Why Add Plastic Key Tags To Your Existing Access Card System?

If your organization already uses an RFID or magnetic stripe access control system, you’re familiar with the benefits of keyless entry. While standard credit card-sized key cards work well, adding plastic key tags to your system can significantly enhance convenience and user satisfaction.

Many facilities rely exclusively on full-sized access cards, but key tags offer unique advantages that make them the perfect complement to your existing system. These compact accessories attach directly to key rings, ensuring access credentials are always available when needed.

What Are Plastic Key Tags?

Plastic key tags are compact versions of standard access cards, designed specifically for keychain attachment. These small but powerful devices work with the same RFID, NFC (Near-Field Communication), or magnetic stripe technology as your current access cards.

Unlike full-sized cards that often end up forgotten in wallets, purses, or desk drawers, key tags remain conveniently attached to your keys, items people instinctively carry everywhere.

Key tags come in different forms compatible with your existing systems:

• RFID Key Tags: Uses radio waves to communicate with your current scanners
• Magnetic Stripe Key Tags: Works with traditional swipe readers
• NFC Key Tags: Compatible with tap-based access points
• Barcode Key Tags: Scans with the same readers as your card system

Why Add Key Tags to Your Existing Card System?

Always Available on Keyrings

The biggest advantage of key tags is their constant availability. While traditional cards often get left behind or misplaced, key tags remain attached to key rings that users already habitually carry, reducing lockouts and access frustrations.

Increased Convenience

Their small size makes key tags less cumbersome than carrying a full-sized card. Users appreciate the streamlined experience of simply tapping their keys rather than searching for a card in their wallet or badge holder.

Brand Visibility

Key tags create ongoing brand exposure as they’re visible to others whenever keys are used. This passive marketing opportunity extends your organization’s visibility beyond your physical location.

User Preference

Many people simply prefer the convenience of key tags over cards. Offering both options shows you value user preferences and are committed to providing flexible access solutions.

Cost-Effective Addition

Adding key tags to your existing system requires no infrastructure changes. They work with your current readers and software. This makes them an affordable enhancement to your access control system.

Create durable, custom membership cards that boost brand loyalty and give your members a premium experience

Growing Preference for Key Tags vs. Full-Sized Cards

While traditional access cards remain important, key tags are gaining popularity for several reasons:

• Reduced Forgetting: Studies show people are less likely to forget their keys than their access cards
• Easier to Carry: No need for special badge holders or lanyards
• Higher Satisfaction: Users report greater satisfaction with key tag options
• Fewer Replacements: Key tags typically have lower loss rates than cards, reducing replacement costs

As organizations focus on improving user experience, offering key tags alongside traditional cards has become a best practice in access management.

Benefits of Adding Key Tags to Your Access System

1. Complementary Access Method

Key tags aren’t meant to replace your card system but to complement it. Providing both options allows users to choose what works best for their habits and preferences.

2. Reduced Lockouts and Administrative Burden

When access credentials are attached to keys, fewer people get locked out or need temporary access. This reduces administrative work and improves security by decreasing the need for exceptions.

3. Brand Visibility and Marketing

Unlike cards hidden in wallets, key tags display your organization’s logo or message whenever keys are visible. This creates thousands of brand impressions as keys are used throughout the day.

4. Durability for Daily Use

Key tags are designed for the rough handling that comes with being on a key ring. They’re typically more durable than standard cards, with reinforced attachment points and resistance to bending.

5. User Satisfaction

Providing options shows you value user preferences. Many people strongly prefer key tags, and making them available improves overall satisfaction with your access system.

Stand out with premium plastic business cards that leave a lasting impression and reflect your brand’s quality

How Key Tags Compare to Standard Access Cards

Industries Benefiting from Adding Key Tags

Adding key tags to existing card systems provides benefits across various industries:

Corporate Offices

Employees appreciate the convenience of key tags for daily office access, reducing instances of being locked out when they forget their cards but have their keys.

Residential Communities

Residents strongly prefer key tags for accessing common areas and entrances, as they naturally carry their home keys anyway.

Fitness Centers and Gyms

Members consistently rate key tags as more convenient than cards for check-in, with lower loss rates and higher satisfaction.

Hotels and Hospitality

For staff access, key tags provide a practical alternative to cards that must be worn on lanyards or clips.

Educational Institutions

Faculty and staff benefit from having key tag options for accessing buildings and restricted areas, complementing student ID cards.

Drive repeat business with custom discount key tags that keep your brand in your customers’ pockets

How To Implement Key Tags in Your Existing System

• Order Compatible Tags: Ensure the key tags match your current system’s technology

• Offer as an Option: Allow users to choose between cards and key tags

• Dual Issuance: Consider providing both for maximum flexibility

• Program Identically: Configure key tags with the same access permissions as cards

• Brand Effectively: Utilize the key tag’s surface for logos and important information

Final Thoughts

Adding plastic key tags to your existing card access system is a simple enhancement that yields significant benefits. By providing this convenient alternative, you improve user experience, reduce lockouts, increase brand visibility, and demonstrate responsiveness to user preferences.

As access control continues to evolve, the combination of traditional cards and key tags offers the best of both worlds, the formal identification capabilities of cards with the always-available convenience of key tags.

Are you looking to enhance your existing access card system? DuraCard provides high-quality plastic key tags designed to work seamlessly with your current infrastructure. We offer customizable options to complement your access cards, with combo packages available for complete solutions.

Have questions or need a custom quote? Our team is here to help—reach out today!