When you have a commercial property, you’ll have to oversee multiple things. Facilities management has quite a few things involved in it, which could be enough to overwhelm some people.
It shouldn’t have to. Focusing on particular areas will make things much more straightforward. Security will be one of the more vital.
You’ll need to ensure that your premises are safe, alongside the people who use them. Installing an access control system can be one of the most effective ways of doing so.
You could be unsure of what this entails. There are more than a few things you’ll need to know about access control.
What Is An Access Control System?
Access control, in its purest form, focuses on controlling who is let into a location and when. That could involve employees, customers, and even suppliers.
It can also involve multiple locations, such as certain rooms in a building or even the premises themselves. Access control systems are the strategies and equipment put into place to manage this.
There are multiple reasons why people implement an access control system. These include:
- People Lose Their Keys: It’s relatively common for people to lose their keys. If they do, you might need to change the locks. You’ll then need to give out new keys. With an access control system, you avoid that.
- It’s Less Difficult To Manage: If there are multiple doors that need keys, then you’ll have to carry multiple keys around. You can manage with only one or two keys with an access control system.
- Leave An Audit Trail: With an access control system, you can determine who went where and precisely when they did. In the case of theft, that could be helpful.
There are also more than a few benefits to using an access control system.
Why Should You Use An Access Control System?
If you haven’t installed an access control system already, you could wonder why you should. You might already have security systems in place and believe that they’re enough.
While that could be the case, it often isn’t. Using an access control system offers multiple benefits, including:
- Increased control and security
- Can be controlled from anywhere
- More efficient than alternative solutions
- Cost-effective security option
These benefits can be more than attractive for anybody working in facilities management. At a minimum, it’s a cost-effective way to improve security at your premises.
There shouldn’t be anything getting in the way of doing so.
Controlling who can Access Your Building
When you’re involved in facilities management, you’ll have quite a few things to oversee. You’ll need to make sure that security is one of the more prominent parts.
Keeping your premises safe is a priority for any company. You’ll need to go out of your way to ensure this is the case.
That doesn’t have to be complicated, however. An access control system can be a straightforward and effective solution to this.
Implementing this ensures that you can effectively manage the people going in and out of your premises. It makes sure that nobody is anywhere that they shouldn’t be.
Glossary of Terms for Building Access Control
Here is a glossary of terms commonly used in relation to building access control:
Access control: The process of controlling and managing who has access to a building or facility.
Access control system: A system that is used to grant or restrict access to a building or facility, typically using electronic means such as card readers, biometric scanners, or keypads.
Access card: A card that is used to grant access to a building or facility, typically by being scanned at a card reader.
Card reader: A device that is used to read an access card and grant access to a building or facility.
Biometric scanner: A device that is used to grant access to a building or facility by scanning a person’s unique physical characteristics, such as their fingerprint or iris.
Keypad: A device that is used to grant access to a building or facility by requiring the user to enter a code.
Security guard: A person who is responsible for managing access to a building or facility and ensuring the security of the premises.
Security camera: A device that is used to monitor and record activity in and around a building or facility for security purposes.
Door lock: A device that is used to secure a door and prevent unauthorized access to a building or facility.
Door intercom: A device that is used to communicate with someone at the entrance to a building or facility and grant or deny access.
Security clearance: The level of access that is granted to an individual to enter a building or facility, typically based on their security clearance level or job function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Access Control
Here are some frequently asked questions about building access control:
What is building access control?
Building access control is the process of controlling and managing who has access to a building or facility. This is typically achieved through the use of electronic systems such as card readers, biometric scanners, or keypads.
How does a building access control system work?
A building access control system typically consists of a number of components, including access cards or tokens, card readers, biometric scanners, keypads, and door locks. When an individual presents their access card or token to a card reader or scans their biometric information at a biometric scanner, the system compares the information to a database of authorized users. If the information matches, the system unlocks the door and allows access. If the information does not match, the system denies access and sounds an alarm or notifies security personnel.
What are the benefits of a building access control system?
There are a number of benefits to implementing a building access control system, including improved security, reduced risk of unauthorized access, and increased efficiency. Access control systems can also provide a record of who has accessed the building and when which can be useful for security and compliance purposes.
What types of access control systems are available?
There are a variety of access control systems available, including card-based systems, biometric systems, and keypad systems. The best system for a particular building will depend on the size and layout of the facility, the level of security required, and the specific needs and requirements of the organization.
Are building access control systems expensive to install and maintain?
The cost of installing and maintaining a building access control system will depend on the size and complexity of the system, as well as the specific needs and requirements of the organization. In general, access control systems can be more expensive to install and maintain than traditional lock and key systems, but they offer improved security and efficiency that can justify the additional cost.
