As technology advances, so does enterprise security. With every new advancement in security comes ways to log data, maintain inventory, monitor your property, and protect employees and customers. One of the biggest security advancements is access control, where individuals are authenticated via a PIN, RFID key card or biometric reader, allowing only specific individuals to access certain areas.

Read on to learn more about access control and how it can be used to improve business security practices.

Why Companies Use Access Control?

Access control not only improves security, but also improves operational efficiency and provides meaningful insights for your business. Here are some ways access control can help:

No more keys – no need to replace or re-encrypt lost keys when employees are laid off

Offer customization – You can reserve room privacy only for those who need access to business operations and create custom credentials for employees or trusted providers.
Better Monitoring – You can track who is coming for attendance and extra security measures.
Time Tracking – You can track the exact time employees come in and go to manage coverage and payroll more efficiently.
There are many practicalities to knowing who is entering certain areas of your business and documenting certain parts of your building, such as:

Space planning that meets health guidelines.
Heating and cooling more efficiently because you can predict when employees will be in specific areas.
Planning for future building purchases or improvements based on occupancy
Depending on your industry, there might even be useful applications like pairing access control with surveillance cameras to allow employees or customers to enter your building without having to unlock the door in person.

Access Control Type

There are a variety of access control products and brands available in the market. Some of the best types of access control are:

card reader

Swipe and Proximity readers use an access card or key fob to grant access. This technique allows you to program unique credentials for each user, so you can only grant access to different areas (or all areas) to those who need it.

Rather than changing keys when someone loses a fob or card or leaves the company, it’s easier and cheaper to adjust your security system settings online and create a new fob with the correct credentials (and access any old fobs you want to delete). .

While readers require a swipe, proximity readers use RFID technology to wave a hand in front of the reader to authorize access.

Some readers or RFID proximity readers have keypads designed to read PINs and/or access cards when needed.

Card reader with built-in camera

This card reader offers the same functionality as a standard card reader with the addition of a 2 MP camera that allows you to monitor who is at your door. The camera captures a real-time view of the entrance and transmits it to the access control system over the network, eliminating the need to install and maintain a separate entrance camera.

For VoIP calls, these readers place calls to the operator via VoIP when the touchpad is activated. The operator can then communicate with the visitor and enter an access code to open the door. Additionally, it supports card and face modes, performing face recognition and card verification before granting access.

Pressure Switch

These buttons are commonly used for egress equipment in commercial, industrial and even residential buildings. Exit buttons can be used on fire doors, gates, or anywhere access control can be installed.

Push-button exits can also be used in some cases when the user isn’t able to physically open certain doors, like at hospitals or doctor’s offices.
When the push button exit is activated, it momentarily releases the fail-safe lock on the door. The exit button releases power to the magnetic lock and the door automatically releases allowing free exit. These are generally on a timer or reengage automatically after the door is closed again.
Benefits of Access Control + Security Cameras
While access control can provide added security along with a number of other benefits, video integration can enhance these measures even further and provide a fail-safe. Network and cloud-based video surveillance provide extra assurance that no one has gained entry to any secure areas.
With a properly installed and configured security system, you’ll be able to analyze footage and review, monitor, and track key data which gives you real-time insight into customer traffic, staffing issues, purchase habits, conversion ratios, and a variety of other potential data.
Added benefits of adding security cameras to your access control system include:
* Observing individuals entering and exiting secure spaces to ensure everyone is accounted for and no unauthorized person has gained access.
* If a theft occurs, you’ll be able to review footage to find out who was stealing inventory or accessing any sensitive data.
* Motion-triggered recording can immediately start when someone enters an area.
* Archives can be kept for long periods of time (depending on the size of storage you choose) in case you need to review old footage.
Access control solutions
If you’re looking for enhanced security for your organization, it’s important to choose the right installer. Contact Camera Security Now today for a free consultation. Our trained and highly qualified surveillance technicians will help guide you to the best solution for your unique necessity. A site survey will be conducted in order to steer you towards the best solution and explain exactly why this would work best for your facility and organization.
One of our technicians will assist you every step of the way – beginning with a free site survey. And this technician will walk you through what kind of cameras and access control would work best and provide insight into recommended products.