Access control is no longer just about doors and credentials, it’s about speed, simplicity, and putting control where people actually need it. ProdataKey (PDK) was built around that idea, delivering a cloud-native, mobile-first platform that prioritizes simplicity for both installers and end users. To dig into what makes PDK different, we spoke with Couper Sorenson, Senior Product Manager at ProdataKey, about PDK’s solutions and how customer feedback continues to shape the platform’s evolution.

Why PDK Stands Out

One of the things that makes ProdataKey stand out in the world of access control is the company’s focus on the cloud. This not only differentiates the company, but it allows them to create solutions that only get better with time.

“One of the greatest values of a cloud-based system like ours is that you can get automatic updates,” Couper explains.“We deploy features all the time that are adding value for our customers and you get them instantly, no need to plug anything in or get an update that’s going to take several hours to complete.”

With PDK, updates happen quietly in the background, so customers are always benefitting from the latest features and improvements.

A Mobile-First Mindset

ProdataKey’s cloud-based solutions allow you to manage a system without being on-site. Over time, the company has taken that flexibility even further by adopting a mobile-first mindset and developing the PDK Access application.

“Any configuration that you can do within PDK.io on a desktop, you can also do through your phone on our app. If you need to let somebody in, if you need to check the state of something, if you need to lock doors down—you can do all of that from your mobile device. You have all the power and flexibility that you could possibly need right there in your hand,” says Couper.

On top of the management capabilities, the PDK Access app is also home to ProdataKey’s mobile credentials, introducing even more convenience for the end user.

A Solution for Any Industry

After fifteen years of providing quality access control products, ProdataKey’s solution has become a go to for a variety of industries.

“In the early days of PDK, we built a reputation of being a simple small business solution. But as we’ve developed a product and offering that is really compelling in new spaces, we’re really starting to see it in all sorts of environments: school districts, municipal buildings, retail stores, HOAs, and more. PDK has really become a great solution for a lot of verticals.”

A feature that has allowed PDK to become so wide-spread was the introduction of multi-site management in PDK.io 2.0.

“Something we’ve seen become quite common are multi-site deployments, where a team of regional managers may need access to multiple sites, for example,” Couper explains. “In PDK.io, as a customer, I can log in and the People, Groups, Access Rules spanning the entire system and all of my sites.”

Rather than switching between users, customers can easily manage multiple sites under one umbrella. Prioritizing the End User Experience A simple, seamless experience for the end user is the ultimate goal for the ProdataKey team. Whether it be in configuration or in typical day-to-day operations, PDK’s ease of use is unparalleled.

“One of the things that I think really makes PDK stand out is that it’s so easy. It’s easy to set up, easy to get a system installed, easy to configure, and easy to train customers and users on. That’s something that I think some of the more traditional on-premise access control solutions really struggle with at times: the end-user is not front and center.

”Even for a customer using access control for the very first time, they will be able to manage the intuitive interface of PDK.io with ease."

The Future of PDK

For PDK, the future is full of growth.

“We live in a world of change, and PDK wants to always be at the forefront of changes in this industry, ” Couper elaborates. “We want to be using the latest security protocols and practices, and having a cloud platform really allows us to do that.”

And as the company develops, they do so with a keen focus on user needs.

“At the end of the day, all of our projects are driven by the voice of our customers and what PDK can do to better support them. Those are the things that really shape our road map," Couper concludes.

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