At Portal, we believe that the best technology should empower, not replace. That's why we engineered our access control platform with an API-first philosophy. Instead of forcing your users into a new, unfamiliar app, we provide the tools for you to enhance the application they already use and trust.
Why an API-First Approach Matters
Moving beyond closed ecosystems gives you ultimate control and flexibility. Here’s why a dedicated access control API is a game-changer for your tech stack:
- Own the User Experience: Keep your users within your branded environment, strengthening loyalty and engagement.
- Faster Innovation: Focus your development resources on your core business while we handle the complexities of hardware, security, and access logic.
- Future-Proof Your Investment: An API-first architecture allows you to easily adapt and add new services without being locked into a single vendor's roadmap.
Getting Started with the Portal SDK
Our Software Development Kit (SDK) is the fastest way to implement mobile access. We provide native libraries for both iOS and Android, designed for a quick and straightforward setup.
Key SDK Features:
- Lightweight Libraries: Minimal impact on your app's size and performance.
- Full UI Customisation: Design the mobile key and access experience to perfectly match your app's existing user interface.
- Secure Credential Handling: The SDK manages the secure storage and communication of digital keys, so you don't have to.
Core Features of the Portal REST API
For deeper integrations and back-end management, our REST API provides robust endpoints to manage your entire access ecosystem.
Manage:
- Users & Residents: Programmatically provision and de-provision access for new tenants, guests, or members.
- Doors & Devices: Get real-time status updates and manage your entire hardware fleet across multiple properties.
- Access Groups: Create sophisticated permission levels (e.g., 'All Residents', 'Gym Access', 'Floor 12 Staff') to simplify management.
Automate:
- Use webhooks to receive real-time notifications for events like 'access granted', 'door unlocked', or 'low battery', allowing you to trigger workflows in other systems.
Use Case: Embedding a 'Mobile Key' in Your Hotel Guest App
Let's walk through a common scenario: A guest checks in via your hotel's loyalty app. How does Portal fit in?
- Reservation Made: Your Property Management System (PMS) notifies your back-end.
- User Provisioned: Your server makes a single API call to Portal to create a user and grant them access to their room for the duration of their stay.
- Key Delivered: The Portal SDK, embedded in your guest app, securely receives the new digital key.
- Access Granted: The guest walks up to their door, opens your app, and taps a 'Unlock Door' button you've designed. It's that simple.
Ready to Build?
Integrating a world-class access experience shouldn't be a roadblock; it should be an accelerator. Explore our full developer documentation today and see how Portal can help you deliver the secure, seamless experience your users deserve. Email dev@tryportal.com to receive an invite to our developer hub - Co-Lab*
