The Retailer’s Guide to Mobile Access Control: 5 Key Benefits

More than half of small businesses report experiencing theft on a weekly basis. This is largely due to poor access control. Traditional access control methods—like physical keys—are slow, inefficient, and risky. Keys get lost, access is impossible to track, and the whole system creates frustration for both staff and customers.  

So, what’s the solution? Your smartphone. 

Think about this—the average person checks their phone at least 58 times a day. In countries like Brazil and the Philippines, people spend over five hours daily on their phones! Our smartphones have become an extension of us, helping us manage nearly every aspect of our lives. We use them to pay bills, stream movies, unlock our homes, and even check on pets while we’re away. So why should retail security be any different? 

In this blog, we’ll break down how mobile access control is the ultimate tool for protecting your store from retail theft.  

How Mobile Access Control Works in Retail 

Key cards have replaced physical keys in some settings, but they’re mainly used for building entrances. They don’t solve the challenge of controlling access in retail, where employee turnover is high. Biometric scanners are costly and impractical for retail, where access is needed for hundreds or thousands of retail products—not classified research or high-security facilities. 

With mobile access control, smartphones become digital keys. This technology relies on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing employees to securely unlock restricted areas without physical keys or PIN codes. NFC enables quick, tap-to-unlock access by requiring close-range communication between a smartphone and a lock. BLE, on the other hand, works over a greater distance, allowing doors or cabinets to unlock automatically when an authorized device is nearby. 

Retailers using mobile access control can improve security while streamlining store operations. Here’s the key benefits of mobile access control: 

1. Unlock Merchandise Faster and Increase Sales 

A customer in a high-end electronics store is ready to make a purchase—but the display case is locked. They’re already dreading the process: finding an associate, explaining what they need, waiting while the associate tracks down the key (if they even have it), and hoping the right one actually works. As the minutes tick by, frustration builds. Instead of waiting, they walk away, leaving a lost sale behind. 

Mobile access control reduces the wait. Employees can unlock display cases in seconds using a mobile device. No more searching for keys, no more delays—just fast, seamless service that keeps customers engaged and sales flowing. 

InVue’s LIVE Locks make it even easier. These smart locks are designed for retail and operate using a smartphone or store-issued mobile device. Instead of fumbling with keys, employees simply swipe or tap their phone to unlock a case. The device’s screen clearly shows whether the lock is engaged or released, eliminating any guesswork. No lost keys, no unnecessary steps—just a better shopping experience that keeps customers from walking away. 

2. A Future-Proof Solution to Secure Merchandise 

Just like fashion trends, the moment a retailer installs one security solution, a newer one is already on the horizon. Whether it’s upgrading hardware or installing the latest tech, the cycle is expensive and time-consuming. And with traditional access methods, losing a key or compromising a display case often means rekeying every lock in the store—a costly, labor-intensive process. 

Mobile access control eliminates that hassle. Instead of replacing locks every time security technology advances, retailers can update their system with software. There’s no need for frequent hardware changes, and lost keys no longer mean store-wide rekeying. If a mobile device is misplaced, access can be revoked instantly from a central platform—saving time, money, and stress. 

3. Gain Full Visibility and Control Over Employee Access 

Managing employee access with physical keys is a logistical headache. Keys can get lost or forgotten, creating security risks and inefficiencies. With mobile access control like smart locks, you can assign digital credentials to employees and grant specific access based on their role. For example, Jane may have access to the electronics section, while John can access high-risk household items. 

The mobile access app is intuitive and familiar to employees, so there’s no learning curve. Employees simply use the app to unlock displays, which reduces the time spent on training. Unlike traditional locks, mobile access creates a complete log of who accessed what and when, making it easy to monitor activity and address any potential security issues. If something goes missing, you’ll know exactly who accessed the display last, giving you the visibility you need. Plus, you can manage and monitor access across multiple locations remotely from a single platform, ensuring consistent security across all your stores. 

Another advantage of mobile access control is that employees cannot authenticate as someone else. Jane can’t use John’s credentials to access restricted areas, which adds an extra layer of security. Permissions can also be updated quickly, whether you’re changing access for a seasonal employee or adjusting privileges after a promotion. With mobile access, you have full visibility and control, no matter where your stores are located. 

4. Enable Self-Service for Customers 

Self-service shopping is becoming more popular, and mobile access control through smart locks makes it possible without sacrificing security. With smart locks, customers can use a store’s app to receive a one-time access code, allowing them to unlock a display case and retrieve a product without waiting for an employee. Since the code expires after use, customers don’t have repeated access, keeping security intact while improving convenience—especially during peak hours when staff are busy. 

Smart locks also streamline deliveries. If a store is expecting a shipment, drivers can be granted a one-time access code to a secure area, allowing them to drop off goods without staff assistance. 

By enabling self-service and controlled access, smart locks with mobile access control create a smoother shopping experience while maintaining security and operational efficiency. 

5. Integrate Easily with Your Existing Systems 

Adopting new technology shouldn’t mean overhauling your entire setup. Smart locks are a mobile access control solution designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing systems—no need to replace your current software, security platforms, or even physical displays. 

InVue’s Smart Locks can be built into custom cabinetry, retrofitted onto existing fixtures, or relocated as needed. Their flexibility makes them an easy addition to any retail environment, whether you’re updating a single store or rolling out a large-scale deployment. As your business grows, these smart locks scale with you, allowing for a smooth expansion without disrupting operations. 

Because they integrate so easily, smart locks allow retailers to create a complete security ecosystem. Instead of relying on separate, disconnected solutions, you can incorporate mobile access control across stockrooms, display cases, and high-value merchandise areas—all managed from one platform. This not only simplifies store operations but also ensures every item, from consumer electronics to luxury goods, is secured in a way that’s both effective and convenient for employees. By unifying security under one system, retailers gain better visibility, enhanced control, and a seamless shopping experience for customers. 

How to Get Started with Mobile Access Control 

Implementing mobile access control in your store is simpler than you might think. With the right approach, you can seamlessly transition to a more efficient and secure access system. Here’s how: 

Evaluate your needs: Start by assessing your store’s security requirements. Identify high-risk areas like display cases, stockrooms, and high-value merchandise. Determine which spaces need controlled access and prioritize them for mobile access control. 

Contact InVue for expert guidance: Not sure which smart lock solution fits your store? InVue offers a range of options, including LIVE Locks and OneKEY Locks. Our team can help you choose the best system to meet your needs. 

Integrate Smart Locks into your store: Once you’ve selected your smart locks, integrating them into your store is easy. InVue’s mobile access solutions work seamlessly with existing retail operations, ensuring minimal disruption during setup. 

Train your staff: Proper training ensures smooth adoption. Make sure your employees and loss prevention teams understand how to use mobile access control, manage security settings, and respond to access logs. 

Monitor access and boost sales: With mobile access control in place, you can track who accesses secured areas in real time. Adjust permissions as needed, identify trends, and use insights to improve both security and customer service—helping drive sales and protect inventory. 

By following these steps, you’ll create a smarter, more secure, and more efficient store environment with mobile access control. 

Future-Proof Your Store’s Security with InVue 

You already have the very tool you need to secure your store right at your fingertips. With mobile access control, you’re not just upgrading your security system—you’re preparing for the future.  

At InVue, our locks integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, improve efficiency, and provide enhanced security all while offering a user-friendly experience for both staff and customers. 

Ready to take the next step in upgrading your retail security? Contact us today to see how InVue’s mobile access control solutions can streamline your operations and boost your security.