How to Create an Efficient Visitor Management System with CellGate Digital Access Credentials

In today’s fast-paced world, property managers and HOA boards are constantly looking for ways to enhance security while simplifying daily operations. The old-fashioned system of metal keys, buzzing in unknown guests, and manually tracking visitors is no longer sufficient. It’s time-consuming, prone to security gaps, and inconvenient for residents/tenants and staff alike. The future of property access is digital, and it’s powered by modern visitor management systems that use secure, flexible access credentials.

These digital solutions (sometimes called virtual keys or Visitor Passes in the industry) replace physical keys and fobs with secure credentials sent directly to a smartphone. They offer unparalleled control and convenience, allowing property managers to grant, monitor, and revoke access from anywhere, at any time. For dealers and installers, this technology represents a significant opportunity to provide clients with a solution that boosts property value, improves user satisfaction, and streamlines operations. As a pioneer in wireless access control since 2006, CellGate is leading the charge with a comprehensive suite of digital access credential solutions.

Key Takeaways:

• Digital Access credentials eliminate physical keys and simplify visitor entry through QR or PIN codes for properties using dealer-installed CellGate systems.
• Three types of digital access credentials – aka Visitor Passes – serve different visitor needs: recurring credentials, temporary event credentials, and single-use credentials.
• These access credentials can work through CellGate readers, Watchman visitor management solutions and certain Entria controllers – essentially across all CellGate product lines.

What Are Visitor Passes?

In simple terms, Visitor Passes are digital keys. They are unique, secure access permissions sent via text or email to a person’s smartphone, allowing them to enter a property without a physical key or fob. Instead of duplicating metal keys that can be easily lost or copied, property managers can issue a digital credential with just a few clicks.

For apartments, gated communities, and commercial properties, this technology is a game-changer. It eliminates the hassle of key management for residents, staff, and vendors. Need to let a plumber in for a one-time job? Send a single-use credential. Have a dog walker who regularly walks resident dogs? Issue them a recurring credential before their first visit. This level of customization and control is made possible through a cloud-based access control platform like CellGate’s TrueCloud Connect™, which works seamlessly across all professionally installed CellGate systems.

Three Types of Digital Access Credentials You Can Offer

CellGate’s platform is designed for flexibility, allowing property managers – and their residents (if granted this ability) –  the ability to issue three distinct types of digital Visitor Passes to cover every possible scenario:

• Recurring Credentials: These are the equivalent of an ongoing digital key, ideal for long-term contractors or ongoing property visitors like babysitters or a resident’s family members. They provide ongoing access until manually revoked by the property manager or the resident themself (assuming the property manager has extended this functionality to them).  Day and time window restrictions can also be incorporated with recurring credentials–restricting the visitor’s access to only the days of the week and times of day they should be on the property. 
• Temporary Credentials: Perfect for short-term access needs. You can set these credentials to be active for a specific window of time, from one hour to seven days. These are ideal for vacation rentals, weekend guests, or movers who only need access for a short period of time.
• Single-Use Credentials: For maximum security, these credentials expire after one use. They are the perfect solution for food deliveries, one-off service appointments, or granting access to a prospective tenant for a self-guided tour.

Learn more about Visitor Pass types.

How Mobile Credentials Enhance Security

One of the biggest concerns with any access system is security. Mobile credentials access control from CellGate is inherently more secure than traditional methods.

• Photo Records: When a Visitor Pass is utilized on a system like a Watchman® Video Intercom, every access event is documented with a photo and time & date stamp, creating a detailed log of who entered the property, with what credential and when.
• Cannot Be Copied: Unlike a metal key, a digital credential cannot be duplicated easily. Dynamic QR code access control refreshes after each use with Recurring Credentials, making screenshots useless.  
• Restrictions.  Having 3 credential options (recurring, temporary, single-use) with varying degrees of permitted use based on who they are issued to and why, increases security compared to metal keys or fobs that do not support a restricted number of uses, day or time windows. 
• Instantly Revocable: If an employee leaves or a security concern arises, access can be revoked instantly from the TrueCloud Connect™ portal or the CellGate mobile app, no matter where you are.

How Digital Access Credentials Work Across CellGate Systems

Our digital access credentials are not limited to a single product; they are integrated across our entire ecosystem, ensuring you can design the perfect system for any property.

All access credentials are managed through TrueCloud Connect™ and/or the CellGate mobile app.

Which CellGate Systems Support Digital Access Credentials?

Flexibility is key. Whether you are installing a new system or upgrading an existing one, CellGate has a solution.

• Watchman® Multi-Family Models: All our multi-family Watchman® models (WXL/WXL2, W480/W482, W461/W462) natively support Watchman® QR or PIN code Visitor Passes.
• Watchman Single-Family Models:  The W410 and W450 single-family Watchman models support PIN codes.  If QR Code Visitor Passes are also desired, a bracketed Infinity Reader can be added to read QR codes. 
• OmniPoint® Systems: Add CellGate Infinity readers to any OmniPoint® installation to provide both QR and PIN code access to a gate/door; add a Digit reader when PIN code access only is needed.
• Entría™ Systems: Single-door controllers include an integrated backlit keypad and QR code reader, supporting both QR or PIN code Visitor Pass credentials upon installation. Four-door Entría™ controllers can pair with a CellGate Infinity reader to support a full range of QR or PIN code access credentials, or with a Digit reader to support PIN codes only.

