Guide to Commercial Access Control Systems

Electronic access control systems are fast becoming the go-to protection systems of businesses all over the country, including those in Spartanburg, SC. Many different types of access control systems exist on the market today to suit the needs of various types of businesses and their staffs. In general, modern access control systems are controlled electronically and restrict access to only those who have the right credentials. Electronic access control systems are an investment up front, however, most business owners find that they pay for themselves swiftly with the increased ability to monitor and control access to the building.

What is an Access Control System?

Access control systems have been around for decades in various forms, but in recent years have seen many technological advances that has brought them to the forefront of security protection for businesses. Different access control systems offer unique benefits for the property on which they are installed. Features such as the ability to track any attempts to access the door and how long a particular person was on the property can be invaluable for business security.

Different types of electronic access control systems include:

• Key Card Readers
• Digital Keypads
• Key Fob Readers
• Biometric Scanners
• Fingerprint Scanners
• Smart Readers

Each has their own unique benefits and drawbacks, but all access control systems share certain pros and cons. Be sure to weigh the positives and the negatives when you are trying to determine which access control system to utilize on your property. If you’re not sure, a professional locksmith company such as Spartanburg Sharp Locksmith of Spartanburg, NC can be of great assistance.

Benefits of an Access Control System

Many businesses have changed over to an access control system from traditional, physical lock-and-key hardware because of the benefits of such systems. While traditional lock systems can protect your property to a certain extent, they are vulnerable to many criminal techniques. The benefits of an access control system installed on your business doors, whether just on the entry doors or internally throughout the building to limit access between managers and employees, can be a tremendous boon to a business. These benefits include:

• Easy access for those with the correct credentials.
• Additional monitoring and tracking is available so that you can be aware of all of the comings and goings on your commercial property, as well as how long the individual stayed. They can also provide you with information on any times that access was denied and the reason why.
• Alarm and video surveillance systems can be integrated with the door access control system for added security and monitoring. When paired with access monitoring, you will have a powerful system of control wherein you’ll be certain that you know every person who has been on your property and when.
• Full control over which employees are allowed where.
• Ability to quickly revoke access for terminated employees.
• Customizable systems.
• Programmable access for holidays and days off.

Drawbacks of an Access Control System

While they have a lot of positives, just like anything else, access control systems aren’t perfect. It’s important to consider what you would do if any of these negatives occur and create a plan of action so that you aren’t locked out of your property. Some of the drawbacks include:

• Lose access if you forget your password or pin.
• Mechanisms can be damaged.
• Some electrical access control systems stop working if the power goes out. In this scenario, your property would be vulnerable. To avoid this problem, make sure your access control system has a battery backup.

Evaluating Having an Access Control System

You’ve weighed the pros and cons and have decided that the best move for your business is to go ahead with the installation of an access control system. Your next move is to research the various types of access control systems on the market to get a feel for the one you want. Most business owners, when evaluating having an access control system, have the safety of their employees and their assets in mind. Come up with a budget for how much you are willing to spend and a plan that includes what features you feel are absolutely necessary.

If you want to be able to monitor the movement of employees and customers throughout your building at all times, then an access control system with reporting and monitoring features would be ideal.
The best access control systems fit into your business seamlessly. You don’t want a system that causes unnecessary hassle or inconvenience for you or your employees. Systems like card readers and fingerprint scanners make entry to the right parties easy while preventing unauthorized access.

Installation of Access Control

When you’ve decided that an access control system is right for you, the best place to turn to is a professional locksmith company. The right locksmith company will have access to a wide selection of door readers, control panels, and other access control systems for you to choose from, as well as the knowledge to install them properly and efficiently. They will work with you to determine your goals for access control security protection and creating a plan to meet those goals. You can determine whether you want monitoring to be done onsite or by a third-party company. It’s important to discuss what you should do in case there are any technical problems with your new access control system, or if it ever needs maintenance. Make sure that you have all of this information close at hand for when you need it.

Access control systems can boost your business security so you can bring your focus back to your work. If you’re looking for the best protection available on the market, an access control system is right for you.