PIN Code Terminal: The Ultimate Guide
As businesses across the UK seek efficient and secure ways to manage workplace access, PIN code terminals have emerged as a popular and cost-effective solution because these systems allow businesses to control who enters specific areas, enhancing security while streamlining access for authorised personnel.
If you want to learn more information or the pricing of clocking-in-systems, you can do so here.
Useful links from our article
What Are PIN Code Terminals?
Pin Code Terminal Providers in the UK
How Do PIN Code Terminals Work?
Benefits of PIN Code Terminals
Limitations and Considerations of PIN Code Terminals
What Are PIN Code Terminals?
A PIN code terminal refers to a type of security device that allows access to specific areas based on the entry of a unique pin number. So, employees, visitors, or contractors enter their PIN on a keypad, and the system will then verify the code against a database – if the PIN matches, access is granted; if not, access is denied.
Pin Code Terminal Providers in the UK
How Do PIN Code Terminals Work?
PIN code terminals operate using a straightforward process:
- The individual inputs their unique code into the keypad of the terminal.
- The terminal checks the entered PIN against a pre-set database of valid codes.
- If the code matches, the system unlocks the door or gate, and vice versa.
- Many systems log access attempts, providing a record of who entered and at what time.
Fun fact!
Because of their simplicity and ease of use, PIN code terminals are widely adopted across industries like offices, healthcare facilities, retail, and manufacturing.
Benefits of PIN Code Terminals
- Cost-effective access control
Compared to more advanced biometric systems, PIN code terminals offer a low-cost solution for managing access because you don’t need to buy any physical hardware aside from the keypad door lock.
- They are easy to use
PIN code terminals are intuitive and easy for employees to use, as with just a simple code to remember, there’s no need to carry extra cards or devices.
- They can scale with your business needs
For businesses with growing teams or evolving security needs, PIN code terminals offer flexible scalability and you can easily add new PINs for new employees or update access permissions as needed.
- You can customise your access levels
PIN code systems allow businesses to set different access levels based on employee roles (for example, a manager might have a master PIN code that provides access to all areas of the building, while a regular employee might only have access to common areas).
- No risk of losing physical credentials
Unlike key cards or fobs, which can be lost, stolen, or damaged, PIN codes just rely on your employee’s memory.
Limitations and Considerations of PIN Code Terminals
While PIN code terminals offer many advantages, there are also some limitations and factors to consider before implementing them in your workplace (the same with any clocking-in system!)
One of the biggest concerns with PIN code systems is the risk of PIN sharing, meaning that employees might share their codes with colleagues or other unauthorised individuals, unermining the security of the system.
Our advice:
To mitigate this risk, we think it’s important to regularly update PINs and monitor access logs to detect any suspicious activity.
- Limited authentication
Unlike biometric systems that use unique physical traits such as fingerprints or facial recognition, PIN code terminals rely solely on what a person knows—their PIN.
Our advice:
If you require more security, consider combining a pin code terminal with facial recognition technology or another form of biometric system.
- Remembering PINs
For employees, especially those with access to multiple areas, remembering different PINs can become a challenge and forgotten PINs can lead to people being late or not being able to get to where they need to go.
- Maintenance and updates
PIN code terminals, like all access control systems, require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly. Over time, the system’s database will need updating as employees join or leave the company.
Our advice:
We suggest you set a reminder to regularly review and update the system’s security settings, and remember to update the pins if employees leave the company.
PIN Code Terminal – Other Useful Links About Clocking-in-systems
Hi, I’m Ally Cox, a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.
With over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems.
Before joining CompareYourBusinessCosts, I worked across various industries, gaining hands-on experience in HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology.
My goal is simple: to help UK businesses make informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.
