The Security Benefits of Modern Access Control Systems
With rising security concerns across the region, many business and building owners are looking for better security to keep their assets safe. Across various industries, including commercial and residential, building owners are upgrading access options for their premises to ensure better control, security management, and overall safety.
As a leading security installer, Nomico Fire & Security has seen an increase in demand for access control systems. Modern access control can be an extremely beneficial tool for security in various buildings, whether for businesses, industrial use, or residential spaces, with the right installation.
In this post, we share the primary benefits of modern access control systems, explain how they work, and outline their capabilities for your building to help you make an informed decision for enhanced safety.
What Are Access Control Systems And How Do They Work?
Access control systems are security solutions to manage who has access to buildings or specific areas within these buildings. The primary purpose of all modern access control systems is to prevent unauthorised access into key areas, which can reduce security risks such as theft, vandalism, or data breaches.
These security systems can be used in a wide range of buildings, allowing control and management of all occupants. As well as controlling access, many modern access control systems also allow for monitoring so managers or building owners can keep track of who enters the premises and when.
Like many modern security tools, access control can act as both a deterrent and an active form of security. Modern access control systems not only allow you to prevent entry to unauthorised personnel, but may also allow for control of the premises during a security breach, such as locking doors, protecting secure spaces, and keeping occupants in key areas.
Types of Access Control Systems
Modern access control systems come in many forms, thanks to technological advances across the industry. It has never been easier to protect your building and keep occupants, staff, or data safe.
The type of access control system you choose determines how it works, and we can provide a range of solutions, including:
- Keypad Access Control: A traditional option for many buildings, access is granted by a shared key code. Keypads will be present at specific areas of the premises, such as at the main entrance, as well as leading into sensitive areas such as offices, data storage or staff spaces.
- Card Readers/Key Fobs: Access can only be granted to those with a pre-scanned card or fob. The modern access control systems rely on all approved personnel to have their own keycard or fob to enter the building or access sensitive areas.
- Biometric Scanners: These modern access control systems rely on biometric readings, such as fingerprints or retina scanning, to allow entry to the building or sensitive areas. Unlike keycards or codes, biometrics cannot be lost, forgotten, or duplicated, and each occupant has an individual entry code to allow for more accurate tracking and management.
- Mobile Access: Entry is granted through mobile phones or using Bluetooth data. Similar to keycards, entry cannot be granted unless the approved mobile phone or device is present, and each occupant will need their own.
- Cloud Management: These modern access control systems can rely on multiple forms of entry, but all data is stored remotely on a cloud. This can allow for remote management and monitoring, such as by a third party.
The Benefits Of Modern Access Control Systems For All Buildings
While modern access control systems come in many forms these days, they all share similar benefits for building security. Whether you are running a residential apartment block, an office space, or a data storage unit, modern access control systems can offer benefits such as:
Enhanced Protection Against Unauthorised Access
Enhanced protection is the primary benefit of all modern access control systems and the main appeal of these security tools. By limiting access to only approved personnel, whether this is through keycards or biometric readings, you can control who can enter your building and where they are allowed to go within it.
By controlling who has access to your building, you can limit the risks of criminal activity, intrusion, and data breaches, which can come from unauthorised access. It is also a great way to give residents, staff, or other occupants peace of mind, knowing they are safe within your premises, as only approved individuals can enter.
Whether used at the main entrance of your building or for key areas within it, such as data storage, staff rooms, or management offices, you can keep your occupants and assets safe with modern access control systems.
Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts
Most modern access control systems can be integrated with other security systems, such as CCTV and alarms. This allows for easier monitoring and can provide real-time updates whenever someone enters or leaves your premises.
Even if you are not present, the integration of modern access control systems with CCTV allows for remote monitoring. This can be done by management or a third-party, depending on budget, ensuring that there are always eyes on your building.
Not only is this extremely beneficial for potential security breaches, as it ensures quick responses during break-ins or unauthorised access, but it also allows you to keep track of staff. This allows business owners and managers to ensure productivity and good time management across the building at all times.
Customisable Security To Suit All Needs
One of the major benefits of many modern security systems, including modern access control systems, is the fact they are customisable. These modern systems are easily programmable to meet your unique requirements, whether this is for a large office block, private residential environment or factories.
Modern access control systems can be customised to control entry in specific areas at certain times or to limit access to those with certain codes, biometric readings or cards. Temporary access can also be provided to visitors, ensuring safety is maintained at all times of the day.
This ensures that only authorised personnel can enter key areas within the building, as well as making monitoring easier.
Documentation For Audits And Security Training Needs
By keeping track of all access, including locations, times and specific personnel data, modern access control systems are essential for auditing processes. These systems can provide the documentation or proof needed during security audits or as evidence during an investigation.
The data collected by modern access control systems is invaluable, as it allows you to prove who entered the building at certain times or locations. There are various reasons why this kind of information is needed, and many insurance providers can benefit from this kind of evidence during claims or when taking out a new policy.
Conclusion
Modern access control systems are some of the most beneficial safety tools for buildings. Whether a residential, commercial, or industrial space, access control can keep your premises safe by preventing unauthorised access.
Many systems also provide additional benefits in terms of monitoring and reporting, allowing managers or building owners to keep track of their premises even if they are not present.
Nomico Fire & Security provides a range of access control systems to buildings across Essex, London, and the Home Counties. We are a leading security provider and can work with all requirements to keep your premises safe. If you are looking for better security and want to enhance safety at your building, consider modern access control systems.
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To learn more about our services and what we can do for you, please contact the team today.
FAQS
What is the main purpose of access control systems?
Access control systems regulate and monitor entry into a building or specific areas within the building. They can control and limit who has access to key areas or the building itself.
Why are access controls a better option than traditional locks and keys?
Keys can be lost, stolen or duplicated, leading to unauthorised access within your building without notice. However, access control systems can be monitored at all times and reduce entry to only authorised personnel through keycards, biometric readings or specific data.
Can I use access control systems with other security tools?
Yes, modern access control systems can be integrated with CCTV and alarm systems to provide comprehensive coverage of your building, along with real-time monitoring and alerts for better safety.
