Access Control Solutions for Your Business

Researching the pros and cons of access control is the best way to determine whether it’s the right option for enhancing your company’s security. 

What is an Access control System? 

There is a wide variety of access control system options on the market today. The industry is constantly evolving to meet the varied demands of different types of businesses. The one facet that all access control systems feature is obvious by the name: the substitution of manual locks and keys for a keyless alternative. Instead of using a key to unlock your door, you may use a passcode, a key card, a remote fob, a smartphone app, or even your fingerprint. 

Depending on the complexity of a particular system, it may involve much more than the locking mechanisms on the doors themselves. You may also need door scanners or readers, alarm mechanisms, magnetic locks, motion sensors, as well as a computer with a wireless router to control any remote features of the system. Some systems have a customizable degree of complexity that allows them to match the needs of the business onto which they’re installed. 

What Are the Benefits of Keyless Security? 

There are many reasons why commercial property owners are turning more and more to electronic, keyless security options. If you have a large organization, whether it’s a retail shopping center or an industrial complex, implementing keyless security on your property may be a no-brainer. If you have a smaller business, however, especially if you’re just starting out and have a limited budget, you may have reservations as to whether your business would actually get its money worth from replacing manual locks with keyless options. This is a decision only you can make as the business owner, and the first step is to research the benefits of access control. 

Most security experts agree that access control affords a property a much higher level of security than manual locks and keys. There are no keys to get lost and fall into the wrong hands, and access control door mechanisms are generally more tamper-proof when it comes to standing up to criminal attacks. Access control affords more control to the business owner when it comes to protecting their property from unwanted intruders.   

Another considerable benefit of some forms of keyless security systems are access control features. If you have a large staff and want to keep certain areas of your business off limits, keyless security can do the job for you. You can choose a system that allows you not only to grant or revoke access at any time to particular entry points, but that also let you monitor activity on your property. Some systems even allow you to control access remotely to your property’s entry points. There is also less opportunity of human error with electronic lock systems. 

What Types of Access Control are Available 

• Keypad Locks: Keypad locks are one of the most common types of commercial security. Usually they feature a physical or digital numeric keypad. Instead of opening the lock using a key, the person entering types in a unique passcode. These devices are very effective, but limited in terms of access control and do not have advanced features like monitoring. Keypad locks can be combined with other forms of access control or security features such as door alarms or security cameras in order to enhance your commercial property’s security. Speak to your locksmith about the options available for your business. 
• Card Key Readers: Card key readers have been a staple of security for the hotel and medical industries for many years. This technology has now spread to other businesses as an effective form of access control. Whether you have a large retail establishment with a high rate of staff turnover, or an office building with many employees, a card key reader can make access control easy. One of the biggest benefits of having a card key reader system to control the flow of traffic on your business property is the ability to grant and revoke access privileges easy. Cards are usually inexpensive to create and distribute, making them ideal for a large facility with different levels of security clearance. 
• Smart Locks: While there is a growing variety of smart lock types available for purchase, most smart locks open using an app on your smartphone. One of the most appealing benefits of smart locks is the ability to remotely monitor and control access to the locks. This can be highly beneficial if you’re often away traveling on business. Smart locks come with many customizable features depending on the brand. 
• Biometric Entry: Biometric entry is on the forefront of cutting-edge security for businesses. Once limited to high-security financial institutions and government buildings, biometric entry is spreading across various industries as it becomes more refined and affordable. Biometric entry uses physical data as the entry credentials to unlock the entry point in question and usually feature electronic scanners in place of keypads or other devices.