A 26‑bit barcode is a unique printed code affixed to a vehicle windshield or presented on a card. When scanned by a gate reader, the code corresponds to a registered vehicle or person in Watchtower.
Use Cases – Long‑term residents and frequent guests.
Advantages – Low‑cost and easy to issue. Works with standard barcode scanners.
Considerations – Barcodes must be affixed properly to ensure the reader can scan them. Not ideal for high‑security environments due to potential duplication.
License Plate Reading uses cameras and optical recognition to identify a vehicle’s license plate. When the plate matches a registered vehicle, the gate opens automatically.
Use Cases – Communities with LPR hardware installed; residents who prefer not to use physical tags.
Advantages – Hands‑free entry; nothing to install on the vehicle. Less susceptible to duplication or loss.
Considerations – Requires cameras and software at the gate. Plates must be kept clean and updated in Watchtower when vehicle ownership changes.
Mobile credentials leverage your smartphone to gain access. Depending on hardware, Watchtower may use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near‑Field Communication (NFC) or QR codes.
Use Cases – Residents and vendors who frequently carry smartphones. Situations where physical tags are inconvenient.
Advantages – Convenient; no need to carry a separate tag. Credentials can be issued and revoked instantly via the app.
Considerations – Requires a compatible mobile app and gate hardware. Users must keep their phones charged and enable Bluetooth/NFC. Push notifications should be allowed for gate alerts.
Radio‑Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and fobs are small devices that emit a unique identifier when brought near a reader. They can be attached to vehicles or carried on a keychain.
Use Cases – Communities with existing RFID infrastructure; clubhouses or amenity access where barcodes or LPR are impractical.
Advantages – Durable and weather‑resistant. Quick read times.
Considerations – Require specialized readers. Lost or stolen tags must be deactivated and replaced.
Residents cannot typically issue credentials themselves; this is handled by community administrators or gate attendants:
Add the user or vehicle in Watchtower (see related articles).
Select the credential type and assign it to the user/vehicle.
Provide or install the credential (affix barcode, register license plate, distribute fob, or enable mobile credential).
If you need a specific credential type, contact your community management to discuss availability. Not all communities offer every option; hardware requirements vary. Accurate data (e.g., license plate numbers or mobile phone details) ensures your credentials function correctly.
By understanding the different credential options, you can choose the method that best fits your lifestyle and security needs while taking full advantage of Watchtower’s flexible access control system.