Busy office buildings attract large numbers of people every day – employees, visitors, customers, vendors, delivery staff, contractors, maintenance staff and, occasionally, unwanted intruders.
The challenge for security teams is how to protect the property and the people without making access slow and inconvenient for so many different people.
Fortunately, modern access control systems combine the best of both worlds, maximising security and making access convenient for authorised users.
No more keys
Forget old fashioned locks and keys, the latest systems use electronics, mobile technology and the cloud to create systems that benefit visitors and security staff. And, increasingly, access control systems are becoming an integral part of the ‘smart office’.
That means access control is fully integrated with heating, lighting and other environmental control systems, collaboration tools, room booking systems for hybrid working and other smart accessories.
So, if you’re considering an upgrade to your existing access security arrangements, a modern access control system should be the first choice.
Building a system
An office access control system consists of four essential components:
- A device or method for presenting credentials
- Access control readers
- Access control units
- Software
Credentials
Authorised visitors can present credentials in a variety of ways. They might use key cards or fobs, which they swipe or present to a door reader. Some doors can be opened by entering a pin code.
An even more convenient method is to offer users mobile credentials via an app on their smartphones. Doors are unlocked when an authorised mobile user approaches.
For highly secure areas of an office, biometric readers might be important. Authorised users are authenticated by fingerprints, facial or voice recognition.
While these methods are suitable for employees who are accessing the office every working day, security teams can also provide temporary authorisation for visitors using similar methods. For example, regular couriers or maintenance staff might have smartphone apps giving them limited access. The system can also support hybrid working by incorporating flexible credentials for employees who work from home, but need occasional access to the office.
Access control readers
Access control readers are used to secure building or car park entrances, lifts or internal areas with restricted access. They are fitted to doors, gateways, security turnstiles, barriers or other types of entrance and take various forms depending on the type of credentials used by employees and visitors.
Pin readers are frequently used on internal doors to protect restricted areas, users gain access by entering the correct code. Card readers can be used on internal doors or external entrances – users swipe their key cards to gain access.
Proximity readers provide access by responding to signals from an authorised user’s device such as a smartphone app or key fob. Smart lock readers can be used with different types of credentials, including smartphone apps, key fobs or cards.
Access control units
Access control units link door readers with the user database to authenticate the credentials that a user presents. If the user has the correct credentials, the control unit will activate the reader and unlock the door.
Software
Access control software is used to manage the system and maintain credentials. Security teams can add or remove permanent or temporary users. They can also analyse data from the system to assess usage or identify any patterns that might indicate security issues.
Security teams can use cloud-based software to simplify operations. For example, they can provide out-of-hours access even when they are not onsite by controlling access remotely. As cloud-based software is updated automatically, the risk of security breaches from new forms of attack is reduced.
Access control and smart buildings
As we explained earlier, access control systems can be integrated with other environmental control systems. By analysing access control system data on traffic levels and space usage at different times of the day, factors such as heating, lighting or air conditioning can be automatically adjusted, reducing costs and improving energy efficiency.
Implementing an access control system
Modern office access control systems provide security, flexibility and convenience. However, it’s important to select a system that offers the level of protection, performance, reliability needed. The system should also be easy to manage and scalable to accommodate more users or more areas that require security.
Specialist access control firms can provide advice on the most appropriate system and can also handle installation and maintenance.
