Electronic Access Control

Is it Time to Hang up your Keys?

Our latest guide has been put together to help you understand firstly what access control is and why it would help you to reduce risk in your business.

It can be argued that a simple lock and key is access control and by definition it is, however with criminals becoming more prepared and the increased openness and movement of people around our work places from visitors to casual staff isn’t time you thought about installing greater protection for your property, staff and assets?

What is Electronic Access Control?

The term Access Control refers to the control, monitoring or restriction of people, goods or vehicles from a building or location.

Electronic access control uses technology to aid in the above areas to limit access to certain areas, to simply allow someone into a building or to monitor who or what is going in and out. Being electronic and using technology these systems could also be integrated with your Fire, Alarm and CCTV system giving a complete view of your physical security and reducing the risk of theft or harm to your staff, assets or property.

Why would I need Electronic Access Control?

Have you ever lost a key or had it stolen and had to replace it? Imagine if you own a business and a number of people are designated key holders, if one person loses a key by rights you would have to replace that lock to keep it completely secure and then re-issue to everyone, this can be a costly and timely process.

Keys are great but they can also be copied (quickly and easily), so if you are looking at reducing your security risk make sure you have an audit of all the keys used in your business.

Some doors such as the front door to your business, residential housing/ apartment block/ Care Home or a warehouse may always be kept open to make it easy for staff or residents to come and go as they please. This however will make it very easy for intruders to come and go as well, giving them quick access to assets and property as well as staff, placing a greater risk to your home or business.

Electronic Access Control Systems provide a simple and cost effective security solution to these issues.

How Does Electronic Access Control Help?

Most of us are used to these days in using a key card at hotels or you may even have keyless entry or touch entry to your car, electronic access control works in a similar way making it a simple, convenient , flexible, secure and a cost effective way of controlling who has access to your property and areas of your business.

Access Control systems can be installed either using a key pad or with a card, fob or token to electronically allow access through a door or gate, monitoring exactly who is going through, CCTV can also be integrated to give greater recognition and security.

Systems can be installed to incorporate 2-way communication either through voice or video which is perfect for a reception door giving safety to staff members inside.

If the card is lost or stolen it can be cancelled quickly and reissued to that person with the minimum of cost and time so that there is no further security risk, the same can be said if someone leaves a company – simply cancel the card and no further access will be granted.

Access control systems can also limit or extend access to certain areas (and at certain times) to, so if you have a server room this can have limited access to your IT staff, perhaps your stock room, or accounts department for those required people, the list is endless and will depend on your type of business but securing key areas at all times is a must.

Doors can also be set to unlock at key times so if you have an integrated fire safety system the doors will automatically open if an alarm is detected again helping to reduce the risk for staff.

Electronic Access Control provide a simple, efficient, secure and cost effective way of reducing security risk when protecting: assets, staff and property.