Wireless electronic cylinders and hardware are rapidly gaining ground on traditional mechanical locking systems. This is not surprising, as wireless electronic cylinders (as part of an electronic access control system) offer significantly more flexibility and a higher security level. Moreover, they can lead to cost savings.

Mechanical key systems are still in use, sometimes in combination with an access control system on a few important (exterior) doors. However, mechanical key systems do have some disadvantages, especially compared to a more flexible electronic access management system.

Mechanical key systems: the disadvantages

To begin with, managing a mechanical key system is time-consuming and therefore costly. Usually, several different key levels are defined. The administrator of the key plan must keep track of who receives which key level and to whom a key has been issued. If a key is lost, all cylinders at that level should ideally be replaced. Unfortunately, this often does not happen in practice. Furthermore, due to the desired security level, there is a deliberate choice for (more expensive) keys with key patents. However, after a certain period, these patents expire, after which the keys can be reordered from any locksmith. This creates a security risk that was precisely intended to be prevented. Moreover, with mechanical locks, it is not possible to restrict access for certain individuals outside working hours. Access rights can only be granted or revoked by issuing or retrieving a key. Mechanical key systems are therefore expensive and difficult to manage. Furthermore, they are often not foolproof, and there is no visibility into who opens which doors.

The advantages of wireless, electronic cylinders

Effective access management often begins with an access control system on the most essential doors, such as exterior doors. Less frequently used doors are not yet adapted for cost reasons. Precisely for these doors, wireless electronic cylinders and hardware are an ideal solution. As part of an access management system, users can then open both the exterior door and the interior doors for which they are authorized, using a single key or pass. The administrator can see at a glance who has access rights to which doors. Furthermore, adjusting rights for a user or group of users is a matter of pressing a button. Cards that are not returned upon termination of employment or that have been lost can be immediately blocked. If you compare the acquisition and management costs of an electronic management system against those of a mechanical key system, you will often find it more cost-effective, especially when considering all the possibilities and advantages of electronic access management. The cost advantage is greatest when access management needs to be expanded in existing buildings.

Different versions

Wireless electronic locks and cylinders are available in three different versions:

  • Electronic cylinder: only the cylinder needs to be replaced. The disadvantage is that the cylinder always has to be turned manually.
  • Electronic escutcheon: only the existing hardware is replaced by a battery-powered system with a card reader. The presented card/tag in combination with the door handle activates the lock.
  • Electronic lock: the existing lock in the door is replaced by an electronic variant, and a card reader is placed on the door, which is connected to the lock and activates it. This allows for freedom in the choice of hardware.

Conversion is easy

The conversion to an electronic access management system is straightforward. Locks can generally be retained, and cylinders and hardware can be easily exchanged. Structural modifications are minimal because the card reader is integrated into the hardware or the cylinder. Wireless electronic locks operate on batteries and typically need to be replaced every 2 to 3 years. This is automatically indicated in advance via the access management system.

Advantages of wireless electronic cylinders compared to mechanical locks:

  • Management is simple and clear
  • Access rights can be easily adjusted
  • Passes/tags are significantly cheaper than keys
  • No delivery times for issuing keys
  • Fully integrated into your access control system
  • Only one pass or tag left for all doors