient. Simply send out the PIN to members and they can use it to let themselves in. Because the PIN is entered into a keypad, there’s no need for the customers to carry anything with them, they just need to memorise the code.
This is simple and convenient but also has its own downsides. While you may be able to have multiple access keys for different ‘user groups’, you can’t stop users from sharing the PIN with others. In addition, if you need to revoke someone’s access, that means changing the PIN and making sure everyone else is aware of the change.
Phone-Based Access Control Systems
One of the most flexible forms of access control is to use an app installed on the customer’s phone. This app can generate a barcode, or be NFC-based, depending on the system you select. Phone-based access control systems address the critical issues with the other systems listed above. Almost everyone has a mobile phone, and people who use phones tend to carry them with them wherever they go. This means they’re unlikely to forget their phone when they go to the gym.
In addition, since the access codes are generated in real-time, users can’t share their codes with anyone else, and when someone scans or taps into the facility, you can log who it was. Access can be granted and revoked in real-time on a per-user basis, making these systems the most powerful and flexible in terms of both ease of use and security.
Get Access Control Systems For Your Facility with InnerTelligence Today
At InnterTelligence, we offer a variety of access control systems for gyms and other types of businesses. If you’re looking for a way to keep your gym or leisure facility secure while offering convenient access options for your customers, get in touch with us.
Please give us a call at 1300 312 184 or leave an enquiry to learn more about integrated access control and CCTV security solutions today!
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