
ProdataKey (PDK) provides sophisticated cloud-based access control solutions for anyone who is looking to elevate their security. The advanced PDK.io platform provides all users with countless access control features that can be used to create the highest functioning system for any individual’s unique needs. But in order to make sure that our users are making the most of this security technology, we’d like to highlight a couple PDK features that can make your access management easier and more efficient than ever.
RECOMMENDATION: Send your customers this article to remind them of all that they can do with their PDK system!
Setting Group Rules
When you’re using an access control system, the most fundamental parts of that system are access rules–the rules that determine whether or not users can use their credentials to open certain doors. These access rules can be set on an individual level and on a group level. Group rules, in particular, are a useful feature that make it easy and quick to make large scale changes and adjustments.

PDK’s Technical Support Manager, Jeromy Stokes, describes the importance of Group rules with the following example: “Even if you have a ten person system and you give each person individual rules – let’s say access from eight to five – if you want to change that rule, you’ll need to make ten different changes. But if you put all ten of those people into one group, and give that group a rule, then you only need to make one change.” Group rules are also a useful tool when you need to set different schedules and levels of access for distinct groups of people. “Maintenance people, cleaning people, admins, security, and so on.” Jeromy explains.
You can make groups for everyone, and then give them the proper credentials for their specific areas and schedules
Jeromy Stokes - PDK Technical Support Manager
So whether you’re running a small business of ten people or a corporation with multiple locations and thousands of employees, making use of Group rules saves time and eliminates the burden of manually updating individual rules in accordance with large changes.
Creating a Map View
In PDK.io, the States page provides different options for users to view the devices in their system. An often under-utilized feature of this page is the Map View. Rather than working with a simple list of devices (as available in the Doors and Devices View), the Map View allows users to upload a blueprint or image of their space and place device icons in their corresponding spots. “Each door can be labeled, like ‘Jeromy's Door’ or ‘Brach’s Door’, and you can actually put the icon for the door right over the top of that doorframe on the map,” says Jeromy.

By setting up a Map View, you not only get a realistic digital representation of your space and system, but you can also interact with your devices from this same view. To open a door, for example, all you need to do is click the intended device icon and select “Open”. Multiple maps can also be linked together, making it easier than ever to switch between views of different floors of a building or separate areas of a facility.
Receiving Push Notifications
Push notifications are notifications that keep you up to date on activity within your system. Users can customize their push notifications and determine what specific activities or events they want to be updated on. For instance, a user can receive a notification when a door position sensor is triggered, or when a door is propped. These notifications are sent directly through the ProdataKey mobile application. This means that unlike other forms of notification sent via email or text, PDK push notifications are only sent to users that are registered within the system and have the app downloaded. This keeps your system and information extra secure.

And if you missed a notification while offline, there’s no need to worry!
“Inside the app there's a notification center, a bell up on the top right, that stores all your push notifications. So even if you don’t see it come through in the moment, you can always go back and check what notifications you’ve received,”
Jeromy explains. By setting up push notifications, you can always stay up-to-date on all the important activity happening in your ProdataKey access control system.
ProdataKey Makes Access Management Simple
At the end of the day, ProdataKey wants to provide access control solutions that are reliable and easy to work with. Physical security is an integral part of any space, so managing that security shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why PDK offers access control features like Group rules, Map Views, and push notifications. These features, as well as the countless others found in PDK.io, guarantee that all end users can manage their system in the most effective and knowledgeable way possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is access control in security?
Access control is a type of security solution that allows building managers and administrators to control peoples' access to specific areas and entry points.
What is a group rule?
A group rule is a feature in PDK.io that allows you to set an access rule for a group of people. This makes large scale rule adjustments easy and quick to complete.
What is ProdataKey's Map View?
ProdataKey's Map View is a feature that allows users to view a digital representation of their system, where device icons can be placed in corresponding areas of a site blueprint or image.
What are PDK Push Notifications?
Push notifications are alerts that keep you updated on specified activities in your access control system.