As technology evolves, business security is constantly changing. With each new advancement in security comes a new way to record data, keep inventory, watch your property, and keep employees and customers safe. One of the greatest advancements in security comes from access control, which allows only certain individuals into specific areas by verifying someone’s identity via PIN, RFID keycard, or biometric reader.
Continue reading to learn more about access control and how it can be used to enhance business security practices.
Why companies use access control
Access control not only increases security but can also improve operating efficiency and provide powerful insights for your business. Here are some of the ways access control can help:
- No more keys – No need to replace lost keys or re-key when employees are let go.
- Offers customization – You can keep rooms private to only those who need access for business operations and create custom credentials for employees or trusted vendors.
- Better monitoring – You can track who is coming and going for attendance and added security measures.
- Time tracking – You can track the exact time employees clock in and out to manage coverage and payroll more efficiently.
Knowing who enters particular areas of your business and keeping a log of certain parts of your building has a number of practical operations like:
- Space planning to adhere to health guidelines.
- More efficient heating and cooling, since you can predict when employees will be in certain areas.
- Planning for future building purchases or improvements based on occupancy.
Depending on your industry, there may be even useful applications like pairing access control with a security camera in order to allow workers or customers into your building without having to physically unlock the door.
Types of Access Control
There are a variety of access control products available on the market and a number of brands to choose from. Some of the best kinds of access control are:
Card Readers
Swipe readers and proximity readers use access cards or fobs to grant access. This type of technology allows you to program unique credentials for each user, so you can grant access to different areas (or all areas) to only those who require an entry.
Instead of replacing a key, if someone loses a fob or card, or leaves the company, it’s a lot easier and cheaper to adjust your security system’s settings online and render a new fob with the right credentials (and remove access to any old fobs).
While card readers require a swipe, proximity readers use RFID technology to grant access with a wave in front of the reader.
Some card readers or RFID proximity readers have keypads, designed to read PIN codes and/or access cards if necessary.
Card Readers with Built-in Cameras
Providing all of the same capabilities as the standard card reader, this card reader adds a 2 MP camera that allows you to monitor who is at your doorway. The camera captures a live view of the entrance and transmits it to the access control system over a network, without the need for installing and maintaining a separate camera for the entryway.
For VoIP Calls, when its touchpad is activated, these readers will place a call to the operator through VoIP. The operator can then communicate with the visitor and enter an access code to open the door. Additionally, it supports the Card and Face mode to perform face detection together with card verification before access can be granted.
Push-button switch
These buttons are generally used for exit devices in commercial, industrial, or even residential buildings. The exit push button can be used on fire doors, gates, or anywhere else you can install access control.
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.
Are you looking for access control advice? Johnny can give you a free security consultation for your location. Even if you’re not sure what you need, our security team will walk you through what it takes to secure your business. No matter what kind of facility in which you’re requesting surveillance support, we can assist you with all of your security needs.
If you have additional questions about access control, or if you’re looking for more information, contact Johnny at Camera Security Now by calling 800-440-1662 or fill out a fast, easy online quote form.
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