No matter if it’s a small business or a big one, security is a top priority for all. If you have confidential information or expensive equipment, protecting the assets of your business is essential to success.

And keeping on top of who enters and exits your business, and when is extremely important.

Whether you have 10 or 10,000 workers, an access control system can allow or deny access and let your employees go where they need to go.

With unique credentials given to each employee, an access control system can protect your staff, resources, and crucial data.

But what exactly are access control systems, how do they work, and most importantly why and how you should choose the best access system for your business? Let’s understand everything in detail below!

What are Access Control Systems?

Access control systems simply are security systems that protect a business’s assets and employees. It allows businesses to control access to their building or computer network electronically, as opposed to a smart lock installation.

They are generally installed at doors or entryways in your building. This way, as a business owner, you can make sure only authorized persons can access your property and digital networks, data, and files.

They also enable businesses to assess security risks and take higher-level security measures if required. Aside from high-level security, there are several other reasons to choose an access control system. Such as a door access control system can prevent lost, stolen, and duplicate key sets.

Why Acess Control Systems are important for your Business?

Here are some thing additional reasons why choosing access systems is important for businesses today:

1. Preventing Unauthorised Access

The primary aim of an access control system is to protect manufacturers from unauthorized access. As discussed above, many of these systems are equipped to bar individuals from areas in which they are not supposed to be and restrict access to necessary areas.

2. Tracking the Movement of Individuals

Beyond initial access protection, an access control system also provides businesses with the ability to track the movement of individuals inside physical locations.

In this way, these systems can help determine the identity of anyone entering or existing in the building or a designated area, offering a record in case access is misused or otherwise taken advantage of.

3. Reinforcing Data Security

Biometric access control systems don’t just safeguard physical assets, either. This technology further keeps important information and data from falling into the wrong hands by reinforcing the security of the systems housing that data.

As a result, a strong access control system can help businesses reduce the possibility of data leakage from both internal and external sources.

4. Enhancing Worker Safety

Access control solutions can also function to enhance worker safety. Within manufacturer facilities, there are usually many machines or other equipment that require specialized training to operate.

With access control, employees without the proper credentials can be barred from operating this equipment, preventing them from putting themselves and their coworkers at risk due to improper operations.

Now that you understand just how important access control systems are for organizations, let’s understand who really can use these systems.

Read more : Smart Lock Installation Guide

Who can use the Access Control System?

An access control system whether it is a card door lock system or a biometric access control system can simply security in many ways. So, anyone with security requirements can benefit from an access control system.

Generally, in a rented office space, the landlord controls access to the building itself, and the tenants manage the access control for their areas. Several industries can gain from access control systems, such as:

Healthcare

Those in the healthcare industry use access control solutions to follow HIPPA regulations for health data confidentiality. Doctor’s offices, insurance companies, and hospitals can protect patients with these systems.

Access control systems can protect IT rooms or even equipment racks from unauthorized access, helping hospitals keep digital data secure. It can also safeguard physical files, examination rooms, and expensive equipment like MRI machines.

If you store chemicals or biomedical waste, access control systems can also help you prevent untrained individuals from getting hurt.

Government

For local and state governments, security is undoubtedly a top priority. Government buildings are subject to Homeland Security regulations, which may mean restricting access. Gate control systems can verify employees and limit access to departments, confidential information, and more while maintaining public access to other areas.

Enterprise

Any organization that accepts and processes credit cards must meet PCI credit card data regulations. In such cases, access control solutions can also limit access to IT rooms and servers. They can track individuals' certain data and when further protect the information.

Education

Schools and colleges can also leverage an access control system. Especially universities with large campuses have multi-location security needs and access control makes managing entry a breeze.

The technology can keep students out of faculty parking lots, unauthorized individuals out of dorm rooms, and more.

If you have lab equipment or expensive computers, access control systems can also be programmed to ensure only those registered for corresponding courses can access these areas.

Worship Centers

In sanctuaries and spiritual centers where all are welcome, balancing security and accessibility can be challenging.

A card door lock system or biometric control system makes it easy, by keeping doors open during services and locked at other times.

Places including churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques can track worker’s comings and goings. The technology can also keep areas like schools, daycare centers, and offices secure while keeping the rest of their facilities open to all.

Small and Medium-sized businesses

As discussed earlier, key cards and biometric solutions are for more than big corporations with thousands of employees.

Small and medium-sized businesses can also reap the advantages of using an access control system, too.

Access control is scalable, so small businesses can find solutions that work for their size and budget. The best access control security system will be user-friendly, so you can save your business without a security or technology background.

On that note, let’s look at what are the important factors you need to consider when choosing a door access control system for your office.

How to choose the best Access Control System for business?

Choosing the right door access control system can be a challenging task but with the right information, you can do it with ease.

Below we’ll discuss some key factors to consider when choosing the best door access control system for business.

Size of Your Organization

The first thing you need to consider when selecting a gate access control system is the size of your organization.

The requirements of a large organization will differ from those of a small one, and choosing a system that can scale to meet your business size is essential.

For instance, a small business may only need a simple card control system, while a large organization may require a more advanced system with multiple access points and levels of security.

Desire Type of Technology

Another essential factor is the type of access control technology you want to use for your business. There are plenty of options available, such as card readers, biometric scanners, and facial recognition.

Each technology has its benefits and drawbacks, and choosing one that aligns with your organization's needs is essential.

For example, facial recognition technology is considered more secure but may only be great l for some companies.

Necessary Level of Security

The level of security you need is also an important factor to consider when choosing a door access control system. Different types of access control systems offer different levels of security, and choosing one that meets your needs is essential.

As an example, a simple card reader may not offer the same level of security as a biometric scanner.

That’s why it’s important to consider your business’s potential risks and vulnerabilities and opt for a system that can effectively mitigate them.

Ease of Use

Considering the ease of use is also important when purchasing an access control system for small business. Choose a system that is easy and simple to use for your employees.

In case you opt for a complex access control system it can take a lot of time and you will need to train your employees as well. An easy solution will ensure that employees can quickly and easily access the building, which can enhance productivity and efficiency.

Cost of Access Control System

At last, it’s important to consider the cost of the system. These solutions come in different price ranges, and choosing one that fits your budget is essential.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the long-term costs of the system, such as maintenance and upgrades, when making your decision.

Read more: Key Card Entry Systems

The Bottom Line

The installation of a well-managed and monitored access control system is essential to the security of modern businesses and residential complexes, so property owners must do their due diligence when selecting which kind of system to use.

As a property owner, you should begin by assessing the unique requirements of your business, including how many hardware units will be needed, which style of credentials will be most appropriate, and whether to operate on-premise or cloud-based systems. Then consider a solution that suits your business needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does an Access Control System cost?

Ans. The exact cost of the access control system depends on many factors such as what kind of solution you’re choosing such as a card door lock system or biometric access control system. However, in general, the average cost of an access control system often ranges from $500 to $3,500 per door.

Q. What are the benefits of an Access Control System?

Ans. Access control systems offer a range of benefits that can improve security, efficiency, and convenience for businesses and organizations. These benefits include enhanced security, improved access management, streamlined operations, and increased accountability.

Q. Can a locksmith install an access control system?

Ans. Yes, professional locksmiths who specialize in securing homes, businesses, and other properties from unauthorized access can install an access control system.