This component-based approach allows you to tailor a system precisely to a property’s needs, from a single gate entrance to a complex network of access points, including both doors and gates. 

Easy Installation Process

For dealers, time is money. CellGate’s “wireless where you need it, wired where you have it” philosophy simplifies installation. Our systems require only power and a stable internet connection (via cellular or Ethernet), reducing the need for extensive trenching and wiring. Plus, our dealer and customer support teams are always ready to help, with an average weekly hold time of under one minute.

Setting Up Digital Visitor Passes for Your Customers

Once a system is professionally installed, administration management is handled through TrueCloud Connect™. This intuitive, cloud-based portal is hosted on the highly secure Microsoft Azure platform and allows property managers to:

• Add or remove users and residents.
• Issue and manage all three types of Visitor Passes.
• View detailed activity logs with photos and timestamps.
• Integrate with popular property management software like Yardi and RealPage.

As a CellGate dealer, you can set up your clients’ accounts, provide initial training, and offer ongoing support, establishing a valuable long-term relationship.

Common Setup Scenarios

• Small Apartment Building (20-50 units): A single Watchman® W461 at the main entrance provides a video intercom and QR or PIN code Visitor Passes for visitors.
• Large Complex (100+ units): A Watchman® WXL at the main vehicle gate, paired with OmniPoint® systems and CellGate readers at building entrances and the pool gate, creates a unified, property-wide access control solution.
• Gated Community: The Watchman® W480 is ideal for vehicular gates, offering live video and flexible Visitor Pass options for guests and contractors.

Selling Digital Access Solutions to Property Managers

When speaking with property managers, focus on the benefits that directly impact their bottom line and daily workflow.

• Top Benefits: Highlight enhanced security, resident convenience, and major improvements in operational efficiency. Digital Visitor Passes can reduce time spent on visitor management by up to 75%!
• Return on Investment: A digital access credential solution isn’t an expense; it’s an investment. A modern access control system is a premium amenity that attracts and retains high-quality tenants. It also reduces costs associated with needing multiple on-site personnel for access management, plus the cost of re-keying locks and managing physical credentials.
• Enhanced Security: Recurring QR codes prevent sharing, and all access is logged and easily revocable. The cloud platform’s robust security provides peace of mind.

Getting Started as a CellGate Dealer

Joining the CellGate dealer network gives you access to cutting-edge products, comprehensive training, and dedicated support. We are committed to our dealers’ success, providing the tools and resources you need to grow your business and deliver exceptional value to your customers. From branded service to marketing materials, we’re your partner in access control.

Ready to offer your clients the most advanced visitor management system on the market?

Become a CellGate Dealer

The CellGate Advantage: Secure, Simple, and Smart Access Solutions 

The era of the metal key is fading. Modern properties demand modern solutions, and digital Visitor Passes are the future of secure, efficient visitor management. They provide unparalleled control for property managers, ultimate convenience for residents, and robust security for everyone. As a CellGate dealer, you can deliver this future today, backed by a company that has been a pioneer in wireless access control since day one. With our reliable technology and unwavering support, you’ll be equipped to meet the growing demand for smarter, safer properties.

FAQs about Visitor Management Systems

What are CellGate Visitor Passes, and how do they work?
CellGate Visitor Passes are digital keys (like QR codes, PIN codes) sent to a user’s smartphone via text or email. After professional installation of designated CellGate products, property managers can issue Visitor Passes through the TrueCloud Connect™ portal, allowing visitors to access a property by scanning a QR code using their phone at a CellGate device or reader, or by entering a PIN code.

Can residents create their own access credentials for guests?
Yes, depending on the permissions set by the property manager. The CellGate system can be configured to allow residents to issue temporary or single-use access credentials to their guests directly from the CellGate mobile app, with all activity logged for the manager to review.

How long do temporary access credentials remain active?
A temporary credential can be set to be active for any period from one hour up to seven days, after which it automatically expires.

Which CellGate systems support mobile credentials?
All of them! Watchman® multi-family models have built-in capabilities for QR or PIN codes. OmniPoint® and Entría™ systems support the full range of mobile credentials, including when paired with our professionally installed CellGate readers.

What happens if a visitor loses their access credentials?
If a visitor loses the phone containing their credential, the property manager can instantly revoke that specific credential from the TrueCloud Connect™ portal to ensure the property remains secure. A new credential can then be issued just as quickly.  All of this can be done remotely, without the need for on-site personnel. 

Can access credentials be restricted to specific times or dates?
Absolutely. All access credentials can be configured with specific schedules, restricting access to certain days of the week or hours of the day. This is ideal for managing access for vendors, cleaning crews, or part-time staff.

How are mobile credential access attempts tracked and reported?
Every access attempt—successful or failed—is logged in real-time in TrueCloud Connect™. The log includes the user’s name, the date and time of the event, the specific entry point, and, with Watchman® systems, a photo of the event is also taken for a complete audit trail.