In recent decades, cloud-based access control has emerged as a game-changer within modern security solutions, offering unprecedented flexibility and convenience. Among the variety of solutions available, ProdataKey (PDK) and Kisi are two leading providers, each with distinctive capabilities tailored to the needs of diverse markets. This article sheds light on PDK and Kisi’s key features and advantages to reveal how they stack up.
ProdataKey Overview
Since its founding in 2011, ProdataKey (PDK) has become a prominent player in the cloud access industry. The company is well-known for its innovative mobile-first solutions designed to streamline administration and boost security and convenience for users. The ProdataKey mobile app is the centerpiece of the PDK experience, offering seamless remote access and real-time management from any location.
ProdataKey’s flexible hardware, robust software, and integration capabilities make it a standout option for various applications. Whether managing a small office, a large enterprise with multiple sites, or a residential community, the platform accommodates growth effortlessly with scalable products and customizable permissions. PDK’s Open API enables integration with 3rd-party platforms, like video surveillance, intrusion alarms, and HR software, to create comprehensive solutions.
Kisi Overview
Kisi is another notable player in the cloud-based access control market, well-known for its user-friendly interface, hands-free access experience, and safety features. Kisi can be a standalone solution or integrated with existing access systems, allowing users to keep the keycards and readers they already have as long as the bit formats are compatible. Kisi also offers usage analytics in its standard software package, providing essential insights into occupancy levels and entry data.
Similar to ProdataKey, Kisi offers mobile access capabilities, allowing some users to remotely unlock doors through the Kisi mobile app. The app provides other vital functionalities, including activity monitoring and management. Additionally, Kisi supports touchless entry via their Reader Pro hardware and BLE technology to provide convenient access, especially in high-traffic areas.
PDK + Kisi Hardware Solutions
Both PDK and Kisi offer robust hardware solutions with unique strengths and capabilities. Kisi offers one reader option, the Kisi Reader Pro. The Kisi Reader Pro connects to the Kisi Controller Pro via Wiegand protocol to authorize access to secured entries. Reader Pro accepts a variety of credentials, including RFID, BLE, and 3rd-party NFC, as well as remote unlocking and motion sense entry via the Kisi mobile app. Kisi currently offers two controller options, the Controller Pro 2 plus an option with an onboard Wiegand board to integrate with existing Wiegand readers. The Controller Pro 2 can control up to four doors, unifying them into one centralized interface.
ProdataKey offers extensive reader and controller options to customize solutions for any application. PDK’s reader options include vandal-proof, touch-free, and keypad readers to meet the diverse needs of customers. PDK’s best-selling product line is PDK Red. The entire PDK Red series is Wiegand and OSDP compatible, providing ultra-secure and standardized connectivity between readers and controllers. Through OSDP, firmware updates are pushed directly to the reader, improving its capabilities and security levels at any time. Red readers accept high-security RFID cards and fobs, BLE, and mobile unlocking via the ProdataKey app.
PDK’s diverse controller options drive scalability and optimize installation costs. Red controllers range from single-door to outdoor controllers to the Red Max, a customizable board that can scale up to 24 doors. With automatic self-discovery, PoE++ power options, plug-and-play connectivity, and ethernet or proprietary WiMac, ProdataKey has earned a reputation as one of the most straightforward systems in the industry to install.
Integrations Comparison
Integration of multiple platforms is the key to designing a cohesive technology infrastructure for businesses and organizations. Kisi integrates with various smart building software, video surveillance solutions, and other 3rd-party platforms to automate operations. Currently, two of Kisi’s video security partners, Cisco Meraki and Eagle Eye Networks, are available in a ready marketplace, making the integration quick and simple to get running. Other Kisi 3rd-party integrations may require complex video setup.
ProdataKey emphasizes video surveillance integration, offering several readily available solutions that don’t require installing a driver or lengthy configuration. PDK works with the leading video security platforms Hanwha, Digital Watchdog, Turning, and SpotAI to elevate building security, allowing teams to manage systems like never before. Monitor live video feeds, link footage with access activity, initiate software triggers, and more from one window. Beyond VMS, PDK’s OpenAPI allows customers to integrate with many other platforms, including hardware solutions, design software, and more.
Software Review
An intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface is critical to optimizing organizational processes and driving revenue. Kisi offers two software plans, standard and enterprise. With Kisi’s standard software, the system admin can configure access groups, create schedules, and get real-time alerts. Still, event logs and remote access may only be available to certain specially provisioned users. The enterprise plan has additional licenses, elevator controls, and intrusion detection features.
ProdataKey offers one powerful software plan that is effective for both small businesses and enterprises alike. PDK’s software platform includes essential features like unified management of multiple locations, elevator controls, mobile access, system health insights, custom rules, intrusion detection alerts, and more— without hidden fees. The user interface is highly rated by integrators and customers for its usability, requiring little to no training, even for less tech-savvy users.
When it comes to ProdataKey vs Kisi, both have taken notice of the low-volt industry, delivering cutting-edge cloud-based access control solutions for various applications. Kisi’s hands-free access and straightforward interface have made the company popular. While ProdataKey’s versatile hardware, video integrations, and advanced software have earned them high ratings and multiple industry awards. In reviewing their features, functionality, and pricing, customers can make an informed decision based on their specific needs and priorities.
