If you’ve been looking into security for your business, you’ve likely come across the term access control. It may sound highly technical— and it is!— but the concept behind it is straightforward. Whether you work in retail, hospitality, banking and finance, or something else entirely, ensuring your products and information are secure is key and security access control is the way to do it.
This article discusses what security access control is, why an access control system is the best thing you can do for your business, and the types of access control systems available. For personalised advice, contact our team at Guardtech today.
Regardless of the industry you work in, you most likely have different people coming and going throughout the day. Security access control allows you to control who has access to these secure areas and who doesn’t. With security access control you can ensure only authorised personnel enter these areas and members of the general public cannot.
Access control offers higher security than a lock and key in that it can be connected to additional security systems. A lock and key is simply one system, however access control can utilise door locking and unlocking as well as video surveillance and other methods of security.
Traditional locks and keys have been used for centuries, and have certainly done their part in keeping people and things safe. However, society and technology have progressed and digital systems can offer more security and convenience than traditional systems.
The days of needing to carry a keychain with a key for every door are behind us! Today we use our mobile phones for so many things and this has simplified our lives significantly. Access control is yet another convenient way to utilise what’s already in your hand, simplifying another daily process. Access control can also work through cards, fingerprint scanners, and more, if you don’t want to use your mobile phone.
Interdependent locks are designed for use on just one door, known as single door access. They can be unlocked using a card or keypad. As this is a single door access system, it is possible to give a person access or a code to one particular door and not the others in the wider network. Another advantage of interdependent locks is that installation is a quick process, allowing you to use the system in just minutes.
You may be familiar with ID cards, which are a type of proximity reader. These work by a sensor recognising your card when it is within a certain distance and automatically unlocking the door for you. This system is easy to use and control, as the cards can be ‘re-keyed’ to remove or grant access to certain cards. They also tend to be one of the least expensive types of access control systems.
Biometrics refers to physical features that can identify you, such as retina (eye) scans, handprints, or fingerprints. Biometric readers are considered one of the safest and most accurate types of security access control due to the fact that everybody has different biometric characteristics such as fingerprints. As a result, they also tend to be one of the more expensive options.
Intercom systems typically combine a keypad and audio answering system, providing an extra layer of security to a singular keypad or card method. However, this also requires a person to act as an administrator and confirm or deny access as required.
Security access control offers more than simply locking and unlocking doors. Having an access control system in place offers a layer of defence against unauthorised people entering the premises and accessing information or products that they have no right to. As a result, the possibility of theft and crime can be reduced.
Pockets and bags used to be heavy with a key for your home, car, and work premises. Access control reduces the number of keys you need to carry, giving you a physically lighter load.
Security staff are incredibly valuable to a business without an access control system, but they can also be incredibly expensive. A security access control system can be significantly cheaper in the long run, and just as— if not more— effective. Additionally, you and your employees can save time by not fumbling for keys and inserting them into locks, giving you more time to get work done.
The information and products you keep behind the scenes are restricted to certain people such as your employees, and you don’t want these getting into the wrong hands. Access control can deter potential thieves and vandals with its presence alone, alerting people to the fact it will be difficult to access your building. You can also utilise video access and recording for if there is an attempt, which may help police in their investigations.
Whether you need security access control for a single door or an entire building, it is one of the best choices you can make for your business. At Guardtech we provide the security you need to save you time, money, and stress. Offering our commercial access control services in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Australia-wide, we can’t wait to help bring you, your employees, and your business trustworthy security. To get started, contact our professional and reliable team today.
