Key takeaways
- Keyless entry systems in Chicago provide modern, convenient, and secure alternatives to traditional keys for both residential and commercial properties.
- Property managers can save time and reduce maintenance costs by using digital credentials instead of rekeying locks.
- Different access methods, including keypads, card/fob systems, mobile apps, smart locks, and biometrics, provide flexible solutions for various property types.
- Investing in keyless entry enhances security, improves tenant or employee satisfaction, and adds long-term value to properties.
- Keyless entry systems enable property owners to monitor and control access remotely, facilitating the safe management of tenants, employees, and visitors.
For both homeowners and property managers in Chicago, security is always top of mind. Traditional keys, while familiar, are increasingly being replaced with smarter alternatives. A keyless entry system in Chicago offers convenience, stronger access control, and a modern way to protect your property. Whether you manage a multifamily building downtown or own a home in the suburbs, keyless entry provides a reliable and scalable way to enhance security.
In this guide, you’ll explore what keyless entry is, why Chicago residents are adopting it, and the benefits of a keyless entry system.
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What is a keyless entry system?
A keyless entry system is a modern security solution that lets you do away with traditional metal keys and replace them with electronic credentials. Instead of turning a physical key in a lock, you can unlock doors using a variety of digital methods, making access faster, more secure, and easier to manage.
One of the most common types of keyless entry systems you’ll encounter is the keypad. With this option, you simply enter a unique code to unlock the door. As a property manager, you can assign different codes to different people, which makes it easy to track access and update codes if security needs change. This option is especially popular for single-family homes and smaller businesses in Chicago because it’s both simple and reliable.
Why Chicago is shifting toward keyless entry
Chicago is a bustling city with dense neighborhoods, high-rise buildings, and a diverse range of property types. With so many people moving in and out of your building every day, relying on old-fashioned locks and keys can leave you vulnerable.
Common challenges you may face as a property owner in Chicago include:
- Lost or stolen keys. In larger buildings, replacing lost keys or rekeying locks quickly becomes expensive.
- Unauthorized access. Traditional keys are easy to duplicate, creating ongoing security risks.
- High tenant turnover. If you manage rentals in Chicago’s fast-paced housing market, you need a flexible solution that allows you to update access quickly.
- Convenience expectations. Today’s residents and business tenants expect technology-driven solutions for everything from paying rent to unlocking doors.
5 keyless entry options in Chicago
Property owners and managers exploring access control in Chicago have several types of keyless entry systems to choose from. Each option offers its own set of advantages, and the right choice depends on the property’s layout, level of security required, and the convenience features residents or tenants value most.
Here are the top five keyless entry products for your Chicago property:
- Keypad entry systems
- Card and fob access systems
- Mobile access control systems
- Smart locks
- Biometric systems
1. Keypad entry systems
Keypad entry systems remain one of the most common solutions for both residential and commercial properties. Instead of carrying a traditional key, you enter a PIN to unlock the door. You’ll appreciate these systems because they are affordable, easy to install, and simple to maintain. You can also change or reset codes quickly, which is especially useful if you manage multifamily properties or offices with frequent staff or tenant turnover.
2. Card and fob access systems
Card and fob systems are particularly popular in Chicago offices and multifamily communities. Each person receives a credential, either a card or a fob, that can be tapped against a reader for access. With this option, you gain greater control, as credentials can be assigned, limited, or revoked at any time. In addition, some systems allow you to restrict access to specific hours, giving you an added layer of security for workplaces and shared residential buildings.
3. Mobile access control systems
Mobile access is becoming increasingly common in Chicago, where convenience and flexibility are highly valued. These systems allow you or your tenants to use smartphones as digital keys, unlocking doors through a secure app, Bluetooth, or NFC. You’ll benefit from the ability to issue or revoke access remotely, while your residents enjoy granting temporary entry to visitors, service providers, or delivery drivers, even when they aren’t on-site.
4. Smart locks
Smart locks are often chosen for single-family homes, condos, and smaller rental properties throughout Chicago. Controlled either through a mobile app or an integrated keypad, they provide a simple yet effective solution if you want to modernize property access without a complex installation. If you host short-term rentals, smart locks are especially beneficial. You can issue temporary codes to guests and set them to expire automatically, eliminating the need to exchange physical keys while also improving security.
5. Biometric systems
Biometric systems represent the most advanced form of keyless entry, relying on fingerprints, facial recognition, or other unique identifiers. While these systems are more expensive, they provide unmatched security, making them ideal if your property requires stricter access control. In Chicago, biometric systems are often installed in high-security facilities such as research centers, corporate offices handling sensitive information, or financial institutions. If you’re seeking top-tier protection, biometrics deliver both precision and peace of mind.
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Benefits of installing a keyless entry system in Chicago
If you’re considering upgrading your property’s security, a keyless entry system gives you the tools to improve safety, convenience, and control. Whether you manage an apartment building, own a business, or live in a single-family home, you’ll find plenty of advantages when you make the switch.
