How Access Control Systems Improve Workplace Security
Workplace security is more than just locking up at the end of the day – a whole lot more. Companies today are dealing with all sorts of security headaches, from people getting in when they shouldn’t to theft and even violence. As businesses get bigger and buildings get more complex, traditional locks and keys just don’t cut it any more.
That’s why a lot of places are turning to modern access control systems to ramp up their workplace security, get a better view of what’s going on, and decide exactly who can get into their facilities.
What Exactly Is an Access Control System?
An access control system is a security system that helps keep track of who’s coming and going from a building or restricted area. Instead of just relying on keys, businesses can use a range of different credentials, such as:
- Key cards
- Mobile phone apps
- PIN codes
- Biometric readers – like fingerprint scanners
- Fobs or badges
- Remote access management
All of these systems let businesses figure out who can get into certain areas and when, only allowing those with access permissions to enter.
The Benefits of Preventing Unauthorized Access
The most obvious advantage of electronic access control systems is reducing security risks by stopping people who shouldn’t be getting in.
Traditional keys are really easy to lose, steal, copy or share without asking permission. When that happens, businesses may have to replace all the locks in the building, which can be a real hassle. Access control systems make it easy to just turn off someone’s access or change their permissions without having to replace any hardware, which gives businesses far more control over their security.
Restricting Access to Sensitive Areas
Not every employee or visitor needs to be able to get into every single area of a building – only authorized personnel.
Access control systems let businesses secure things like:
- Server rooms
- Areas where important financial records are kept
- Warehouses and inventory storage
- Management offices
- Private spaces for employees
- Areas where medicines or other controlled substances are kept
- Data centers
Each business has its own set of security needs, but with an access control system, they can create different levels of access based on things like someone’s job title or department.
Improving Employee Safety
Workplace safety is a major concern for just about every business out there.
Access control systems can help with this by:
- Keeping the public out of the building
- Making sure people who shouldn’t be there aren’t getting in
- Locking up after hours
- Keeping an eye on who’s coming and going
- Helping with emergency lockdown procedures
In many cases, access control systems can even hook up with security cameras and alarm systems to give you an even better view of what’s going on.
Tracking Who Comes and Goes
Unlike traditional locks, modern access control systems keep a record of just about everything that happens in a building.
Businesses can look at things like:
- Who came into certain areas
- When certain credentials were used
- When someone tried to get in but failed
- After hours activity
- Visitor history
All of this information is very useful if there’s a security incident, or if you need to check up on compliance issues.
Avoiding the Problems with Lost or Shared Keys
As a business gets bigger, it can become really difficult to keep track of keys, especially when employees lose them, forget to turn them back in, or duplicate them without permission.
Access control systems solve a lot of these problems by letting you update or cancel credentials instantly, which means you don’t have to replace locks or give out new keys.
Letting You Manage Security Across Multiple Locations Remotely
For businesses with lots of different locations, it can be a real hassle to keep track of security. But with many modern access control systems, administrators can:
- Control access from anywhere
- Lock or unlock doors from a distance
- Keep an eye on what’s going on in real time
- Manage multiple buildings from one place
This makes it far easier to run a business and also means you’re less likely to have security problems.
What Happens in an Emergency?
Access control systems can also play a big role in emergency situations.
Depending on how the system is set up, you may be able to:
- Lock down the building quickly
- Keep people out of areas that are off-limits
- Let in emergency responders
- Keep track of who’s in the building
- Review what happened after an incident
When you have an integrated security system, you’re in a better position to deal with emergencies.
Integrating with Other Security Systems
Another benefit of modern access control is that it can often be hooked up with other security systems like:
- Video surveillance
- Alarm systems
- Intrusion detection
- Visitor management software
- Phone systems
This gives you a more complete view of what’s going on in your building and makes security a lot easier to manage.
Which Industries Use Access Control Systems?
Access control solutions are used by lots of different industries, including:
- Banks and credit unions
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Schools and universities
- Office buildings
- Warehouses and manufacturing facilities
- Retail businesses
- Government buildings
Just about every business has its own unique security needs, but access control can help reduce risk just about anywhere.
Choosing the Right Access Control System
When it comes to picking an access control system, there are a few things to think about, like:
- How big your building is
- How many employees you have
- What your security needs are
- What kind of compliance issues you need to deal with
- How many doors you need to control
- How much you think your business will grow in the future
It’s a good idea to work with security experts to pick a system that fits your business needs and can grow with you as you get bigger.
Improving Workplace Security with Modern Access Control
Modern access control systems can help you improve security, protect employees, and get a better view of what’s going on in your building. As the nature of security threats continues to evolve with alarming regularity, keeping a step ahead of the game has made access control a vital component when it comes to creating safer and more secure workplaces for employees.
