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What Is Commercial Access Control in Business? A Quick Guide for Savvy Business Owners

Running a business, whether a local shop or a global software company, can take time and effort. Amidst caring for clients, securing your business is crucial. People are important, but technology plays a key role, too. This includes having a comprehensive security system and being mindful of entrances and exits. This ensures both security and convenience for staff and visitors.

Commercial access control systems simplify this, eliminating the hassle of distributing physical keys to numerous employees.

So, what is commercial access control in business?

What Is Commercial Access Control in Business?

Commercial access control systems enable businesses, hospitals, government agencies, and others to regulate access to protected areas, information, materials, and equipment, providing control and security.

While a brass lock and key technically fit this description, what we mean today by an access control system is an electronic system that blends advanced hardware and software to enable much more intricate levels of control.

What is commercial access control in business?

So, nowadays, an access control system not only lets entities pick who can access the protected area, information, or equipment but also allows them to establish parameters such as when those individuals can access or how long they can access, and even to what extent they can access (can the person see everything in an electronic file, or is there still certain information that is denied to them).

Types of Access Control Systems in Business

There are two to three levels or types of electronic access control systems:

The fundamental model for electronic access control systems is door control. It aims to substitute the conventional lock and key approach with an electronic key. This allows businesses to promptly eliminate the electronic key from the system, avoiding the need to track down the physical key. Doing so to your security decreases your cost since you will only need to change some of the locks should you get a disgruntled employee leave without returning the key.

Systems for controlling access, rule-based or role-based, represent a more conventional form of electronic access control.

Compared to a rule or role-based system, it's the software, not the hardware, that differs in a basic door control system. The locking mechanisms and credential readers remain unchanged, but the software, enabling you to enhance the limitations on credentials, becomes significantly more intricate.

There are several types of access control systems, depending on the nature of the business.

Security access control systems with rules/roles control individuals' access regarding who, when, and to what extent. Additionally, they offer the advantage of providing security feedback for your facility.

In other words, the previous systems offer you amazing control over limiting and defining access. Still, they wouldn't inform you if, for instance, someone bypassed the entire system by jimmying a lock or propping a door open. You cannot confirm your facility is secure because you won't know once someone has permitted or forced unsanctioned access.

By increasing the security system element, you gain things such as door position monitoring that would monitor the door's position 24/7. If someone tries to open a door without the right credentials or if a door is accidentally left open, the monitoring system will generate an event. Depending on your chosen preferences, this event might activate an alarm or notify you.

These measures ensure that access is restricted to the right people and that no one can force you to leave or access the facility without being informed.

The difference between basic rule-based and security access control systems lies predominantly in the hardware. In addition to the credentials, readers and strikes, including door contact and position switches on the door, are crucial. Also, incorporate a request-to-exit device near the door, like a motion detector or push button.

What Essential Elements are in a Commercial Access Control System?

For any thriving business today, commercial access control systems are vital. Various pivotal components constitute a building's access control system. In the following discussion, we'll explore each element's role in keeping your employees and property safe and secure.

Access Control System

Maintains individual door monitoring, scheduled automated locking and unlocking, and the ability to update access depending on staff changes.

Intercom System

Listens and watches people trying to enter using audio and video devices and enables talking between protected places.

Burglar Alarm System

Informs a company about a break-in and can connect with current security and video surveillance setups and local law enforcement agencies.

Surveillance System

Enables simultaneous monitoring of various spots and captures events within the structure for potential future reference.

Fire Alarm System

Government regulations demand fire safety setups in business structures. They identify signs of fire or smoke dangers and send alerts and messages directly to those managing the building.

Why Do Businesses Need Access Control?

Ease Of Access For Employees

An access control system allows you to easily give your employees access to different areas using a PIN input or a keycard scanner. Having "set and forget" access to these rooms will ensure employees get what they need to do their work but only go where they are authorized.

Freedom From Traditional Keys

Using traditional office keys can be troublesome; they might need to be found, broken, or be tricky to spot immediately in your crowded key collection. Losing them could pose a significant security risk to your business, and replacing them and office lock changes can be quite costly.

Access control and door entry systems without physical keys save time, money, and stress. Deactivating or replacing a keycard or fob is simpler, enabling you to uphold a strong security standard in your building.

Keep Track Of People Coming And Going

Access control systems can put another level of security since tracking who enters and exits the building or any specific room within it, as well as when they come and leave, can be an advantage in the case of a theft or accident, as you can know who was in the area when the incident occurred. It also helps ensure people are working when they should be.

Saving Money and Energy

Remember to consider the importance of access control systems. They're an effective tool for saving your business money, energy, and workforce. Secure money in designated areas accessible solely by authorized personnel, diminishing the requirement for security guards.

An efficient access control system can also help you save money,

Moreover, integrate an access control system into your lighting, cooling, and heating setups. Set up the lights to turn on only when someone enters a room and regulate temperatures when there's no one present, thus reducing energy costs.

Establishing Dates And Times For Access

Access control systems come with scheduling features, enabling you to grant access to specific doors and rooms for individuals on designated days and times. You can set up this company-specific detail and not worry about it later.

Safe Working Environment

Ensure a secure workplace by limiting entry to unauthorized individuals. Before granting access, you can conduct background checks on individuals, safeguarding your business from unwelcome guests.

Access control systems prove valuable in emergencies as well. In the event of a fire or another crisis, conventional lock and key doors remain locked, impeding a swift exit for your staff. Access control systems feature fail-safe locks that automatically unlock doors during power outages, eliminating the need for manual door unlocking.

Flexibility

Handling various access levels using physical keys can be tiring, time-consuming, and perplexing. A security system for access control provides adaptability and a robust answer for nearly all your building security requirements. It enhances security by enabling customized access programming for particular zones, ensuring higher protection.

Limiting, adding, or modifying access is possible to accommodate your business expansion, including new staff and alterations in the positions, promotions, and exits of existing employees.

Access control systems render manual key systems obsolete, delivering flexibility and user-friendly operation.

Integration

Integration is another major benefit of an access control system, further layering protection over equipment, staff, and assets. Access control systems like alarms and CCTV can be integrated with your existing security efforts. A great example of their cohesion is if an access control system detects someone going into a restricted location, a CCTV camera records who the individual is, and the video can later be used as evidence, if necessary.

Reducing The Crime Rate

Access systems help cut crime by limiting entry to buildings and offices. Preventing potential offenders from entering will lower the risk of theft of costly equipment and supplies and harm to the property. It also safeguards employees from potential violent crimes.

Intruder threats are not the sole concern; as the system monitors staff movement in the building, it discourages employee misconduct.

Remote Access

Maintaining staff 24/7 is costly. When contractors, delivery drivers, or suppliers arrive at inconvenient times after business hours, enabling remote building access can significantly help. Access systems may incorporate video intercoms for secure access granting.

Conclusion

At A-1 Fire & Security Equipment, we help ensure your business has the right access control security solutions. Using access control is a great way to provide top-notch physical security. It also incorporates the latest technology to safeguard you, your business, staff, clients, client data, and office supplies effectively.

Access control brings numerous advantages. It ensures security and contributes to saving money and assisting your security personnel. If you need assistance designing and integrating security systems for multiple business locations, please call us today!