The pitch for access control is always the same: revoke a credential instantly instead of rekeying. That benefit is real. However, it is not automatically worth the cost, and the answer depends on how often your staff actually change.
The problem access control solves
Keys cannot be revoked, only collected. Consequently an employee who leaves without returning one creates a problem you can only fix by rekeying. By contrast, a credential is disabled in seconds. Furthermore, access can be limited by time, so a cleaner's fob works evenings only. Therefore the benefit is control rather than convenience alone.
When keys are still the right answer
A stable team of four who have held the same keys for years gains very little. Consequently a restricted keyway costs far less and solves the copying problem.
What it genuinely costs
Hardware, wiring, a controller and installation, plus ongoing credential management. Consequently a single door is rarely worth it, whereas five or six doors changes the arithmetic. Additionally, some proprietary controllers lock you to one installer for the life of the system. Therefore ask that question before signing anything.
The fire code catch
Any door on an escape route must open from inside without a key, a code or power. Consequently maglocks need a request-to-exit device and a fail-safe arrangement. Moreover a locked exit is a serious compliance failure as well as a danger. Therefore design around egress first and convenience second.
The middle option people miss
A master key system with restricted keyways gives you most of the control at a fraction of the cost. Specifically, each person opens only what they need, blanks cannot be copied over a counter, and every key is logged against a holder. Consequently for many small businesses this is the better answer, and we will say so.
Questions we get about this
Is access control worth it for one door?
Rarely. Consequently a restricted keyway usually makes more sense.
Can we revoke a fob instantly?
Yes. That is the main advantage over keys.
What happens in a power cut?
Depends on the hardware. Therefore we design with a fallback and an egress device.
Will it meet fire code?
It must. Exits always open from inside without power.
Can we start small and expand?
Yes, if the controller supports it. Ask before buying.
