12 innovative ways to open a door with Door Cloud

1. Mobile app access

Imagine no longer having to carry around physical keys or access cards that can easily be lost or stolen. With the Door Cloud app, your smartphone becomes the only key you need. The app offers an intuitive user interface where you can view a list of the doors you are authorized to access. To open a door, simply tap on the name in the list, making the process seamless and efficient.

In addition to convenience, the mobile app also increases security. Smartphones are equipped with advanced security features such as biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) and secure encryption protocols. This means that even if your device falls into the wrong hands, unauthorized access is significantly weakened. What's more, access rights can be updated in real time, allowing administrators to grant or revoke permissions immediately if required.

The mobile app also supports remote access features that allow you to open doors even when you are not physically present. This feature is particularly useful for managing access in dynamic environments where flexibility is key. Overall, the Door Cloud mobile app represents a significant step forward in access control technology as it combines convenience with robust security measures.

2. Key link for guests

Welcoming guests, visitors or service staff should not be a tedious process that requires the exchange of keys or complicated procedures. Door Cloud's Key Link feature simplifies guest access by providing a simple and secure way to grant temporary access without the need for additional applications or hardware.

With Key Link, hosts can send a secure web link to their guests, allowing them to open the doors they want. This link is usually sent via email, SMS or chat and directs the guest to a website where they can access the door control. The process is very simple: the guest clicks on the link, taps the "Open" button on the website and the door is opened.

This method is particularly beneficial for one-time visitors or people who only need temporary access, such as delivery staff or contractors. The guest does not need to download an app or set up an account, simplifying the experience and reducing barriers to entry. Hosts can specify which doors the guest can enter and set time limits to ensure security.

3. Possibility of remote opening

In an increasingly connected world, the ability to manage access control remotely is not just a luxury, but often a necessity. Door Cloud's remote opening feature allows authorized users to open doors from virtually anywhere, as long as they have internet access. This feature provides unparalleled flexibility and responsiveness, allowing businesses to quickly adapt to dynamic situations.

Imagine you are on a business trip and a colleague urgently needs to retrieve a document from your office. With remote access, you can open the door for them via the Door Cloud app or the web interface, no matter where you are. This avoids delays and increases productivity as access is not hindered by physical absence.

The remote opening feature is also valuable for building management, as it allows administrators to grant access to maintenance staff, cleaners or emergency responders outside regular business hours. It streamlines operations by reducing the need for on-site attendance and enabling quick responses to unforeseen events.

4. Physical card access

Despite the increasing prevalence of digital solutions, physical access cards are still an integral part of many companies due to their simplicity and reliability. Door Cloud seamlessly integrates traditional card-based access control into its platform, offering a hybrid solution that combines the best of both worlds.

Access cards, often in the form of RFID or smart cards, provide a straightforward method of access. Users hold their card up to a reader installed on the door, and if they are authorized, the door is opened. This method is fast and does not require smartphones or an internet connection, making it accessible to a larger number of users.

For businesses, managing access cards can be cost-effective and efficient, especially when dealing with large numbers of employees or visitors. The cards can be easily issued, deactivated or reassigned as required. They can also be used for two purposes, often as a badge or with additional functions such as time recording.

Integrating card access into Door Cloud enables centralized management and enhanced security features. Administrators can monitor card usage, set access levels and receive real-time notifications of access events. This integration ensures that organizations benefit from advanced management features even when using traditional methods.

5. NFC tags for localized access

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology offers a unique blend of physical presence verification and digital convenience. By using NFC tags placed at entry points, Door Cloud increases security and optimizes the access process by ensuring that users are physically present at the door before they are granted access.

When an NFC-enabled smartphone is brought near an NFC tag, the tag sends data that can be read by the Door Cloud app, even if the app is not actively open. This interaction triggers the app to send an unlock request for the door in question, making the process faster and more efficient than navigating through menus.

This method is particularly beneficial in environments where verification of the user's physical presence is crucial. It reduces the risk of unauthorized remote access and ensures that doors are only opened when someone is actually on site. It also speeds up the access process, which can be crucial in busy areas or in situations where time is of the essence.

NFC tags are also relatively easy to install and maintain. They are small, unobtrusive and can be placed on or near doors without major modifications. This makes them a cost-effective way to improve security and user convenience without extensive infrastructure changes.

6. Notifications when the door is approached

Door Cloud goes one step further with Door Proximity Notifications, a feature that uses geolocation and proximity technologies to further optimize access. When the user approaches a door, they receive a notification on their smartphone, allowing them to unlock the door with a single tap, without having to open the app.

This method reduces the friction often associated with access control. Users no longer have to search for their keys or cards or navigate through an app. The system anticipates their needs based on their location, ensuring a seamless and efficient access process.

The technology behind this feature uses GPS, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Wi-Fi signals to determine when a user is within a certain radius of a door. The app then triggers a push notification, which the user can tap to unlock the door. This hands-free approach is particularly beneficial in situations where the user has their hands full or needs to open the door quickly.

