Access control technology is central to many modern-day security systems. These security solutions are appropriate for securing a range of residential, commercial and industrial premises. Access control systems protect high value locations and their internal assets by granting access to authorised persons and inhibiting access from unwanted visitors and thieves. In addition to protecting property and contents, access control security solutions offer users peace of mind about the safety of their home and/or business premises.

Access control systems are comprised of two components, an identifier and a panel/reader; identifiers taking the form of key cards, keypads and fobs. There are three primary access control methods, these being Discretionary Access Control, Role-Based Access Control and Mandatory Access Control all of which host different benefits and are discussed at greater depth within our previous blog, Access Control Methods Explained.

The increasing popularity of access control systems within the security technology market is attributable to their many benefits. In addition to offering a user greater control over the protection of their assets and premises, there are many further advantages to installing access control systems.

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Scaling Your Access Control as Your Business Grows

Our previous blog ‘Access Control Methods Explained’, outlines the three main types of access control system. The varied benefits and features of these different systems allow businesses to select the security solution that is best suited to their needs. In addition, the varying sophistication of these services allow businesses to scale up their access control system in accordance with their growth and increasing asset protection needs.

For example, discretionary access control technology offers a less restrictive security option whereby a user can access the entirety of an access control system. With growth, discretionary access control poses greater opportunities for the incorrect authorisation of access as a result of operator error, which poses significant security risks for a business or residence.

In contrast, role-based access control allows a categorised approach to access in and within a protected area. Pre-programmed roles allow new team members to acquire default access within premises based on pre-installed data. This more efficient method reduces the need for individual access to be granted or inhibited manually, especially as a team grows.

In addition to scaling in terms of size, an access control system can be scaled in accordance with the value of assets being protected. Mandatory access control systems provide highly restricted solutions for especially high-risk holdings, as mandatory access control systems require a password or specific authorisation before access can be gained.

The varied levels of restriction offered by these methods allow businesses to update their access control system as their risk or demand changes. This ability makes access control a more appropriate solution for larger, ever-growing businesses than one size fits all lock and key systems.

Effective Replacement for Keys

A primary advantage of access control methods is their substitution of traditional lock and key systems. Often, lock and key stems are comprised of many individual components for each of a building’s doors and can be complex and time consuming to navigate. The installation of an access control system both saves the time spent locating keys and poses fewer opportunities for human error in the form losing or misplacing keys. In contrast, cards and fobs are easily replaced and can be individually deactivated should they be lost or stolen.

In addition to reducing interference of human error, access control systems are difficult to duplicate, unlike keys. Thieves or those with intent to gain unauthorised access to premises will have little difficulty producing a copy of a key should they gain possession of one. This event not only compromises the overall safety of a property also invites the unwanted cost of changing locks.

Workplace Efficiency

Within workplace contexts, the use of access control security has a host of benefits. In addition to increasing efficiency by simplifying arrival procedures, access control entry systems offer employers insights into the punctuality of their staff. The removal of a complex manual check in system invites maximal workplace productivity by allowing employees to begin working as quickly as possible. The simplification and tracking of employee turnover also offers users insights into staff attendance at any given time. The storing of such data is also useful in the event of internal security breaches, with information about staff whereabouts being instrumental in identifying a perpetrator.

Additionally, access control security systems allow employees to move throughout a workplace freely within their authorised areas. Further still, access control technology can cover numerous locations therefore allowing workers to navigate multi-premises workplaces with ease.

The improved efficiency supplied by access control also offers visitors a less cumbersome arrival experience. In a way similar to that for employees, pre-programmed guest key cards can be set up using existing role-based access control systems. This limits the time spent by visitors waiting for manual registration and allows for an overall improved visitor experience.

Cost Efficiency

Access control systems can be synced with lighting and heating systems to maximise cost effectiveness and environmental consciousness. Access control systems can ensure that lights are turned off when a space is empty. Similarly, heating systems can be turned off in the absence of activity. This helps businesses maximise the cost effectiveness of their internal systems, ensuring that money is not wasted.

Protect Staff

Access control systems also pose more general safety advantages; for example, in the event of a fire or similar emergency. Access control systems can offer emergency services useful insights into who may be inside a building following a 999 call. In this regard, the installation of an effective access control system maximises the safety of employees in addition to the workplace itself.

Get Started with Sovereign

At Sovereign Fire and Security, we work with a variety of manufacturers that allow us to deliver tailored access control solutions for a wide range of contexts. We offer expert consultancy, installation and maintenance on a range of biometric, fob, keycard, audio and visual entry, and integrated systems. Working alongside industry leading product providers, we ensure the safety of your assets and security of your premises.

For more information about access control and other security solutions get in touch with our expert team.