The entry points into your business are where you are at the most vulnerable. It’s vital that every barrier, gate or door is set up to provide a secure solution and keep out to unauthorised visitors and intruders. An effective access control or door entry system is what your organisation needs to efficiently and securely manage entry and exit to the premises, making life easy for your staff and authorised visitors – but not so much for intruders.
Here are 4 things to consider when selecting an installing an access control system for your business.
The technology
There are numerous ways to manage access to doors, gates and barriers in your business. This can range from a simple proximity sensor to a complex identity verification system. The level of security and identification requirements needed will obviously depend on the nature of the organisation or institution and the value of the assets you’re protecting. If you’re trying to only provide access to authorised staff and those with a visitor pass, a simple card reader system or code keypad should suffice. If you’re looking to provide that next level of security and identity verification, cutting-edge biometric scanners which require fingerprint or retina scans can be used. A reputable security provider will be able to assess and advise on your requirements and how they can be integrated with your existing solutions.
Integration
Speaking of integration, it’s also important when installing an access control solution to consider how – and if – it will work seamlessly with your existing security environment and solutions including gates, barriers, doors and intruder alarms. If you’re retrofitting a door entry or access control system to a legacy door or gate, there could be implications around its effectiveness if not done properly. It’s also worth considering that if you’re fitting one to a gate or barrier which isn’t hooked up already, underground wiring and work to facilitate and electrical or comms connection could be necessary. Again, a reputable security provider will be to advise on how to best integrate an access control solution into your existing environment to make sure you remain secure and the solution is as cost-effective as possible.
Access additional information
Continuing with the subject of integration, installing an access control system can be an opportunity to gather some additional HR and time management information which can help you monitor and improve productivity. Most access control and door entry systems can be hooked up to your HR software, allowing you to track the movement of employees through the building and monitor excessive breaks, employees consistently being in parts of the building you wouldn’t need to be, and other timekeeping issues. With the right solution, the whole process can be automated so that you get an alert when there is a problem which needs to be addressed.
Training is key
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that as cutting-edge as your access control technology is – there’s still room for human error. Employees may lend out their access cards, or hold the door open for someone coming in behind them. Following the install of your system you should also ensure that employees and visitors are aware of all the risks and understand that they have a responsibility to ensure that the doors and entry points to the business remain secure. Not only is an undocumented and unauthorised visitor a potential security risk – it could be a life safety risk too. If an employee has entered the building without scanning their access card, you may not be aware that they are on the premises in the event of a fire or emergency.
Choosing and installing the right access control system is all about considering the requirements of your business and the existing environment it’s slotting into. If you would like advice and support on installing an access control or door entry system, get in touch with our team of specialists today.