Companies can configure this feature according to their security policies, for example by setting approach thresholds or only enabling the feature for certain doors. Users also have control over their notification settings, ensuring that the system is in line with their personal preferences and privacy concerns.

7. Biometric readers

In environments where security is paramount, biometric readers offer an unparalleled level of protection. By using unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints, facial features or iris patterns, biometric access control ensures that only authorized individuals are granted access, virtually eliminating the risk of credential disclosure or theft.

Biometric readers capture a user's biometric data and compare it with stored templates. If a match is found, the system grants access. This method is extremely secure, as biometric features are almost impossible to duplicate or forge. In addition, users do not need to carry physical tokens, which reduces the risk of lost or stolen credentials.

Implementing biometric access control can also improve the user experience. The authentication process is usually quick and does not require users to memorize PINs or passwords. For organizations, biometric systems provide detailed audit trails that record exactly who has accessed certain areas and when, which is invaluable for compliance and security monitoring.

8. Bluetooth connectivity

Connectivity issues should not affect security or accessibility. Door Cloud's Bluetooth functionality ensures that users can access doors even when the internet connection is unavailable and provides a reliable backup method that maintains business continuity.

When either the user's device or the door controller is offline, the Door Cloud app automatically switches to Bluetooth mode. In this mode, the smartphone communicates directly with the door controller via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The authentication data is securely stored and transmitted so that access remains secure even without internet access.

This feature is particularly useful in environments where the network connection is unreliable, such as underground facilities, remote locations or areas with strict network policies. It provides peace of mind that access control will not be interrupted due to technical issues beyond the company's control.

In addition, the Bluetooth connection is encrypted and therefore protected against unauthorized interception. The transition between online and offline mode is seamless and requires no additional action on the part of the user, ensuring smooth access.

9. Administrative blocking and unblocking

In situations that require immediate action, the ability to control doors directly is crucial. Door Cloud gives administrators the ability to lock and unlock doors remotely, regardless of predefined schedules or access rights. This level of control is essential for maintaining security and responding effectively to emergencies.

Using the Door Cloud management interface, administrators can view the status of all doors in their area of responsibility and execute commands as required. In the event of a security breach, for example, doors can be locked immediately to prevent unauthorized movement. Conversely, in the event of an evacuation, the doors can be unlocked to allow people to leave the building safely and quickly.

10. Time-controlled locking and unlocking

Efficiency and consistency are key to access management. Door Cloud's scheduling feature allows organizations to automate the locking and unlocking of doors based on predefined times and dates. This ensures that access policies are consistently enforced without the need for manual intervention.

By setting up schedules, doors can be automatically opened at the start of business hours and locked at closing time. This is particularly useful for facilities with regular operating hours, such as offices, schools or retail stores. The schedule can also take into account public holidays, weekends or special events, providing the flexibility to adapt to different operational requirements.

Automation relieves the burden on security staff and minimizes the risk of human error, such as forgetting to lock a door. It also increases security by ensuring that doors are not left unlocked outside the permitted times.

11. Toggle mode operation

In certain environments, doors need to remain open or closed for extended periods of time and manually managing these operations can be inefficient. Door Cloud's Toggle Mode provides a flexible solution by allowing authorized users to easily toggle a door between locked and unlocked status.

In toggle mode, the state of the door changes by presenting an authorized credential (e.g. a card or mobile app). If the door is locked, it is unlocked and remains so until it is toggled again. This is particularly useful in classrooms, meeting rooms or function rooms where the doors need to remain open so that you can move around freely.

This method reduces the need for constant monitoring operations. It allows users to manage access as required in real time, without the need for administrative intervention. It also puts less strain on locking mechanisms as the door does not need to constantly switch between locked and unlocked status.

12. Traditional mechanical key

Despite advances in access control technology, the traditional mechanical key remains an indispensable part of security systems. It serves as a reliable backup method that ensures access is always possible, even if electronic systems fail.

Mechanical keys work independently of power sources and networks and are therefore immune to failures or technical faults. They are easy to use and familiar to virtually everyone as they require no training or special equipment.

For businesses, maintaining mechanical locks provides a layer of redundancy. In emergency situations where electronic access is compromised, mechanical keys ensure that doors can still be secured or opened if necessary. They are also useful in low-traffic areas where the cost of installing electronic access control may not be justifiable.

However, mechanical keys must be carefully managed to prevent unauthorized duplication and must be stored carefully. They do not have the advanced security features of electronic systems, such as audit trails and remote management, but their simplicity and reliability make them a durable aspect of access control.

Are you ready to change your access control system?

Access control is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. With Door Cloud's extensive range of methods, companies can customize their access systems to meet specific requirements, increase security and improve usability.

By integrating traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, Door Cloud offers a flexible, scalable and future-proof access control solution.

Discover how Door Cloud can be customized to meet the unique needs of your business. Contact us today to arrange a consultation or request a demo. Let's open doors to new possibilities together.

• More information: Door Cloud Product Webpage