Access control is the process of using various devices to secure a business. These devices can be either electronic or hand-held, but in the modern era, more and more people are choosing smart keyless entry technology as it provides a more streamlined and safe experience.
Using business access control is not only for security, it also provides accountability by preventing employees from gaining access after certain hours (if you so choose), and occupancy tracking.
The access control infrastructure is often controlled from a server or cloud-based system, allowing changes to be made to the admin as needed. For companies that do not have a complete understanding of their system, a technician can help you make the change.
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What types of access control are there?
Since electronic business access control is the most secure (and most popular) option, that’s what we’ll focus on in this article. There are various options to choose from. Each option will benefit people in different ways. You may also find that different access control options work better in different areas.
The most common forms of business access control are:
- Electronic or contactless access cards
This access is carried out by reading the programmed card through the reader. This type of system is still in use, but has recently become less popular. The more common type of keys are contactless cards.
One of the advantages is that cards allow you to store employee information, including photographs and other data. Thus, they can be used as user identification when applied.
- Key fobs
A key fob is also a common type of access control. You may have already seen a key fob, these are small plastic devices that are attached to key chains and can be connected to a reader to give you access.
- Biometric systems
Biometric systems were a system that was not trusted until recently. It was a new type of technology that had to prove its worth and it did more than that. Now, fingerprint access control is becoming more and more popular. The fingerprint reader scans the finger and then uses the fingerprint to determine if the employee has access to the door they are trying to open.
There are other types of biometric access control readers, but they are less common.
Essential Considerations
- Always powered
Some business access controls fail safe systems, so that power outages do not affect your security. This is one of the most important features to find, and commonly one of the biggest security vulnerabilities.
- Supports multiple entry methods
It’s important that your system can scale, and that readers support keycards, fobs, RFID, mobile devices, and even wearable technology. The ability to create personalized key cards with your branding or custom design is always a great perk. Touchless entry systems are starting to become more popular among businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Powerful Reporting
Make sure you demo or review the company’s software to ensure that it is intuitive and fits your needs. Open software platform with remote management, dynamic access permissions, and real-time customizable reporting is a basic must have.
- Future-proof health and safety related features
Some systems offer powerful safety features including occupancy tracking, video surveillance integration, and emergency lockdown triggers. These should be essential to creating a holistic security infrastructure.
- Can it scale with you?
This about your business growth goals for the next five to ten years. Make sure the solution has scalable hardware and software that secures a single entry or an entire multisite with ease. You do not want to maintain different systems. In addition, consider that security threats evolve, so hardware and software with automatic updates and encryption at various levels that come at no long term fees is important. Legacy access control companies make a lot of money by charging for these updates, so consider looking into whether a cloud-based solution is viable for your business. Lastly, make sure it integrates seamlessly with your existing security hardware and the software you use every day.
