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Access Management: Choosing the right access type

Learn about the four access types, their advantages, and how to choose the best option for your assets and sites.

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You need to have an Admin or Fleet Admin role to be able to use Access Management in Trackunit Manager. Read more about user roles, here

With Access Management in Trackunit Manager, you can quickly set up, oversee and control who operates your assets to keep operators safe and machines secure. One of the most important steps is choosing the right access type.

This article explains the four access types, Digital Key, Rolling PIN, Static PIN, and Access Cards that you can choose from when setting up new keys or operators in the Access Management app.

Note: Machine immobilization generally requires a relay in the installation, unless an alternative setup is used.

A keypad is required for key card and PIN access (e.g., DualID for TU600, K300 for TU700). Contact your Trackunit representative for more information.

Digital Key

Operators receive a Digital Key directly in the Trackunit On mobile app

Advantages of Digital Keys:

  • You can deploy offline, as keys update on devices without connectivity

  • Keys are delivered instantly in the On mobile app

  • Shareable, as key admins can grant access on site to an operator

  • Unlimited number of keys per device

Use Cases for Digital Keys:

  1. Track who operates which machines and for how long

  2. Monitor operator behavior and ensure accountability

  3. Optimize equipment pooling

💡 Tip: Choose Digital Key on sites where phones are allowed and operator tracking is essential.

Note: In North America, Digital Keys are not widely available. Exceptions exist for selected Trackunit partners. Contact your Trackunit representative for more information.

Rolling PIN

Operators receive rotating PIN codes on their phones in the Trackunit On app

Advantages of Rolling PINs:

  • You can deploy offline, as keys update on devices without connectivity

  • Codes change daily, reducing the risk of sharing

  • Delivered instantly in the On mobile app

  • Can be used where phones are not allowed (operators can note down their daily PIN)

  • Unlimited number of keys per device

Use Cases for Rolling PIN:

  1. Provide secure access where Digital Keys are preferred but phones are restricted

  2. Maintain security and usage tracking with rotating codes

💡 Tip: Choose Rolling PIN on sites with phone restrictions that still require secure access.

Static PIN

A fixed PIN code for general use and shared equipment usage.

Advantages of Static PINs:

  • Works without a phone

  • Easy to remember

  • Quickly shared within multiple operators (non-personal)

Note:

The number of PINs per device is limited to 495 PINs.

Use cases for Static PIN:

  1. Provide a general access option when individual authentication is not needed

  2. Set up simple access for smaller sites or teams

  3. Ensure operators can enter machines without phone dependency

💡 Tip: Choose Static PIN on small sites or for teams where simplicity matters more than individual tracking.

Access Cards

Access Cards provide a physical alternative to phone-based access. You can choose between Primary Key Cards, Key Cards and IPAF Cards

(Primary) Key Cards

Primary Key Card:

Key Card:

  • Can be used for specific assets, groups, or emergency access

  • Opposed to Primary Key Cards, only use this key card when assigning a card to a specific asset or creating a shared card (e.g., emergency key)

Advantages of (Primary) Key Cards:

  • Works without a phone - good physical alternative to Digital Key

  • Existing RFID-enabled ID cards can often be used

  • When a Primary Key Card is lost, keys can easily be reassigned to a new Primary Key Card

  • Ensure access is tied to the right operator, even when carrying multiple cards.

  • Key Cards can be used for specific machines or groups of machines

Note: The number of key cards per device is limited to 495 key cards.

Use Cases for Key Cards:

  1. Use when phones are not allowed or operators already carry RFID cards

  2. Assign Primary Key Cards to ensure that access is tied to the right operator

  3. Reassign access quickly if a card is lost

💡 Tip: Choose Key Cards when you want a reliable, physical alternative to Digital Keys.

IPAF Card

Advantages of IPAF Cards:

  • Ensures only certified operators can access machines

  • Automatically checks and validates operator licenses in real time

Note: The number of IPAF Cards per device is limited to 495 IPAF Cards.

Note: The IPAF Card is not visible in Trackunit Manager unless the IPAF Link app has been installed from the Trackunit Marketplace


Personal vs. Non-Personal Keys

Choosing between a Personal Key and a Non-Personal Key determines how access is tracked and reported.

Personal Key: For Individual Tracking

  • A Personal Key is linked to one operator. Their name appears in usage history and reports, making it ideal when accountability, compliance, or certification tracking is required.

    • Unique key or PIN

    • Tracks individual use

    • Supports audits and training

    💡 Tip: Personal Keys are best with Digital Keys, Rolling PINs, Primary Key Cards and IPAF Cards

Non-Personal Key: For Shared Access

  • A Non-Personal Key can be used by multiple operators. These are best suited for situations where knowing the individual is less important than enabling quick and simple access, which may serve as as an “emergency key.”

    • Shared key or PIN

    • Focus on speed, not identity

    • Useful for shared/emergency access

    💡 Tip: Non-Personal Keys are best with Static PINs, shared Key Cards


Combine Access Types

You can combine access types to fit your site needs.

For example:

  • Use Digital Keys for daily operators

  • Keep a Static PIN or Access Card as backup access


💡 Tip:

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