Every business should know about the importance of security. It is especially true for companies that are located in high-risk locations. Putting an access control system in place can provide a safer environment for your employees and customers. There are many reasons why companies implement access control systems at their facilities, including security and convenience. For example, these systems will allow you to regulate who has access to what parts of your building during what hours of the day, and more.
This can be particularly useful if you have multiple businesses within the same facility or a single business but multiple entrances/exits in your building. The more secure your building’s access is, the less likely you will be faced with the threat of a break-in. Here are some of the proven ways to enhance the security of your building with an improved access control system.
Access Control System
Access control systems are something that offices employees deal with daily. They are used to enter passcodes and bring their access control ID cards. If your office also has an access control system, and you somehow forget to bring their cards, you’ll probably be standing out until you are allowed inside. However, if you are the one managing the system, you should be concerned about its functionality. Building access control systems are not only for employees’ security but also to keep the property safe. No matter if you have installed an access control system with the latest features, there is always room for improvement.
Types Of Access Control Systems
Every access control system comes with its own features, but you must first learn about the different types to understand them. There are three different types of access control systems you can choose for your building security:
Biometric system:
The biometric system is the most common type of access control. It uses a user’s fingerprint, retina, or iris to authenticate their identity.
Keypad System:
A keypad system uses a 4-8 digit code to gain access. The code is changed regularly so that intruders cannot easily guess it. The old code becomes invalid after being used, and the new one has been activated.
Card Key System:
A card key system uses cards that have magnetic strips on them. These cards allow users to unlock doors to gain access to certain rooms. The card key system is less secure than the biometric and keypad systems because they do not provide personal information about the person attempting to enter a room.
Proven Ways to Improve Your Building Access Control System
Here are some of the proven ways to enhance the security of your building with an improved access control system.
Use A Dedicated Wi-Fi Network
The latest access control systems work by connecting to a Wi-Fi network so that you can monitor the activities through your mobile, tablet, or PC. While you can use the same network for your access control unit for other devices, it is better to use a dedicated network for business security. You can also integrate your biometric systems with fingerprint door locks, all thanks to the network connectivity in the latest access systems.
Test The System Occasionally
Just like you test the smoke detectors and fire alarms in your building by performing mock drills, your security systems need testing too. Test the functionality and efficiency of your access systems once in a while for increased security. You can also check the system by accessing an entrance to which you don’t have access. Along with that, you can also run an alarm test to see if the system is working perfectly. You can conduct these tests monthly or quarterly so that you can upgrade any change in advance.
Update The Access Control Software
Regular software updates and dealing with bugs and viruses are necessary whether you have cloud-based, smartphone-based, or IoT-based access control. Troubleshooting problems in their initial stage can save you a lot of time you’ll have to spend repairing them afterward. For longer efficiency in your security systems, make sure you upgrade it with every new update. It will also help in unlocking new security features the system can offer.
Effective Key Management
Managing a track of your building keys and where they are being used is important for your security. You must keep a detailed record of all the people who have access to your building. Limiting the number of people who have access to the spare or master keys can save you from potential risks. You can implement a key management policy where all the keys must be submitted back by the employees leaving or retiring.
Create Custom Alerts
As the owner, you know the risk points and sensitive areas in the building better than anyone else. Many alerts usually go ignored, leading to serious accidents such as break-ins and business thefts. To prevent this from happening, you can group all the sensitive areas in your buildings and set up a high-priority alarm to alert any forced entrance. You can distinguish this alarm by adding a specific color to it. For example, you can tell your security team that red color alert must be attended as a priority.
Upgrade Your Access Control Software
You may think that making timely updates on your access control system isn’t essential, but it is crucial. In most office facilities, employee timings are calculated through the access control systems. If the system is not upgraded, the time calculations can disrupt.
To avoid any such inconvenience, regularly check for malware, remove viruses, and update the firmware. Updating the software of the access system will also keep you updated about the current functionality level and possible vulnerabilities of the system. If the system is too old, you can also replace it with the help of a Locksmith Austin.
Assess The Potential Risks
The next step is a detailed assessment of all the potential risks and what measures you can take to overcome them. First, you should diagnose all the possible threats regarding the building’s security. Then assess the security protocols you are currently following and your level of preparedness for emergencies. Check the security response time, e.g., fire alarms, police, and ambulances. It will help you create a comprehensive plan for improving security measures.
Make Sure The Right People Have Access
In buildings keeping a record of the entry and exit of everyone can be tricky. There is full-time staff, part-time employees. Clients, guests, new candidates, and cleaning staff as well. Make sure the access in your office is limited to only authorized persons. Your access control system should have separate cards for maintenance staff to keep the record. People who are not directly a part of your offices, such as guests and finalized interview candidates, should be assisted inside by a staff member.
Collect All The Keys
Key management is an effective way to increase the security of your building. It is always better the limit the number of people who have spare or master keys. Ensuring that the assets, people, and property are safe, you should know who has access to the keys. For example, if someone from your HR department is leaving the job, make sure to collect all the keys, especially the master keys they have.
Limit The Primary Entrance Points
If your office has multiple access points, you cannot install an access control unit at every door. While multiple entrances can be convenient in other organizations such as schools and hospitals, office entrances become vulnerable. To control the flow of people coming into your office building, limiting access points will definitely work.
Benefits Of Having An Access Control System
An access control system uses various components and techniques to track who is coming in and out of your premises. It can be used for business as well as residential buildings. The following are some ways in which these security systems can benefit you:
Improved Security
This is one of the most important reasons you need an access control system. It lets you know where all your employees are at any given time. You can also record all activity on the premises, such as when someone leaves, enters or stays beyond their allotted time on duty.
Cost-Effective
It is fairly inexpensive and can be installed by anyone who knows how to operate it. All you need is the right equipment, wiring, and software support for remote monitoring and administration.
