Access Control Systems: Enhancing Business Security

The days of lock and key are long gone, with most businesses controlling incomings and outgoings with access control systems. Utilising a range of different technologies, access control systems give business owners a more efficient way of preventing unauthorised access into the premises.

In this article, we’ll discuss access control systems in depth, highlighting the different forms available to you.

What is an access control system?

Access control systems allow business owners to control who has entry to the commercial premises. Unlike a traditional lock and key system, individual staff members will be able to enter the building on their own accord. This can be by using keycards/fobs, PINs, and even facial/iris recognition technology.

Access control systems are frequently being adopted by businesses looking to modernise their security systems. They can often be integrated into a wider security system for maximum protection against unauthorised individuals.

Different types of access control system

There are many different types of access control systems, ranging in technological complexity. The most accessible, and widely used, is the key card/fob system.

Key card/fob

This form of access control replaces a traditional metal key with a plastic key card or fob. When the key card/fob is held up to the reader, small transmitters communicate with the card reader, in a similar way to making a contactless payment. If the card/fob is accepted by the system, the door will be unlocked.

A keycard/fob system is simple, accessible, and easy to install. However, there’s always the danger of keycards and fobs being misplaced, posing a slight risk to the premises’ security.

Pros:

• The technology is simple and easy to use
• Cost effective option
• Easy to integrate with an existing alarm system

Cons:

• Key cards and fobs can be easily lost
• There is potential for keycards to be cloned
• Limited functionality when compared with other options

Mobile access

Much like the keycard/fob system, mobile access controls require a simple tap of the phone onto a reader to gain entry. The internal technology is similar too, once again using transmitters to establish a connection between device and reader.

As phones rarely leave their owners’ pockets, the chances of someone forgetting or misplacing their device is slim. However, there’s always the threat of low phone batteries to contend with.

Overall, mobile access systems are just as simple for staff members to use, whatever level of technological prowess they possess. There are many apps that support company-wide use of the technology, allowing all your employees to sign in to the system without any fuss.

Pros:

• Convenient for employees to use
• Saves money as no physical keycards have to be made
• Building notifications can be sent to all staff members via the mobile app

Cons:

• Requires all employees to have an up-to-date smartphone
• Requires all employees to have sufficient battery on their phones
• May cause privacy concerns

Keypad access

Keypad access control systems don’t require your personnel to carry around any form of device in order to gain entry. Instead, they require employees to enter a four to six digit code on an external keypad.

While leaving your property’s safety in the hands of a four-digit code might seem risky, there are 10,000 number combinations to choose from. So, unless you opt for ‘1234’, ‘0000’, or ‘1111’, the chances of your combination being guessed by an intruder are very slim.

However, as the keypad will be used multiple times a day, the chance of physical wear and tear is high. Constant maintenance will be a requirement.

Pros:

• Doesn’t require a physical keycard, fob, or mobile phone
• Combination easy to remember and secure
• Cost effective

Cons:

• Wear and tear is likely because of consistent use
• May pose hygienic issues
• Can’t identify exactly who is entering the premises

Biometric systems

Once the height of security technology, biometric access control systems have begun their integration into the mainstream. Fingerprint scanners, facial recognition systems, and iris recognition, while expensive, are available for regular businesses to invest in.

Biometric systems have the potential to be far more secure than regular access control systems as they focus on exact characteristics of a person. This makes it extremely difficult for an unauthorised individual to enter the building.

The logging of biometric data makes it easy to track who is in the building, which is useful data for compliance purposes. Bear in mind that it won’t be a quick process to log each staff member’s biometric data, however.

Pros:

• Efficient and highly secure technology
• Takes away the need for physical cards/fobs
• It’s very difficult for anyone to forge biometric data to gain unauthorised access

Cons:

• Very expensive to purchase, set up, and install
• Some staff members may not feel comfortable with the biometric data they have to share
• Potential for recognition failures

Reasons to invest in an access control system

Investing in an access control system is essential for commercial property owners. Here’s why:

• Modernisation: Access control systems can be integrated into a full security setup, meaning your business will be fully protected.

• Peace of mind: Your staff members will gain the peace of mind that they will be safe within the building.

• Ease of use: With an access control system, staff members can enter the building in seconds. There’s no waiting around for someone with a key, or manual sign in/out forms to be filled in.

• Keeps certain areas off limits: Vulnerable areas, such as storage rooms for high-value inventory, can have separate access controls from main buildings. This will ensure that these areas are only accessible to the right people.

• Visitor access: Many access control systems can allow for temporary usage for visitors. This saves the stress of having to rush down to let deliveries or contractors in.

Control access with Incognito Systems

You’ve spent years building your business up, so don’t let an unauthorised individual tear it all down. At Incognito Systems, we’ve been supplying businesses across Northamptonshire with bespoke security systems since 2017.

Not only can we install access control systems on your building, we can also fit you up with high-end CCTV and alarm systems.