How can I build an internet connected entry system for a multifamily dwelling unit laundromat? [closed]

Question

It is rather hard to define a straightforward question, so I will try to describe what is the ideal system I am looking for.

We are in a planning stage of a laundromat room in the basement of a multi-apartment house. We need a system that regulates how do people access this laundromat, so that only those who live in the building can access it and the laundromat can be reserved for a specific time.

1. The user (tenant living in the building) would open some web page, enter credentials and could see what times at laundromat are reserved and what are still free.
2. He/she then reserves time and the web page provides the tenant with an access code. This code is valid for reserved time.
3. At specific time he/she goes to the basement and enters the access code. The locking system checks with web server whether such code is authorized and if the response is positive, the door is open.

I am not really handy with technical things, soldering etc, but I can program a thing or two. Meaning it would be ideal if there was a functional access system that is able to check via network if the entered credentials are valid and the response can be sent via internet. I feel quite confident that I can make simple, functional web site that deals with all the authorization and time allocation issues. Or there already is a system that is made just for this purpose and is capable of doing what I described.

The authorization of course could also be tied not to a specific codes generated each time, but to some RFID keys or cards.

Answer 1

There are a few variables that you may wish to consider;

1) people tend to loose access cards 2) when doing laundry having to remember the access card may also be an issue 3) someone needs to maintain the access list 4) hardware maintenance of the access system

have you cosnidered a simple keypad entry lock (manual entry, not electronic), quite simple to setup, easy to change the code and requires no cards. May not be AS eleegant as a electronic keyed system, but has an easy cost to implement AND provides reasonably barrier to entry. Rotate the codes every 90 or 180 days if desired. Could include a simple camera system to record the rooms activity out of the savings.

hope it helps