Many business and property owners are constantly thinking about security. They want to protect their property, employees, clients, and information and are constantly looking for the best ways to do so. To keep these assets secure and to protect your property from intruders and wrong doers, you might consider installing an access control system. These systems can help improve the security of your building while allowing you to keep track of the people coming in and out, authorized and otherwise.
What is an Access Control System?
An access control system is simply an electronic system designed to control passage in or out of an area. Over the years, these systems have become much more advanced, featuring key cards and access codes. Typically, locked doors will open with an access control mechanism and then lock behind them. Access control systems provide quick, convenient access for authorized visitors while limiting access of unauthorized visitors. They are also an electronic system, and as such they allow business owners to track all entry to your building, including identities of visitors and times of entry. They also allow for the operator to deny access to individuals or to everyone at certain times of day. Through access control, operators can restrict their entire property or certain sections of a building.
What are the Basic Components?
There are a few different components that make up an access control system. First, there are the credentials needed to set up the system, in order to determine who gets access and to where. You will also have a keypad reader that will grant or deny access to anyone attempting to enter the building. The building doors will have a locking device complete with an alert system when the door opens and closes. Finally, the system will include access control software to help manage the system and help the user monitor access.
How Does it Work?
When you first install an access control system, you will decide which areas will be restricted and to whom. You will grant access to the appropriate individuals via their personalized keycards. Then, you’ll hand out your keycards. The doors will always be locked, and individuals will scan their keycards on the keycard reader in order to gain access to the building. Your system will monitor all entry and send alerts if an unauthorized individual attempts to enter the building.
What are the Benefits?
The System is Customizable
When thinking about the security of commercial businesses, access control systems can be a great asset because of their customizability. You can allow some employees unlimited access, and others access at certain times. Your daytime employees might be granted access between 8-6, while your night staff might have different access. You can also limit what parts of the building employees have access to. If you’re dealing with high security measures, you can choose which employees have access to certain rooms.
No More Key-Related Problems
If you opt for keyless entry with key codes, fingerprints, or another selection, no one will have to worry about keys. If you’re someone who tends to misplace things, this system is a great choice for you. There are also options that use both card entry and key code entry in one system. Because it’s so customizable, you can choose the option that’s right for your habits.
Key card entry also has an advantage over keys because these cards are much more difficult to duplicate. If someone gets a hold of the key to your property, it is very easy to bring to a shop and duplicate. However, key cards are very difficult to duplicate. Additionally, if a key card is stolen, it’s easy to turn off access to that card and issue a new one, ensuring that no unwanted visitors enter your building.
Tracking and Logging Entry
Beyond restricting access to your building, there are other measures that are important in ensuring the security of your property. Keeping track of who comes and goes will not only help you be aware of who is inside your building, but will provide a detailed record in the event that there is an issue. An access control system will help you keep track of who is coming in and out as well as the times that the doors were opened and closed. These records could be instrumental in a case where police need to investigate.
Access Your System From Anywhere
Another great feature of access control systems is their ability to be controlled remotely. In a situation where you need to let someone into the building but don’t want to give her a code or other mode of entry, you can grant her access remotely. This feature is helpful because you can allow someone in the building when no one else is there without allowing her permanent access.
Reduce Your Security Costs
Remote access isn’t beneficial just for remote entry. Access control systems can be integrated with your building’s general management system. You can program your access control system to turn off lights, turn down your heat, and control other cost-saving factors. That way, you’ll save on energy even when the last person out forgets to turn off the lights.
Additionally, keyless entry is a cost-saving measure. If someone loses a key card, it’s much easier to replace a card and reprogram the system than it is to change your building’s locks. Changing the locks on its own is expensive, and then every employee will need to be issued a new key. Doing away with keys is a great cost-saving measure.
United Security Incorporated | Access Control Systems
At USI Integrated Solutions, we bring together a highly experienced team, keen strategic planning and in-depth understanding of the leading technologies and security services in the field. For 25 years we have brought peace of mind to our clients through the careful application of investigative talent, technology implementation as well as providing trained and licensed security officers. Contact us today via email or at 1-800-874-6434.
