There are a few ways that using your smartphone for members to access the gym will enhance security and reduce theft in unlawful use or unverified use. Here are a few reasons the currently used system hac s shortfalls:

  1. Key fobs are actually copyable

    . And it's not really hard to do. RFID technology requires a card reader at your front door and the fob has a frequency that one how close is encrypted and programmed to know if it should unlock your door.

  2. Sharing fobs and cards

    . The problem is that the fob is a tiny piece of plastic that I could share with other people. And when people are coming in with a shared fob you don't have a waiver on file you're open to liability and essentially it's theft and trespassing.

  3. Barcodes aren't any better

    . With a barcode style access system the user gets in the unique barcode that is good for a short period of time usually they receive this at the door. However a barcode reader will scan any copy of that barcode. So if a member screenshots it and texts it to a friend, that friend can use that barcode to get into your gym presenting the same problems as key fobs or cards.

Secure Your Gym Like Never Before – This is the Future!

  1. Unique Identification

    : Each smartphone has a unique device code tied to the user’s account, which prevents unauthorized duplication. Unlike key fobs or barcodes that can be copied or cloned, device-based codes are more challenging to replicate without the physical device and user credentials.

  2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

    : Smartphones can

    leverage additional security layers like biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition)

    before granting access. This level of authentication is not possible with simple key fobs or barcodes.

  3. Remote Management

    : With Kinect’s cloud-based system Smartphone access can be managed remotely, allowing instant updates, such as revoking access if the device is lost or a user no longer has permission. Key fobs or barcodes would require manual retrieval or reprogramming.

  4. Reduced Risk of Loss

    : People are less likely to lose their smartphones compared to key fobs, which can easily be misplaced or fall into unauthorized hands. If they do then generally they get a replacement fast. All they need to do get into the gym is download the app and login again. And the best part, once they do that, the previous phone no longer has access.

  5. Audit Trail

    : Smartphone access systems often log entries in real time, providing a detailed record of who accessed the fitness facility and when. This audit capability enhances security monitoring and accountability, which key fobs and barcodes do not typically offer.

  6. Expense:

    if you have an electronic door strike it's free to set up smart phone access with the Kinect system. Barcode and key fob or key card access systems require additional hardware at the gym door like RFID reader's Bluetooth readers and scanners.

No More Keys! Discover the Security of Smartphone Gym Access!

But how many people would share their phone? Seriously I'm pretty sure my daughter goes into major anxiety if she can't find her phone for 30 seconds. There's not a chance on the earth my wife would let me take her cell phone to the gym for an hour and a half. Sharing smartphones just doesn't happen. And since the smartphone has a unique device code it can't be copied. Using a smartphone with a unique device code for building access over Wi-Fi or even Bluetooth, offers enhanced security compared to key fobs, access cards and barcode readers for several reasons:Overall, smartphone-based access provides a more robust, flexible, and easily managed security solution, minimizing vulnerabilities associated with traditional access methods.This post is part 6 of my blog series, How Smartphone-Based Gym Access and Cloud Software Can Empower Gym & Fitness Centre Management. Designed to guide small to mid-sized gym owners through the latest in fitness technology, each article builds on the last—like chapters in a book. I draw from my own experience growing my gyms to show how smartphone-based access and management can truly simplify the gym owner’s journey. If you missed Part 5: Gym Access Wow Factor clickhere. Next Up: Cost Savings and Scalability, which will cover How the Kinect software and integrated access system saves money for All for Gym Owners.