How to Integrate Digital Keys with Your Existing Access Control System

Migrating from traditional keycards to digital key systems doesn’t have to mean ripping out your entire access infrastructure. In fact, many modern smart lock providers offer APIs, SDKs, and modules that allow you to extend your current access control system — securely and cost-effectively.

This guide explains how to integrate digital keys with your existing system, what tech is required, and the most common pitfalls to avoid.

🧱 Step 1: Assess Your Current System

Before anything else, evaluate your existing infrastructure:

• Access Control Software: Is it open, closed, or hybrid? Does it offer an API or integration layer?
• Locking Mechanisms: Electromechanical locks, wired relays, or legacy badge readers?
• User Management: Centralized or per-building? Manual or automated?
• Connectivity: Are your doors/gates online (LAN/Wi-Fi) or offline?

Example: Systems like SALTO, HID, or ROGER offer different levels of integration compatibility.

🔌 Step 2: Choose a Compatible Digital Key Platform

Look for a vendor that supports:

• API-based integration (REST/GraphQL)
• SDKs for mobile apps (iOS, Android)
• Support for BLE, NFC, or QR
• Cloud-based credential management
• Role-based access and time restrictions

Top-tier solutions like SALTO KS, Tapkey, or Noke often offer plug-ins or bridges for existing ACS systems.

🧠 Step 3: Plan Your Integration Architecture

There are 3 common models:

1. Cloud-to-Cloud Integration

✅ Fast to implement
✅ No on-prem servers
🚫 Depends on stable internet

2. Middleware/API Gateway

✅ More control
✅ Hybrid (local + cloud)
🚫 Requires dev team to maintain

3. Direct Hardware Integration

✅ Native commands to access points
🚫 Hardware lock-in risk
🚫 Higher vendor dependency

Diagram: [Smartphone App] → [Digital Key API] → [Access Middleware] → [ACS / Smart Locks]

🔒 Step 4: Secure the Data Flow

Access control = security-critical.

• Use OAuth2 or JWT for user authentication
• Ensure end-to-end TLS encryption
• Log all access events + sync with your SIEM/logging tools
• Set access TTLs (time-to-live) for temporary keys
• Enable MFA for admin control panels

Tip: Verify if the system is GDPR or ISO 27001 compliant, especially in regulated industries.

🧪 Step 5: Test in a Controlled Environment

Before a full rollout:

• Use test users, roles, and units
• Check mobile app behavior in weak signal areas
• Simulate account revocation and emergency overrides
• Test fallback (e.g. PIN code if BLE/NFC fails)

🚀 Step 6: Go Live & Monitor

After integration:

• Monitor logs for failed access attempts
• Train your team and create SOPs
• Integrate digital key issuance with user onboarding
• Run periodic security audits

🧠 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

✅ Conclusion

Integrating digital keys into your existing access control system is not only possible — it’s becoming standard in 2025. The right approach lets you combine modern mobile access with legacy infrastructure, reducing costs while improving security and user experience.

Whether you're managing a co‑working space, hotel, warehouse, or office building — the right integration unlocks a future‑ready access system.