How to Choose the Best Access Control System for Your Organization

The safety and security of employees, assets, and property are always top of mind for any business.

Access control systems serve as your eyes and ears—especially when you cannot be there. Incorporating technologies such as keycards, intercom entrance systems, remote monitoring, and smart technology integrations can be the difference between injuries, property damages, lost revenues, and even fatalities.

Whether protecting a small business, multi-unit corporation, hospital system, or retail store, an advanced access control system with real-time mobile device alerts is a necessary safeguard.

Below we’ll discuss access control system features and benefits, as well as components, smart integrations, and more.

What Is a Commercial Access Control System?

Keeping tabs on the workplace and its surroundings while monitoring employee performance can be a daunting task. Many organizations, especially large multi-location entities, will hire a private security company to do so. While this is helpful, it can also be costly and time-consuming. Utilizing an access control system with innovative features such as keycards, remote video monitoring, and intercom entrance systems work concurrently to deter trespassers, thefts, and other unsavory activities. 

These also help restrict access to unauthorized areas and maintain optimal employee working hours. When used with security cameras and remote monitoring, access control systems can also assist department managers with personnel matters and customer disputes.

Commercial Access Control System Benefits

Access control systems monitor doors and entryways and specialized area authorizations through one cohesive, clearance-level database. This is especially helpful for agencies handling sensitive information, facilities with frequent visitors, or multi-location operations.

Consider adding remote video monitoring and entrance intercoms—both of which capture suspicious activities via still images and video footage. 

Whether protecting a small business, multi-unit corporation, hospital system, or retail store, an advanced access control system with real-time mobile device alerts is a necessary safeguard.

Access Control System Types

Ranging across several different classification levels, the most common categories are: discretionary, mandatory, and role-based. Factors to consider include a company’s size, type, and number of employees and security clearance authorizations. 

Learn more about each level to determine the best fit for your organization: 

Discretionary

This permits businesses to control and amend access levels for full-time employees, visitors, contractors, delivery personnel, and others. While saving valuable time and money, this internal role must be handled by a vetted, trustworthy, and qualified employee.

Mandatory

This level is controlled by a designated system administrator or security officer for areas demanding the highest protection.

Role/Rule-Based

Administrators assign access based on job titles and responsibilities. A full-time employee will have a different level than a part-time contractor, visitor, delivery person, or other temporary guest. 

Access Control Components

It’s best to work with a reputable provider such as General Security when implementing this technology. We can recommend a custom solution and conduct a thorough survey, inspection, and assessment. This also comprises updated fire and building codes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, and equipment testing and training.

Here are more features of an efficient access control system:

Keycards

A card or key fob, these magnetic ID cards are read by electronic controllers at various entry points. Most common types include:

• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
• Smart Automation
• Proximity
• Wiegand
• Magnetic Stripe Readers (MSRs)

Keycard entry systems can also be integrated with Alarm.com Business Activity Analytics to monitor important data and insights, such as occupancy and crowd control.

Intercom/Entrance Systems

This two-way audio/video technology can be remotely monitored, armed, and disarmed to deter unsuspecting visitors and solicitors. 

Remote Video Surveillance & Monitoring

Used in tandem with intercom entrance systems, indoor/outdoor security cameras can maintain 24/7 surveillance with high-resolution images and video footage.

Access Control System Usage Areas

Note below some of the most common areas for commercial security access control systems. These include: 

• Corporate Offices With Multiple Locations: Set access levels based on employees’ roles and responsibilities throughout all areas and locations.
• Small Businesses: Safely manage access points, especially after hours, and ensure employee productivity.
• Bars/Restaurants: Manage and control employee access to help curb internal thefts, low productivity, tardiness, and extended breaks. These systems can also help monitor delivery entrances, kitchens, and dining areas.
• Industrial Facilities & Warehouses: Ensure technicians are working within safety guidelines and only those with appropriate clearances are present.
• Parking Lots & Garages: Gain insight into vehicle arrivals and departures, and watch for vehicle and catalytic converter thefts, break-ins, and vandalism.
• Schools: Effectively manage public safety threats and incidents. This also manages control for in-school events with multiple guests.
• Healthcare Facilities: In accordance with HIPAA compliance, patient care, pharmaceuticals, and other discretionary matters, access control ensures personnel receive access to their appropriate levels.
• Community Centers: Keep employees, visitors, and volunteers safe, and away from restricted areas.
  

It’s best to work with a reputable provider such as General Security when implementing this access control technology. We can recommend a custom solution and conduct a thorough survey, inspection, and assessment.

Smart Security Integrations

With smart integrations, you can program alerts via keycards, video surveillance, and intercom/entrance systems. These can also be integrated with any property’s lights, thermostats, locks, security and doorbell cameras, and more. This is especially prudent for businesses often receiving deliveries after hours and those within hospitality, for appliance safety and monitoring. 

Protecting Your Employees & Assets

Regardless of your business type and size, safeguarding your employees and property is always top of mind. When enlisting a reputable provider such as General Security, your most important assets will always be protected!

General Security provides commercial security systems featuring key cards, video surveillance, intercom/entrance systems, and more to protect businesses of all sizes across multiple industries. Request a free quote from us today!