Businesses of all sizes require security solutions for protection purposes; one of the most widely utilized systems is access control systems. There are many things to consider when adding access control to your business. Here are some of the main factors to look at.
Security
Physical security begins by restricting the means by which unauthorized people can gain entry to your business, including doors, key locks, fences, and any other physical barriers designed to make entry difficult for unwanted guests.
Your business may also make use of turnstiles or barrier systems with card or fob readers for access. While these solutions may be less user-friendly than their counterparts, installation must be carefully executed to ensure effective functionality. They’re not ADA compliant either and present additional challenges for vendors or customers bringing large packages.
Integrating an access control system with other security components, like camera systems or alarms, improves responsiveness and streamlines operations. Integrated systems reduce security staff time spent managing credentials while automating workflows – an especially helpful approach when companies have multiple locations that must implement consistent policies across them all.
Actual Access
Business access control systems use electronic hardware (instead of traditional locks) to keep unauthorized individuals out. They’re activated with credentials such as key cards, PIN numbers, fobs, or smartphones and can often be found at entry points like fenced-in equipment yards, warehouse storage areas, or server rooms – as well as doors leading into showrooms or offices.
Many systems feature video intercoms at the entrance to verify deliveries and visitors and enable two-way calling with them. This streamlines verification, freeing staff up to focus on serving customers or handling other tasks more effectively.
An ideal system should integrate with all of your property technology, such as video surveillance, alarm systems, and time and attendance software. This will minimize the number of systems you must manage while cutting IT maintenance costs and speeding response times – plus it eliminates manually inputting data from one system into another! A knowledgeable dealer should offer advice about the integration options available.
Maintenance
An access control system provides your employees and assets with protection, by only permitting authorized people into rooms where sensitive information is kept, while simultaneously monitoring who enters and when. An access control system also aids timekeeping, helping reduce fraud by giving an accurate picture of how people spend their day, as well as health and safety by managing energy use based on occupancy levels. Many systems even feature touchless entry with fever detection technology integrated, in addition to other security components like CCTV cameras.
Programming an effective system requires assessing its unique needs. This involves looking at access levels on each door and reviewing who may enter when; particularly following employee addition or termination. A periodic check of settings following extreme weather events is also beneficial as this may reduce maintenance needs while avoiding expensive repairs in the future.
Training
An integral component of any access control system is training employees on its functionality and use. This can be done either on an individual basis or via product seminars presented by authorized access control dealers at trade shows and other venues.
An access control system makes it simple and cost-effective to monitor employee entry and exit patterns, thus minimizing the risk of unauthorized entry or theft of sensitive company information, such as health records, financial documents, or client data.