A Businessman’s Guide To Choosing The Right Access Control System

Choosing The Right Access Control System for your business

Physical security is an integral part of any business. That’s why when modernized access control systems were introduced to the public, wise businessmen immediately recognized its significance.

There are various types of access control systems businesses can choose from in the market—biometrics is just one of them. Evidently, manufacturers uniquely designed each system to fulfill different business needs. Because of this, it became a challenge for businessmen to determine the right system for their organization.

To serve as a guide for business owners, experts from managed services in the Philippines listed 10 questions organizations should ponder upon before they purchase a system.

1. Is Your Company Capable of Managing the Access Control System?

One of the factors you should consider before you buy an access control system is if your business is capable of managing the system once it’s implemented. It’s counterproductive to invest in a system that you won’t be able to manage. For this reason, it’s crucial to look into who will manage the system before you implement it. Furthermore, it’s also a great idea to plan ahead on what operational access policies you should carry out once the system is up and running. Reminder: See to it that you are realistic in the amount of time you allocate for your organization to manage the system and enforce policies.

2. What Are the Functions You Should Acquire for The System to Work?

Aside from looking into your company’s capabilities, it’s also essential to assess what functions and integrations are necessary to implement the access control system effectively. By thinking about whether your business needs an on-site or remote access control interface, you will be able to determine what system will work best for your company. Aside from that, it also helps if you discuss what building access points and areas need a higher level of security.

Once you determine this, make a list of the options and integrated systems necessary for your business. This may include access reporting, remote monitoring, video surveillance cameras, real-time notifications, integration with HR management programs, fire detection, and security alarms.

3. Can The Access Control System Handle Your Business’ Traffic?

Another question you should ask yourself before you choose a system for your business is if the system can handle your business’ traffic. Every business has its own level of robustness required. That’s why it’s ideal that you look into this aspect to find if you want to find the right type of access control system for your business. Other than that, looking into the traffic capacity of your system also enables you to secure all the entry points in your building. While it does that, it also allows your organization to unify entry data, time stamps, user credentials, and permissions in one portal without problems.

4. How Many Areas in Your Building Need to be Monitored by the System?

Before you pick the access control system you’re interested in, it’s recommended by It professionals that you check how many areas in your building need to be monitored simultaneously. That way, you’ll be able to ensure that the access control system you’re about to get will work well in your business establishment. With that said, it’s important that you consider the number of doors and entry points in your business premises if you want a system that will fit your business needs.

5. What Is the Best Entry Input Method for Your Business?

As you can see, there are a lot of entry input methods available for businesses. All you need to do is to choose the method that will work best for your company.

Every entry system offers end-users different levels of speed and security. For example, if you’re eyeing to install a biometric system, you are guaranteed to have a more secure entry input. But alongside this advantage is the likeliness of your building’s entry traffic to slow down. With that said, it is evident that biometric systems aren’t ideal for companies that have a large number of employees.

Look into your business needs and take into account the number of users in your building. That way, you’ll be able to identify the best entry input method for your business.

6. Is The Access Control System Scalable?

Although it’s recommended to select an access control system that will fit your current business needs, you should also keep in mind that your company has the capacity to grow as well. By anticipating the possible increase of employees or expansion of facilities, you will be able to acquire an access control system that can accommodate these changes smoothly. Most businesses that were able to do this thought about their business outlook for the next 5-10 years. Through that, they were able to scale up their business without problems.

7. Can The System Function Well in Emergency Situations?

Without a doubt, business owners install access control systems in their business sites in order to foster a secure working environment. But if your system can’t function according to your needs during emergency situations, then you are likely to encounter problems when worse comes to worst.

Every business type has its own building codes and fire safety regulations. You can look into that to help you identify the right hardware for your company. If you want your doors to unlock during power outages or emergencies, then you will need the fail-safe hardware. Meanwhile, if your building doors need to stay locked for the outside when electricity fails, then you will need to acquire the fail-secure hardware. With that said, it’s vital to take a look at your existing hardware and building standards before you select your access control system. That way, you’ll be able to get the assurance that you’re making a well-informed decision as you choose the hardware for your business.

8. What Level of Monitoring Is Necessary for Your Company?

Along with its ability to keep your building secure, access control systems can also help you monitor the people who come in and out of your business premises. With its assistance, many organizations today gained the capacity to manage multiple entry points through a centralized control panel.

As you can see, the advancements in technology over the past few years paved the way for the emergence of complex access control systems in the market. Once you assess the level of monitoring required for your organization, you’ll be able to determine the right system that will fit your business needs.

9. Can the Access Control System Be Upgraded and Serviced Easily?

It is undeniable that access control systems are invaluable to your company’s safety. That’s why it’s crucial for business owners to acquire a system that can be upgraded and serviced easily. One way to accomplish this is by seeking the assistance of reputed managed service providers. With their help, you’ll be able to get the peace of mind that your access control system is scalable and effective. They’ll also make sure that you’ll never disregard your system’s need for routine updates and maintenance.

10. Does This System Have Data Backup Options Available?

You may not realize this right away, but automatic data backup options are critical when it comes to an access control system’s functionality. That’s why it’s recommended by IT professionals that you purchase additional hardware in order to cover the system’s digital space requirements. At present, there are cloud-based access control options available in the market—and these technologies offer numerous advantages to their users.

When you take a look at the business world today, you will see that it is now a norm for business owners to install access control systems in their buildings. Aside from being relatively easy to install, this system has also proven itself to be worthy of a businessman’s trust over the past few years.

Top IT companies in the Philippines like House of I.T have helped several companies enjoy the physical and information security that access control systems give. If you’re wondering how these installations are done, here’s a brief overview of the things that happen when you trust experts to set up your access control system:

The Running of Cables

According to IT professionals, the wiring is the most critical place to start during access control installations. For this reason, experts usually begin their installations by running the power, internet, and signal cables according to the building’s infrastructure.

The Installation of Locks

After running the cables, the next thing experts should look into is the installation of locks. In some cases, this installation process can require the cutting of door frames in order to be done effectively. But regardless if the door frames are cut or not, the lock necessary for your door is highly dependent on the type of door your building is using. The electrified mortise lock, electric strike, and magnetic lock are a few of the many locks you can use for your access control system.

The Installation of Access Control Panels in Communications Rooms

In order for your access control system to work, it is necessary to install access control panels in your building’s communications room. With the advancements in technology at present, one panel can handle multiple doors. Hence, making it easier for your security staff to monitor your building’s entrance and exit points.

The Installation of Readers on Doors

Once the access control panels are secured, IT experts start to install the readers on doors. The installation of readers often involves the mounting machine to a wall and having it connected to a power source or internet connection. By doing this, you’ll be able to ensure that your system will become fully operational when you deploy it.

The Set-Up and Testing of Access Control Systems

Before professionals gain the capacity to finalize their installation, they are required to configure the access control system’s software. Apart from that, it’s also necessary that they run a few basic tests to check if the doors in the business site lock and unlock correctly.