You’ve made a wise decision by investing in access control for your business’s security system. So, you want to make sure that you are getting the best value out of your commercial security system, right? The best possible way to do this is by upgrading your business’s access control system. In commercial security, advanced systems provide huge advantages. However, they have to be used and properly maintained. This all should, of course, be left to professionals.
Upgrading Your Business Access Control System For Enhanced Effectiveness
Upgrading your commercial access control system is a great decision. Every building is different and each business has unique security needs. Access control systems are a flexible solution and are very effective when selected to fit within a specific environment. Periodic evaluation of the security issues in your facility and checking that the system addresses them properly is recommended. Changing program settings also could be a fix for any given situation. It is important to ask your staff specifically.
- Is it effective when security is the biggest concern?
- Does it control access to all high-security areas?
- How many people are involved in using the system?
- Does it work efficiently for the level of traffic?
- Does it work well with any other security system or measures taken on the property?
Is It Time for a System Update?
While technology improves, it’s quite likely that new settings and features could better meet those challenges. Often, an upgrade, update or switch to another brand of access system can make a big difference.
Check That Access Control System is Properly Set Up
Your access control system is most effective when programmed to fit a facility’s security needs. All settings should allow or deny access at outside entry points at specific times of the day and on specific days of the week. Facility managers and supervisors should take careful consideration at the beginning of the process about where access is more controlled and who is permitted to enter into every building/department.
Just as anything else we rely on for security, be sure that testing and maintenance checks of this system are part of the general upkeep of your facility. Management should also set up a process for how and when traffic information will be used. Whether it is reviewed daily in order to track employee’s work hours or to see the average flow of people that come into the building, all of these details should be outlined. This will apply to the main door and also to specific high-security points.
Implementing Access Levels
One of the best features of access control is that the system is able to be customized to an individual building. Considering each user’s permissions with different access control model types helps to align the access levels with your business’s unique security needs. Access should be granted only to users who need the space. Reviewing credentials for every point and checking if they should be more restricted is recommended.
Make sure that access has been permanently denied for those who have left the company or have been fired. After that, update the new list of users and their access level. Also, it’s important to restrict access in terms of work hours and time periods.
Upgrading Access Control Door Systems
Classic door access control systems have been around for a long time. These systems include one or more integral control panels that connect to all door readers. Typically, door readers use a Wiegand interface for communication. The controller-to-reader cable includes serial Weigand wires, an electric lock, and power controls. It can also contain several door control signals like requests to exit and door contact sensors. Older systems do not have the latest features provided by newer access control systems. Your older controller can be replaced in order for you to get the most updated features and functions that are available from the new access control system. The new systems can connect to the network, allowing them to be integrated with other security systems. They allow for many new capabilities which will improve the safety and security of your facility.
Keeping Access Control Devices Updated
When deciding whether upgrading your access control system is the right choice for your business, keep the following in mind. Whether you should choose keypads, key fobs, access cards, or biometric input, always know that access device permissions should be updated consistently.
- Devices should be collected as every patron exits.
- Devices should be collected and permissions should be deactivated once a staff member leaves the company.
- Every code, fob, card, or fingerprint should give entry for only a set amount of time.
- The system should automatically block access and require renewal after six months, or a year for continued use.
- This automatic block should happen sooner (two-three months) for third-party users.
New staff and employees should be informed about the company’s expectations in terms of access control. For example, they should be aware that holding the door open for other people or allowing someone to follow them into the building is not acceptable.
Doubling up on security is important. Putting a double-check procedure in place is a good idea, a check where supervisors have to sign off on every entry request. This can decrease entry abuse and tailgating. The record can be stored for future reference electronically. For example, access validation is helpful in case important equipment or materials happen to go missing, are stolen, or are damaged.
Time For A System Update? Better Safe Than Sorry
When technology improves, it’s quite likely that new features can better meet your security challenges. Upgrading and implementing new technology, such as touchless access control, can make a big difference.
The Ins and Outs of System Upgrades
While your access control system is being upgraded, you’ll notice that your controller will also need to be replaced. Credentials and management info also need to be added or re-entered. The same set of wires that come from door readers can be connected to new controllers. One set of wires can be disconnected at a time. Afterward, each set of wires going to each specific door will be recorded. Credentials (people) will be re-entered by swiping the credential at the door readers.
Each person will then be assigned to their credential in the software. After this, the scheduling and management level for each credential will be added. The information will be assigned for each person, and specify which doors they are allowed to enter at what times. Once the new controller is added, you can take advantage of the new features and functions.
In conclusion, implementing access control into your business’s security system is such an incredible decision and could be an invaluable component of your system. Just like anything that you’ve invested in, you want to focus on upkeep. Overall, updating access control for your commercial security system is integral.