- Improved security. A keyless entry system reduces the risks associated with lost keys, copied keys, or unauthorized entry. Since your access is tied to cloud-based credentials, you can immediately revoke entry whenever needed.
- Enhanced convenience. You no longer need to carry physical keys. Instead, you can manage entry through mobile apps, PIN codes, or fobs, making your day-to-day access simpler.
- Scalable for all property types. Whether you live in a single-family home in Lincoln Park or manage a 50-unit apartment complex in the West Loop, access control systems in Chicago can scale to fit your building size.
- Detailed access audits. You’ll have visibility into detailed logs of who enters and exits your property. This added transparency improves accountability and helps deter unwanted behavior.
- Flexible credential management. Instead of rekeying locks after a tenant leaves, you can simply deactivate their digital credentials. This not only saves time but also reduces your ongoing costs.
Keyless entry use cases in Chicago
Keyless entry systems provide practical benefits for a wide range of property types and stakeholders in Chicago. Different users experience unique advantages depending on their needs, property size, and security requirements.
Here are some use cases for keyless entry systems:
Property managers
You benefit from keyless entry by reducing maintenance costs and improving tenant satisfaction. With electronic credentials, you don’t need to worry about frequent rekeying or managing physical keys, which saves both time and money. You can issue and revoke access instantly, track building activity, and provide tenants with flexible options for granting temporary access to guests or delivery personnel. This level of control enhances the overall resident experience in multifamily and mixed-use buildings across Chicago.
Business owners
Keyless entry systems help you protect your office and limit access to authorized personnel only. Employees can be issued individual credentials, which you can monitor and deactivate when necessary. Time-based access restrictions also help prevent unauthorized entry after hours, adding an extra layer of security for sensitive areas. In Chicago, keyless systems offer both convenience and a reliable way to safeguard your property and assets.
Developers
If you’re a developer, keyless entry is a valuable feature to include in new construction projects. Modern access control systems appeal to prospective tenants and buyers by enhancing security while adding a high-tech element to your property. Incorporating keyless entry into apartments, condominiums, or office buildings helps you differentiate your projects in Chicago’s competitive real estate market, making your properties more attractive to tech-savvy residents and businesses alike.
ButterflyMX: A robust choice for keyless entry in Chicago
When choosing a keyless entry system, property owners and managers need a solution that balances security, convenience, and long-term value. ButterflyMX is installed in over 20,000 buildings and has established itself as a leading choice across property types, offering reliable access control for buildings nationwide.
Why multifamily, commercial, and mixed-use developments depend on ButterflyMX for secure, key-free access:
- Versatile solutions for different property types
- Seamless integration with existing systems
- Cloud-based management and remote access
Versatile solutions for different property types
ButterflyMX caters to multiple property types, ensuring that each environment receives a solution tailored to your needs:
- Multifamily properties. Provides secure access to main entrances, interior doors, and shared amenities, helping you maintain control while improving resident convenience.
- Office buildings and co-working spaces. Streamlines employee access and visitor management, allowing you to monitor who enters the building and when.
- Retail locations and small businesses. Enhances security with mobile-based access, offering you a modern solution without the need for traditional keys.
- Gated communities. Offers smart gate entry and remote management to help you improve security for residents and vehicles.
Seamless integration with existing systems
A modern keyless entry system must work with a property’s existing infrastructure. ButterflyMX integrates smoothly with:
- Property and visitor management platforms. Ensures all your access credentials are up to date and easy to manage.
- Security cameras and video surveillance. Provides real-time monitoring and audit trails for enhanced security.
- Smart locks, elevators, and access control systems. Creates a unified ecosystem that simplifies overall security management.
Cloud-based management and remote access
ButterflyMX operates entirely on a cloud-based platform, removing the need for on-site hardware management.
Property managers can:
- Grant or revoke access from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges.
- Monitor entry activity in real-time and generate detailed access reports.
- Issue temporary Visitor Passes to guests, delivery personnel, or contractors.
Keyless entry systems in Chicago FAQs
- How much is it to install a keyless entry system?
- Are there downsides to keyless entry systems?
- How much does it cost for keyless entry?
How much is it to install a keyless entry system?
For residential properties, installation can range from $150 to $500 per lock. For larger commercial systems in Chicago, costs may range from $1,000 to $3,000 per door, depending on the technology and features chosen.
Are there downsides to keyless entry systems?
Yes, while keyless systems are secure and convenient, they do have potential drawbacks. For example, systems reliant on electricity or WiFi may face outages. Additionally, higher upfront costs can be a barrier for some property owners. Regular maintenance and software updates are also necessary to ensure peak performance.
How much does it cost for keyless entry?
The cost depends on the type of system. A simple smart lock may cost just a few hundred dollars, while a multi-door electronic access control system in Chicago could cost several thousand dollars. Property owners should weigh upfront expenses against long-term savings.
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