Door monitoring: security and peace of mind for your building

In both the private and business sectors, you want to know whether the doors for which you are responsible are really securely locked . With door monitoring, you can get an overview from anywhere and receive a notification in the event of abnormalities and critical situations. Find out now how door monitoring works and what options there are.

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What is door monitoring?

A door monitoring system is a system for the digital control of doors. It shows in real time whether a door is open, closed, or locked, even remotely. A combination of sensors, software, and app is often used for this purpose. Door monitoring systems also report when a door has been open for too long or has not been locked properly. They increase safety in buildings and are even required by law in many areas.

Typical functions of a door monitoring system:

• Display of the door status (open, closed, locked)
• Remote monitoring via app or software
• Alarm when the door is not locked or opened for too long
• Connection to digital locking systems
• Documentation and legal traceability

How door monitoring works

Digital access control is needed for intelligent door monitoring. An electronic locking system, such as the one available from BlueID, is excellent. If the basic prerequisite is met, further details of the door monitoring can be determined. Some opt for a system with a camera, so that the door can be monitored directly via a monitor. Others link the door monitoring to their mobile phone, for example to be able to access the condition of the door at any time via app and to be notified in the event of abnormalities.

In order for a door monitoring system to fulfil its desired function, a special sensor must be installed. In most cases, digital locking systems are equipped with this feature. It is therefore worthwhile to consider door condition monitoring when purchasing a new system.

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These are the options available for door monitoring

The simplest and most practical option is electronic door monitoring. It can be used, among other things, to monitor escape routes. In this variant, the escape doors are not locked, but only monitored. With the help of door contact monitoring, you can find out if the escape door is opened without authorisation. This is often noticeable by an acoustic or visual signal. In the case of networked systems, such a message is also possible centrally.

Fewer and fewer companies are also using mechanical locking systems. And when these are installed, an extension regularly takes place with the digital counterpart. The fact is that electronic locking systems are today's standard.

This is partly due to the fact that they have a wide range of options to offer – such as door monitoring. A conventional digital locking system allows you to keep track of who has gained access to which premises and when. In most cases, this function is already sufficient to be able to understand everything relevant. Sometimes, however, further door condition monitoring is necessary.

Monitoring is particularly relevant for the following types of doors:

• Exterior doors
• Doors to server rooms
• Fire doors
• Doors to medicine cabinets

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In these cases, it is usually not enough to just know the status – i.e. whether the door is open or closed. Rather, intelligent door condition monitoring is required for further information.

Thus, the following applies: Which form of door monitoring is suitable for you depends on many individual factors such as your personal preferences and mandatory requirements.

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Door monitoring sensor: how does it work?

A door monitoring sensor is a technical system for real-time monitoring of doors. It reliably detects whether a door has been opened, closed or manipulated and transmits this status to a central control unit, often via radio, WLAN or Bluetooth. Magnetic or proximity sensors are often used, which are discreetly attached to doors. In modern buildings, these sensors can be integrated into access control systems and smart building solutions. They enable automatic notifications and help prevent unauthorized access without the need for physical patrols.

Door condition monitoring explained in simple terms

Door condition monitoring is a digital solution for checking the current status of a door, i.e., whether it is open, closed, locked or possibly tampered with. Such systems are used wherever security and access control are particularly important, such as in administrative buildings, data centers or medical facilities. The door statuses are usually recorded automatically and can be viewed centrally via software or app. In the event of abnormalities, such as a door that has been open for too long, an immediate report will be made. This not only ensures greater security, but in many cases also meets legal requirements in the context of fire protection or access control.

Camera Door surveillance: More than just a glance

The door monitoring camera adds a visual component to classic sensor technology and thus offers additional security. Permanently installed IP cameras or flexible WLAN cameras can be used to monitor door areas around the clock. The image data is transmitted live and automatically recorded if necessary. Access via smartphone or computer is particularly practical, which enables location-independent control. Camera surveillance is suitable for private entrance areas as well as for commercial properties, storage areas or security-critical company areas. Modern systems combine motion detection, night vision and GDPR-compliant storage for seamless monitoring.

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Advantages of door monitoring

Of course, each system is structured slightly differently. Nevertheless, most door monitoring products have the following advantages:

• Comprehensive overview according to the user's needs
• Quick and easy installation
• Rapid commissioning

In addition, an action can often be taken directly via the software or app . For example, if you are informed that a certain door cannot be opened, you can arrange for a remote opening.

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When is door monitoring worthwhile?

Door condition monitoring can be useful in many cases. If many employees work in a company building with several entrances, it takes a lot of time to check all the doors after work. It is more efficient and faster with a door monitoring system that gives the company management a quick overview.

In the case of fire doors, appropriate monitoring is also useful. They must be closed at all times. Only then can they fulfil their purpose and prevent it from spreading in the event of a fire. Therefore, if a corresponding door is open, the system immediately informs a facility manager or other responsible person. This is not only relevant for safety, but also for insurance coverage. If compensation is claimed after a fire, door monitoring can provide the necessary proof that the obligations have been fulfilled and that the fire doors were closed.

Door condition monitoring is also of great interest to operators in apothecary cabinets and server rooms. There are certain safety guidelines that must be adhered to. Whether it's prescription drugs or sensitive data, unauthorized access can cause a lot of damage. Intelligent door monitoring ensures that a door is not open for too long by sending out a message.

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Result

Thanks to door monitoring, you always have an overview of the status of your doors. Depending on the system, you can not only see which doors are open and which are closed. You can also see if doors are locked or who gained access last . Depending on the area of application and industry, different functions and possibilities are required. At BlueID, there are therefore different solutions that can be individually tailored to your needs.