Mobile Property Access with VirtualKey & Geofencing

VirtualKey is Gate Sentry’s mobile access solution that allows users to open gates, doors, and amenity entry points directly from their smartphone.

Instead of relying on traditional hardware credentials such as remotes, key fobs, or access cards, each authorized user receives a secure mobile credential linked to their account. This credential allows them to open access points through the Gate Sentry mobile app.

When a user taps VirtualKey in the app, the system securely communicates with the property’s access control system and opens the gate or door instantly. The entire process happens within seconds and does not require physical hardware to be distributed or managed.

Because the credential exists digitally within the user’s account, access can be granted, modified, or revoked in real time through the administrative portal. This provides property managers and administrators with far more control than traditional physical credentials ever could.

VirtualKey effectively turns a resident or user’s smartphone into their access credential.

Why Mobile Access Is Becoming the Standard

For decades, access control systems relied on physical devices like remotes, key fobs, keycards, or keypad codes. While these systems worked, they often created operational challenges for property managers and administrators.

Devices are lost. Remotes break. Fobs are shared between people who should not have access. Keypads require ongoing maintenance and code updates. Managing physical credentials across a large property can quickly become complicated and expensive.

Mobile credentials solve many of these issues because the access credential is tied to a specific user and their device, rather than a piece of hardware that can be easily passed around.

Since most people already carry their phone everywhere, VirtualKey eliminates the need for residents or users to keep track of an additional device.

No Hardware to Carry, Lose, or Replace

One of the biggest advantages of VirtualKey is that it removes the need for physical access devices.

Traditional systems require administrators to distribute remotes or fobs to every user on the property. When those devices are lost, stolen, or damaged, they must be replaced and reprogrammed. Over time, these replacement costs and administrative tasks can add up.

With VirtualKey, access credentials exist digitally within the user’s account. If a user loses their phone or replaces it with a new one, they simply log into their account again and regain access.

There is no hardware to collect, redistribute, or reprogram.

This greatly reduces the administrative burden associated with managing access devices.

Instant Access Management for Administrators

Another major advantage of VirtualKey is the level of control it provides administrators.

Through the Gate Sentry portal, property managers or administrators can:

• Grant access to new users instantly
• Update permissions for existing users
• Remove access immediately if needed
• Manage multiple access points from one dashboard

Changes take effect in real time. There is no need to physically retrieve devices or manually reprogram hardware on-site.

For example, if a tenant moves out or a user should no longer have access to an amenity, administrators can revoke access immediately through the system.

This real-time control helps properties maintain tighter security while simplifying daily operations.

Access Across the Entire Property

VirtualKey can be used across a wide range of entry points within a community or property.

These access points may include:

• Vehicle gates
• Pedestrian gates
• Pool entrances
• Fitness center doors
• Clubhouses
• Amenity buildings
• Side gates or secondary access points

Instead of managing different systems or credentials for each location, VirtualKey allows communities to control access across the entire property through a single platform.

This unified approach helps reduce complexity while improving visibility into how access is being used throughout the property.

Built-In Activity Tracking

Every time VirtualKey is used, the action is recorded in the system.

Administrators can view logs that show:

• Which user opened an access point
• When the access occurred
• Which gate or door was opened

This level of visibility creates a clear audit trail and provides communities with better oversight of how access credentials are being used.

If questions ever arise about who opened a gate or door at a particular time, administrators can quickly review the activity logs.

A Mobile-First Approach to Access Control

Smartphones have become the central device people use throughout their daily lives. They manage banking, travel, communication, and increasingly, access to buildings and properties.

VirtualKey takes advantage of this shift by turning the smartphone into a secure access credential.

By using mobile credentials instead of physical hardware, communities can provide a modern access experience while reducing the operational complexity that often comes with traditional access systems.

At the same time, administrators retain full control over how access works across their property.

Flexible Access Configuration

While mobile access provides convenience, different communities have different preferences when it comes to how access should function.

Some communities prefer maximum convenience and allow users to open gates from anywhere. Others prefer additional control and want to ensure that access only works when someone is physically near the gate or amenity.

VirtualKey supports both approaches.

Communities can choose whether mobile access works from any location or whether it should be restricted using geofencing so that users must be near the access point before it activates.

This flexibility allows properties to balance convenience and security based on their specific needs.