Access control systems are an important part of maintaining a secure and safe business. There is a wide range of products and types of access control systems to meet your security system needs, including proximity, cctv, magnetic stripe cards, biometric and more. You can compare offers from multiple access control providers and choose the system that is right for your business. This service is free to use, easy to obtain quotes and there is no obligation to buy any systems. Get your free access control systems quotes from multiple dealers and start beefing up your business security system today.

Access control systems allow authorized personnel in and out of various areas of your business while keeping other employees out. They range from simple electronic keypads that can secure a single security door to extensive network access control systems for multiple buildings. This can include parking lot gates, closed-circuit television (cctv cameras), multiple levels of security, and time and attendance system integration.

Access control is an important security measure for many types of business, but it also simplifies management of the business facility. There is no need to replace lost keys, track down old keys from terminated employees, change locks, or wonder what employees have security clearance or are on the access control list for specific areas. By working with a security professional, you can find the right access control system for your business. You can lean about the types of identification that's available and how to choose a security system that is right for your business.

Access Control with CCTV

A widely used feature of many access control systems is closed circuit television (cctv). A cctv as part of a access control system has many benefits to your business security. A cctv camera makes it possible to broadcast live footage on a closed circuit with limited and secure broadcast. unlike traditional television networks, cctv broadcasts the video images to a limited set of monitors or digital recorders. There are multiple security system applications for this technology, including all businesses, convenience stores, schools, churches, casinos, retail shops, parking lots, grounds, and home security.

There are many benefits to cctv surveillance as part of access control. With cctv as part of your access control and security system, you will be more aware of what is happening on your property, you'll have more access control and security clearance over your assets and you'll be able to collect a video record of what has happened on  your property should you need it.

One of the most sought after features of cctv surveillance systems as part of access control is the ability to have security cameras surveillance many parts of your property, including different rooms, floors, buildings, grounds and parking lots, all from a centralized location. The cctv camera images can be monitored by a security officer or any other employee. The cctv system works as part of access control by positioning the security cameras in strategic areas then running the cables (unless you have a wireless system) to collect the security cameras' feed into single unit. The video can be viewed in real time by a security officer or other personnel and/or be recorded and archived.

With cctv cameras as part of your access control, your entire property can be monitored by only a few security officers rather than having security officers posted at every security door. A cctv camera system can be used as visual access control for your entire property. Even a small business or organization can use a cctv camera and a simple buzzer system at their front security door for access control. Because the video is recorded, the cctv surveillance system is a valuable tool in case of robbery or an accident and is the perfect eye witness in court.

Preparing for Access Control Systems Purchase

Start by thinking about what type of access control systems you need. Determine the purpose of the security system. The most basic role of access control systems is to keep people out of secure areas, whether it is a security door, parking garage, server room, personnel records or any other area that needs to be secure.

Next, think about how secure you need the system to be. A basic access control system usually relies on a simple keypad or swipe card. If you need more access control, you can get higher security systems that have more distinct controls, such as a hand scan, or have require multiple means of verification. Generally, these are more expensive but will have a record of who opened what doors and when. Additionally, you can sync these systems with attendance for payroll purposes.

Finally, consider what other systems you want to have connected to your access control system. There are a wide variety of security measures you can add, such as monitored alarm systems, security cameras or cctv cameras.   

After you've decided the purpose of your access control system, think about what size of a system you need. Figure out how many doors you need monitored. You likely don't need every door and area under access control but there are certainly more sensitive areas than others. Some, you may just need a simple key or keypad as where others need a hand scan. Remember that you can always expand your access control system at a later date.

Then, gather information on each area you need secured. Create a physical makeup (wood, glass, steel, aluminum) and use of each door (employee entrance, customers). Are there fire doors, garage doors or parking lot gates that need access control systems? This will impact the type of locks and entry systems that will be needed. Also consider if you want free exit or an controlled exit systems. A free exit means that employees and visitors do not have any requirements fro leaving a secure area. A controlled exit has the same level of security whether an employee or visitor is entering or exiting.

Access Control Buyer's Guide

There are several components to access control systems. This section will breakdown the differences you can be more familiar with different systems. This will make your discussion with access control system dealers smoother so you can more easily choose the security system that is right for your business.

Keypads
Keypads are most commonly used for single door security clearance and are generally less expensive than other access control security systems. They are easy to use but are less secure because people will write down the code or tell it to others. Additionally, there is no way to know who or when the code has been accessed unless each employee has an individual code or you have a cctv camera set in place.

Card Readers
Card readers are the most popular options in commercial access control because they are easy to use, deactivate and issue new cards. For additional security, these cards can also have photo IDs on them. The most common of these card readers is a proximity card because they are very reliable, durable and inexpensive. There is no need for the card to touch the reader, which can be read between one inch and three feet from the sensor. This makes them ideal for security gates and garages.

Smartcards
Smartcards can carry larger amounts of information on the actual card besides simply having an idea number in a database. Smartcards can carry the employee's records or spending account balances. They are still in the beginning phases of access control.
 
Biometric Systems
Biometric systems are the most secure method of the types of access control systems. They rely on physical characteristics of the user for identification, such as fingerprints, hand prints and retinal scans. Biometric access control systems are the most expensive and are unreliable outdoors, so they are not a good option for exterior security access control entries. Additionally, some employees may feel the access control method is invasive.

Lock, Gate and Door Systems
Regardless of the access control security systems you choose for your business, you will need to have electronic locks on your gates and doors that can be controlled by your security system. There are two primary types of systems, which are electric strikes and magnetic locks. Electric strikes are usually less expensive systems than magnetic locks systems and are best suited for free exit security doors. Electric strikes work well for a standard steel or wooden door. Magnetic locks are best suited for aluminum and glass storefront doors and work well for controlled and emergency exit systems. The sensors on these doors will signal an alarm if opened without the proper clearance or if it is propped open for a certain amount of time. For access control to restrict vehicles, use of full garage door openers and sliding or swinging gates are the most secure. A less expensive options, however, are barrier arms that control the flow of traffic into a parking facility.

Access Control Dealers and Security System Companies

Choosing the right access control dealer and security system company is an important decision to make. You want one that is large enough to handle your security needs but small enough to give you the individual attention you deserve. You also want to find access control dealers and security system companies who are flexible and innovative enough to meet your specific requirements.

You will also want to look for companies that have experience in the area of systems you need. If you are looking for access control systems in your business, you don't want to look at companies that specialize in home security. Find out if the company has experience with your specific kind of business, such as if you have a retail business, convenience store or casino. If they have worked in these specific arenas before, you are likely to have better results.

When getting quotes from multiple vendors, look for the vendors who ask many questions and really get an idea of exactly what you are looking for in a security system and access control. Avoid the dealer who has "the perfect system for you" after only a few moments on the phone. Find out if the dealer works with several different brands and how they work with controllers. Controllers and software are more specialized, so you wan to make sure the vendor has significant experience installing and supporting the brand you are interested in. Since you can use local or national security companies, you will wan to make sure they are familiar with the ordinances in your area.

The access control vendor you decide to work with will see you through until the security system is installed. They will integrate the access control and alarms, time and attendance, video surveillance and HR software. Because every business is unique, this will all be custom work. Installation can take a few days to two weeks, depending on your specific needs. They will install the software and manage training of the system for employees who will be using it. The amount of training will vary depending on how elaborate the security system and access controls are set.

Finding the right access control systems vendor to meet you security needs is an important decision. There are many companies to choose from and a wide variety of system options. Be sure to choose the system that meets your specific needs and has the customer support you deserve.

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