Businesses find it necessary to have more control over their property than regular keys would allow. Commercial access control systems will enable your employees, managers, tenants or contractors to get access through electronic credentials rather than regular keys.

Depending on the type of the system you choose, users will unlock the door with the help of keypad code, card, key fob, mobile phone or biometric credential. You will be able to control which users get access to which doors at what time.

Access control can be installed in one restricted room or the whole office building, warehouse, apartment complex, school or hospital.

Types of Access Control

Every business has its own needs concerning entrance into the building.

Keypad Entry

With keypad locks the users will enter the numeric code. Keypad locks are often used for employee entrances, supply rooms, offices and utility areas.

The code can be changed whenever the employee leaves the business or the code is compromised.

Cards and Key Fobs

The user will get an individual electronic card or key fob with permissions. A lost credential can be disabled without changing the locks or affecting other employees.

Mobile Credentials

Mobile access system will enable employees or visitors authorized by the company to unlock doors with the help of smartphone application or digital credential.

It might be useful for businesses with remote administrators or multiple locations.

Biometric Access

Biometric system may utilize fingerprints, facial recognition or some other physical identifier. Biometric systems are usually considered for highly restricted rooms. However, you should consider such aspects as cost, reliability, privacy and legal regulations before installing this system.

Individual Access Permissions

One of the best features of access control is the possibility to set up individual access permissions for every user.

For example, receptionist can have access to the entrance and office area, but manager can enter the warehouse, accounting office and inventory room.

Permissions may also be set up based on time. The cleaning company could have access from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The employees may be restricted from entering during weekends and holidays without the permission.

When someone leaves the business, it becomes possible to deactivate his/her credential. No need to collect all keys or rekey all the locks.

Logs of Access and Activity Reports

Many access control systems generate logs with the information about the time of entering the room including:

• Used credential number

• Door accessed

• Date and time

• Was the access accepted or denied

Logs of access are useful to investigate activity of your employees outside of working hours, cases of missing inventory, security violations and other problems.

Access logs should be treated responsibly and kept as long as required by your policy and regulations regarding privacy.

Access Control System Components

An access control system consists of:

• Card readers

• Keypads

• Electric strikes

• Magnetic locks

• Door position sensors

• Request to exit device

• Control panel

• Power supply

• Backup battery

• Administration software

Locking hardware should be compatible with the door and with the safety regulations in the building.

Glass storefront doors, steel doors, gates, fire-rated doors, emergency exits may require different solutions. All the required exit doors should always guarantee a safe egress during an emergency situation.

Standalone and Networked Access Control System

Standalone access control system controls one door independently. This solution may be good for a small office, storage room or entrance for employees.

Networked access control system will connect all the doors with one central platform. The administrators will be able to manage the credentials, update schedule and check access activity from one place.

Some access control systems are integrated with:

• Video surveillance system

• Intercom system

• Visitor management system

• Intrusion alarm

• Timekeeping software

• Elevator controls

Cloud based platforms will enable the administrators to manage several properties remotely. Before selecting the system you should consider subscription fees, quality of internet connection, cybersecurity measures, backup access and permissions for the administrators.

Maintenance and Testing of the Access Control System

Access control system requires regular maintenance. Readers, locks, batteries, closers, electric strikes, sensors may go out of order and become displaced.

Regularly you should remove inactive users, check permissions of administrators, change passwords, test backup power and make sure that all controlled doors close properly.

The problem may occur and leave the door closed where it should be opened or open it where it should be closed.

Professional Access Control Installation

Commercial locksmith will be able to evaluate your entrances, detect vulnerabilities and recommend appropriate access control system.