The Ins And Outs Of Access Control Systems For Offices

Access control systems for offices are modern security measures that can ensure higher levels of security for commercial spaces. Since offices host some of the most sensitive types of confidential information and resources in any workplace, they need to be properly guarded against any threats and hazards. Access of unauthorized persons, break-in attempts, workplace revenge from angry employees, current or former – there is no telling what could jeopardize the integrity of your office space. Using an access control system will help restrict access to your most critical areas, rooms, warehouses or entire buildings.

Eager to learn more about what these systems could do for you and your business? Check out these next few lines and learn all the ins and outs of electronic access control systems.

You can contact our customer support services anytime and let us answer all your questions and concerns you may have. You could also schedule an appointment with us and let us plan and install such a system for you.

What Is An Access Control System?

Briefly put, access control systems are electronic systems that enable computer software to grant access to a room or building where access is restricted to authorized personnel. These systems use access cards instead of regular brass keys. They cannot be used on both the interior and the exterior of an office, as they are meant to prevent individuals who are not allowed to enter the building/office room from entering. They are used by a variety of commercial clients, ranging from schools, government buildings, hospitals, medical labs, and warehouses.

Components Of Access Control Systems

Access control systems come in a number of different options, with different characteristics and purposes. Depending on your security needs, business size, budget, and other similar factors, you will usually need to focus on a system that consists of the following:

• Access cards and card readers used together with the help of advanced encryption codes for allowing authorized personnel to enter an office room. Access cards are similar to electronic keys and they are small in size, similar to credit cards. It is possible for these cards to be used alongside regular brass keys for extra peace of mind and also to avoid lockout scenarios because of faulty computer systems. Card readers require electrical power to function and they can either be proximity readers or insertion readers. The card readers are placed on the outside of the office doors and they require owners to bring the cards near the readers or insert them into the special card slot for successful recognition and access granting mechanism.

• Keypads are complementary to access control systems, but they can also be used individually. They feature numerical keys and they ask users to remember unique access codes in order to be able to access the office. They can also be used together with access cards.

• Electronic locks, electric strikes, panic bars, and doors and anything else used for entering and exiting a door are also part of an access control system.

• Servers play the role of important databases for these systems as they are used for recording all entry attempts, successful or unsuccessful and share all data attempts with the control panels.

• Intelligent controllers manage and control all existing card readers part of a system, including all the locks and other system hardware components. They grant or deny access to office or building visitors, as per the preset security protocols.

Why Professional Installation Is Mandatory

An access control system is only as good as the people who design and install it. This is usually a job for well-trained locksmiths for commercial customers or security companies that also specialize in lock and keypad installation. Access control system vendors can also complete the installation. If this is the case, the security coordinator will turn into the system supervisor at the end of the installation. For best results, a locksmithing company that is authorized and experienced will prove to be your best solution. Locksmiths know how to design these systems as their job is to fix them when they are not working, upgrade them or have them replaced with new systems.

Before the installation is initiated, the security coordinator will need to select the most reliable and suitable software along with the most performant computer and set up all the necessary parameters for granting access to authorized persons. Access to an office building or a private room will be offered for a limited amount of time that will not go over a few seconds. Security coordinators will use clearance codes when defining all the privileges and access parameters the system is going to use. Forceful entry attempts will automatically trigger a door alarm that will sound inside the building. If necessary, you could also opt for a predefined door unlock feature that will unlock a chosen lock at a previously established hour, on a daily or weekly basis.

Final Thoughts

By choosing a reliable and experienced locksmith or security company to handle the installation and periodical maintenance of an access control system, you should benefit from more peace of mind and enhanced stability for your system. A locksmith will carefully assess the rest of your security needs and make sure you will benefit from the upgrades you need to beef up protection on your office building or commercial space. Alarm systems with remote surveillance cameras and sensors on all doors and windows, window grills and electronic panic bars – thee are just a few of the most recommended security solutions for commercial clients.