Businesses handling sensitive products and data face many more security threats today than decades ago, when computers and the internet were uncommon. So, modern business owners must have strategies and systems that prevent robberies, data theft, physical break-ins, internal theft, and legal issues associated with these security challenges. This explains why many business outlets have security cameras and trained guards.
Access control systems are also gaining popularity due to their effectiveness in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive things or data. But how do access control systems work? The leading access control solutions have biometric readers, proximity sensors, elevator regulating devices, security code units, and a processing unit to regulate entry and exit.
Although an access control system might seem complicated, it functions like an electronic guard. But unlike a security guard, it works day and night with low chances of failing. This article will highlight everything business owners need to learn about access control systems and why they should install them.
What Is the Role of Commercial Access Control Systems?
These security systems are installed on commercial buildings to determine who can access the premises. Besides regulating access, the system can monitor who accessed the building or specific areas, such as chemical chambers and data rooms, where sensitive things such as dangerous chemicals or sensitive data are stored.
So, the system can block unauthorized individuals from entering protected areas. In addition, access control services help retrieve credentials used to access a specific room or device and identify the time and duration of access.
With the system, business owners and employees do not have to carry traditional locks; instead, they can choose between keycards, biometrics, mobile apps, and key fobs. Since these authentication options are hard to compromise, the system provides better security than traditional locks and keys, which anyone can use to access a building.
Types of Access Control Units
One of the top access control options relies on keycards or a fob system. Each employee is issued with a keycard or fob to tap or swipe at the entrance for the door to open. This system is easy to use and records the credentials and when they were used. Unlike the keys, fobs and keycards are easy to deactivate when stolen or if the user is fired.
The biometrics units use biological traits to determine who can enter a commercial building or use a computer system. One can choose facial recognition, retina scans, or fingerprints to authenticate the people who can access specific areas. Since it is hard to replicate or steal biometric data, this access control solution is one of the most reliable.
Business owners and workers who want hands-free access to their premises can use a mobile app to identify themselves. Employees only need to tap on the relevant mobile app for the door to open. However, some mobile app access control technologies involve entering a password or special code sent to the mobile device.
Smart locks and pin code systems are other top-rated access control options. The smart locks allow business owners or other authorized individuals to open or close the doors remotely using an internet-connected PC or smartphone. The pin code systems require users to enter the code at the door unit to open the door. However, since someone might watch employees entering the codes and later use them, this method should be used with other authentication methods for extra security.
Cloud-based access control units are probably the most outstanding. These systems store data on the cloud, which allows business owners or trusted employees to monitor access from any location. They can check who accesses what area and manage entrances remotely.
Advantages of Installing Access Control Solutions
The main reason for seeking access control services is to improve security, but they provide many more benefits besides improved security. With the system, the chances of someone vandalizing a business premises or accessing data or computer systems are very low. The system is convenient since employees can access one or many rooms using their cards, mobile apps, codes, or biometric data. So, they save time and avoid inconveniences associated with carrying keys.
Thieves can use stolen keys to open commercial premises and steal data or other things. Unfortunately, the business owner and investigators cannot know which key opened which door. However, if something goes wrong when using an access control system, the owner and investigators can access a detailed log of the credentials used. They can also know when the room or computer network was accessed. This makes solving the crime easy and brings the culprit to book.
Business owners can integrate security cameras, access control systems, alarm systems, and commercial building management solutions to improve security, comfort, safety, and convenience. These systems allow users to access and control what happens in their office using internet-enabled devices. Therefore, business managers can lock sensitive areas or monitor employees remotely using these systems.
Scalability is another reason to switch to access control services. As a business grows, business owners can add more employees to the system and give them access to specific rooms or software. They can also remove employees from the system when downsizing the business or dismissing a worker.
If keycards or mobile devices are lost or land in the wrong hands, blocking the lost cards takes only a few seconds. So businesses can adjust accordingly without compromising security.
Choosing Access Control Systems and Services
Many things can determine the right access control solution to install. The main factors are the size of the business premises, property or data protection needed, number of workers, budget, user-friendliness, and scalability. The good news is that a business owner can outsource access control services to security firms.
The service provider has seasoned IT and security experts to assess the premises, consider these factors, recommend and install the best access control system, and monitor the premises. This saves money and makes work easier for the business owner and employees. However, the business owner might need to express their needs, such as their preferred authentication method, and the security firm will handle the rest.
Access control services can improve business security and reduce the risk of theft, robberies, vandalism, and data breaches. However, business owners should work with a reputable security firm to choose the best access control service. They should also reduce the number of employees who can access sensitive items or data to lower the chances of internal theft.
