In any building, access control is vital to prevent theft, protect residents and employees, and secure sensitive data.
Access control isn’t a new concept; doors and keys were designed to restrict or allow access to a certain place, area, or building. It’s a valuable security technique meant to regulate who or what can view, access, or use a given resource.
But access control has evolved with the digital age to be smarter and more secure. Here’s how entrance access control and security monitoring work today, and why they’re essential for your business.
Improving Your Building’s Access Control System
A building access control system manages who can gain access to your building or a particular room or area. Unlike a traditional key system, physical control access keys (like fobs,cards, passwords, codes, and biometric readings) can record and monitor user access.
Modern access control systems can be customized, allowing you to manage access to specific areas at specific times. In an optimal scenario, you can use an integrated control technology (ICT) platform to manage access control across your entire building from a centralized hub. Here are three things to consider when strengthening your building entrance access control.
- Understanding your specific access requirements: Evaluate the areas where the system is needed and when it will be used to gain access, ensuring your solution aligns with your organization's unique needs.
- Defining detailed access hierarchies: Carefully plan the access levels different people or groups will have, considering both security requirements and operational efficiency.
- Integration capabilities: Consider how the access control system integrates with your existing security components and ICT infrastructure to create a seamless security ecosystem.
Remember that access control and monitoring isn’t just about restricting access and securing people and assets. It’s also about convenience. You want to let the right people in at the right times and make it easy for them to access whatever they need.
What Are the Benefits of Access Control Systems?
Every property needs some form of access control. Here’s why:
1. A must-have for building security
Access control systems are effective at preventing and dissuading crimes, such as burglaries, package theft, and vandalism, helping you protect your property, workers, and residents. Restricting access to a given area can help protect sensitive information or expensive equipment. Additionally, video access control and monitoring systems can capture footage of every entry event and create an audit trail to maximize security.
2. Efficient staff management
Modern access control systems make staff access management easier. You can add or remove access credentials instantly, eliminating the need to track down physical keys. This is valuable during staff transitions, as you can maintain security without disrupting operations. The system allows you to handle staff changes in minutes, ensuring both security and operational efficiency.
3. Enhanced compliance and documentation
Modern access control systems streamline compliance requirements through automatic activity logging and audit trails. An ICT platform provides quick access to required reports and seamlessly connects with fire safety systems for complete compliance tracking. This comprehensive documentation helps maintain security standards while reducing administrative burden.
4. Simplified system management
One of the key advantages of an ICT platform is having a single, integrated system for all your access control needs. With one point of contact for support and seamless integration with existing security cameras and alarm systems, you can reduce coordination headaches and improve overall security management.
5. Reduced risk
Keys get lost all the time. With a digital access control system, lost or stolen entry cards can be instantly removed or modified from the system, eliminating security risk.. This is convenient for occupants and for staff, since they don’t have to replace door locks or spend hours cutting and replacing keys.
6. Fire Safety
Access control systems can allow first responders, such as firefighters, quick access to an area during a fire. Controlling access to a site helps know exactly how many people there are in a designated space, which is crucial during an emergency. It can help confirm who needs to be accounted for, saving vital time in a fire or other emergency.
Additionally, access control systems can be designed to open all doors, including emergency exits, when a fire alarm or sprinklers have been triggered.
Contact an Access Control and Monitoring Professional
Most buildings have multiple types of entrances and exits. Providing adequate access control often means customizing a system to your building and its operations. With an ICT platform at its core, your access control system should deliver comprehensive security, efficiency, and peace of mind. Secure your facility—when it matters most. Get in touch with Brothers Fire & Security to get started.
