What Is Access Control?
In simple terms, access control is an electronic security system used to authorize certain people to enter a building during a specific time. These individuals could be an employee, a contractor, or a guest and use access cards to enter different areas. You will be able to set unlock schedules for doors or manually lock and unlock them using an app.
Access control not only grants building access, but the system can also log who accessed when and where. They provide useful data information to help you in monitoring how your building and sites are used.
Why Should I Use Access Control Instead of Keys?
Mechanical keys are the standard type of physical access control and are used by many small companies and businesses. However, even for small businesses, using mechanical keys has various drawbacks and restrictions that can affect an organization as it grows. Here's a list of challenges business owners may encounter by using keys:
1. Employees Misplace Their Keys
If a physical key is lost, the lock must be replaced to ensure that the lost key is not misused. You will have to reissue new keys to everyone who will need access to the building. By removing all keys, you also prevent the security risk of employees duplicating and sharing keys with those outside your business.
2. Physical Keys Leave No Audit Trail
You can’t tell if and when someone has used a key. In an event, you will have no idea who has entered the building and when. These pieces of information can be extremely helpful when emergency situations occur.
3. Physical Keys are Difficult to Keep Track Of
If someone has to enter a variety of buildings and rooms, they will require a large number of keys, which can be inconvenient to carry and use. It can be difficult to remember which key is for which door, however, labeling them poses too much of a security risk if the keys are stolen or lost.
4. Increased Control and Security
You can avoid the drawbacks of mechanical keys and have more security control by employing an electronic access control system. Here are ways you can use access control and increase security for your buildings and sites:
- Who Has Access to What and When
- Which Doors Do They Have Access
- What Time They Can Gain Access
- Under Which Conditions They’re Allowed to Enter
What Are the Different Access Control Solutions?
Within the access control system, access cards are the most often used form of identification. It works by a person submitting their card to a reader and being granted access if all of the system's conditions are met.
However, there are alternatives to cards, some of which provide a range of security protection. These solutions include using a PIN or password, or biometric identifies such as your fingerprint or iris to gain access.
Each method of identification has its advantages and disadvantages, but these approaches used to depend on the situation. For example, you could use one solution for outdoor doors and another for internal doors to increase and improve security. This strategy is known as verification by identifying yourself first and then confirming it’s your identity.
Another reason to combine two ways of identification is if you have a specific room, you might ask employees to use their access card to identify themselves and then provide a PIN or display their fingerprint for verification.
Integrity Security Access Control
You can secure your office or retail space while monitoring who enters and when they enter with access control systems. Integrity Security allows you to restrict entry to your building or particular areas of your property to coworkers and employees with access control solutions.
Our experts will ensure you will have an optimal system that provides secure and reliable security. For more information about access control and security solutions, contact Integrity Security.