Commercial buildings contain all sorts of valuables, including both physical property and intellectual property. Unfortunately, theft in commercial buildings is quite common and building owners use access control systems to keep their facilities secure and safe.
What Is a Commercial Building Access Control System?
A commercial building access control system allows building owners to control who can enter the entire premises or sections of it. Modern access control systems accomplish this through the use of credentials that can be used to open secured doors or gates. For example, a building owner might provide credentials to IT staff so that only they can access a server room.
An access control system can also provide an audit trail that documents each interaction, such as an attempt to open a secured door. Building owners and companies can use an audit trail to review incidents and further heighten security. In addition, modern commercial building access control systems are made to be integrated with other security measures, such as a video surveillance system.
Commercial building access control systems include many different parts and can have many different configurations. The typical access control system will include the following essential components:
- Credentials. Key cards, mobile apps, biometric data and other credentials are used for authentication. These modern credentials have replaced old fashioned metal keys.
- Door readers. System users present their credentials to a reader that confirms or denies access.
- Locking hardware. This physical hardware opens or closes based on the credentials that have been provided. These electronic locks have replaced manual deadbolt locks.
- Control panel. Usually located alongside IT equipment, an access system control panel functions as a nerve center for the entire system. It receives access requests from door readers, processes those requests and sends information back to the locking hardware.
- System software. System administrators use software to control access rights for different users, create authentication rules, review system activity, receive alerts and perform other functionality. System software can be located in an on-premise server, or it can be hosted in the cloud.
These are only the fundamental components of a commercial building access control system. Modern systems can contain a much wider range of components that provide all kinds of functionality.
What Businesses Have a Need for Access Control?
Every commercial building could use an access control system, but they are particularly useful for companies that routinely handle sensitive information.
Generally speaking, every business has a need for access control. Office spaces can use it to provide access to conference rooms, server rooms, or other areas where it makes sense to limit access. Financial institutions, law enforcement and other organizations that handle sensitive information can use an access control system to ensure that sensitive data is secure. A commercial building access control system is also necessary for companies that must comply with regulations. This typically includes financial institutions, healthcare facilities, manufacturing and schools.
Types of Commercial Access Control Systems
Commercial building access control systems come in many different configurations, including wired, IP-based, on-premise and based in the cloud.
Wired or IP-Based
For many years, access control systems have used hardwiring to connect door readers to locking mechanisms and control panels. While this technology is well-established, it is considered limited compared to more modern IP-based systems. For example, a wired control panel has a limited number of physical connections for door readers.
With an IP-based system, components are connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. These systems are much more versatile than wired access control systems. They can easily be configured in many different ways. IP based systems are also able to accommodate many more connections than wired systems. This makes changing and expanding the system a lot easier.
On-Premise or Cloud-Based
An on-premise access control system is completely based inside the commercial building that it secures. For example, it might be connected over the local network and have software based on local servers. This type of system offers a significant amount of control and transparency. However, the building owner is responsible for adjusting or expanding the system. This can be especially cumbersome if a company uses one system to control access to multiple commercial buildings.
A cloud-based system is typically offered by a service provider. With a cloud-based system, building owners don’t have to worry about hosting software on their servers. Also, a service provider is typically responsible for keeping the software up to date. This approach is ideal for companies with multiple commercial buildings they would like to secure under one access control system.
Companies looking to install one of these systems should choose a configuration that best suits their facility, needs and capabilities. This involves considering the following factors.
Security Needs
Building owners must consider their security needs when assessing the various types of access control systems. Businesses in healthcare, finance, and other industries have to meet specific security standards to remain in operation. Companies and other industries have a bit more leeway concerning security needs, but they still need to protect their most valuable assets. Companies with relatively strict security needs will want to adopt measures like two-factor authentication, especially for particularly sensitive areas.
Commercial building owners should also consider their cyber security needs and capabilities. For example, organizations with limited capabilities and a comparatively high need for cybersecurity may want to consider an on-premise, mostly wired system that limits exposure to cyberattacks. On the other hand, companies with limited resources that are concerned about evolving cyber threats should consider going with a service provider that can provide regular patches and updates that keep their system secure.
