ProdataKey announced that its revolutionary “touch io” Bluetooth reader is now shipping. When installed as part of a pdk io access control system, the new readers allow users who have installed a mobile credential on their smartphone to enter a controlled door by simply touching their hand to the reader, making it the most convenient mobile solution on the market. There’s no need to unlock the smartphone, or even remove it from a pocket or purse.

For employees preferring not to use mobile credentials, the readers are also compatible with traditional key cards and fobs. Unlike other Bluetooth offerings, the touch reader differentiates between the use of an electronic credential and encrypted Bluetooth authentication, providing a record of presented credential type to the pdk io system’s events log.

This capability allows administrators to limit use of mobile credentials to certain times of day, and can assist in actively identifying misuse or sharing of cards or fobs between employees.

In addition to superior convenience, the touch io brings enhanced levels of security for the communication between smartphones and access control door readers.

The individual’s identity is validated through communication directly between his or her credentialed device and the reader, via Bluetooth, bypassing the need for internet or cellular connectivity.

A combination of machine-learning algorithms that learn door opening patterns, combined with directional antennae placed on each side of controlled doorways, ensure that credentials are not inadvertently validated when employees pass in proximity to the doors from the unlocked side.

Mobile credentialing is available as part of the pdk io affordable system licensing plan, offering users an unlimited number of credentials for a low, per reader, annual subscription.

System administrator can easily generate and assign these to employees with just a few clicks from within the pdk io software management interface.

“The release of our touch io Bluetooth Readers provides PDK dealers with a tremendous competitive advantage in their ability to offer customers a mobile credentialing option that redefines the product category,” said Cory Jackson, VP of Strategic Sales at ProdataKey.

“Quite frankly, many earlier smartphone credentialing solutions have not delivered the convenience they were designed to deliver; employees ultimately found it easier to carry a fob than fumble with a phone. Touch io delivers on the promise of a truly seamless, effortless user experience.”

ProdataKay (PDK) is a leading innovator of networked cloud-based access control products and services.