Number and Locations of Access Points
After security needs, the next biggest factor commercial building owners need to consider is the number and location of access points that could potentially be controlled. Access points might be entrances, or they could be internal doors that need to be secured. Access points can also include entryways to garages, parking lots and outdoor areas. If a commercial building has multiple businesses inside, the building owner may want an access control system that accommodates the access points of each business. If a company owns multiple commercial buildings, it must consider all of the access point locations for each building.
Numbers and Types of Users
As the number of users increases, so should the complexity of a commercial building access control system. Buildings that host hundreds of people each day will require a much more complex system than smaller buildings that only host a dozen or so people each day. It’s also important to consider the types of users and potential users. If different levels of access must be granted, then an access control system must accommodate all these different levels of access.
Reliability
If doors do not lock properly and credentials can easily be forged, it completely defeats the purpose of an access control system. An unreliable access control system also means serious security concerns. Therefore, reliability is a key concern when considering the type of access control system. Product and provider reviews can provide good information on reliability.
User Experience
If an access control system is burdensome or difficult to use, employees and others will look for ways to skirt the system for the sake of convenience. A good access control system feels natural and relevant to its end users. They may not enjoy going through extra security measures, but they will do so happily if they feel the building owner is trying to make the measures as frictionless as possible.
Interoperability
Building owners looking to incorporate an access control system with video surveillance or other systems must consider interoperability. While most modern technology is designed to be platform agnostic, some security technologies play better with others. If companies are going to invest in different systems to keep their buildings safe and secure, they need to ensure they are getting the most out of their investment by having them work together as a cohesive unit.
Versatility
Businesses that are planning to grow or make adjustments to their facilities must keep versatility in mind. For these companies, the best option is usually going with an IP-based access control system, and it may include one based in the cloud.
Budget
It should probably go without saying that budget is a concern for a commercial building access control system. The costs of these systems vary widely. Building owners should take both short-term and long-term financial views when assessing their budget, as well as a potential return on investment in an access control system. Companies looking to cut corners with a cost-effective system may regret that decision when growth forces them to expand their access control system.
Benefits of Securing Your Building with Access Control
First and foremost, a commercial building access control system will provide greater security. However, the benefits of an access control system go beyond greater security. These benefits may include the following:
- Greater efficiency. An access control system can make it easier for people to get into and out of controlled areas. Automation can make an access control system even more efficient by accommodating traffic surges with temporary changes to security rules. An access control system also reduces the need for human personnel to authorize or deny access.
- Greater visibility. With access control based on security personnel or locks and keys, it’s difficult to track who is leaving and entering a building or restricted areas. An access control system offers both real-time visibility of access information and an audit trail for later review.
- Reduced nuisances. Loitering, vandalism, illegal dumping and other nuisances inflict incremental damage to commercial buildings and their occupants. An access control system can significantly reduce these nuisances such as keeping out unauthorized individuals. Visible access control measures can also act as a deterrent for these and other crimes.
- More flexibility. Modern access control systems can flex and grow as a business evolves and changes. Administrators can quickly modify access to accommodate new construction and temporary employees. A system can also easily be expanded to include additional areas and properties.
- Remote management. Cloud-based commercial building access control systems can easily be managed online. The administrators can monitor the system in real-time, review access logs and make changes from anywhere with an internet connection. Remote capability comes in handy during off hours or when administrators are traveling.
- Integration with other systems. When a commercial building access control system is integrated with video surveillance or other systems, it creates a more comprehensive approach to safety and security. This allows building owners to get even more value out of their security investments.
To get the greatest benefit out of an investment in an access control system, building owners should work with top-notch providers who have a deep understanding of access control systems. Experts can help building owners understand how access control works and how to customize the system to suit their needs and provide the best return on investment. When looking for an access control system installer, it’s important to find a company with a long history and a track record of success.
Contact Taylored Systems Today and Keep Your Business Secure
At Taylored Systems, we’ve been providing communications and security technologies to Indiana businesses for more than 40 years. Our experts know access control technology back-to-front, and our clients are constantly raving about the service we provide. If you would like to learn more about commercial building access control systems, contact us today.