HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY’S SECURITY IS OUTSTANDING

Access Control is Indispensable

To be sure your commercial facility is safe and secure, there are principles that apply. For the security measures you take to be successful, you’ll need to set up an access control system, which means that only you, or the individuals you approve of, will ever have access to your building. An access control system is put into place to guard your property from any unauthorized access, so accordingly, you control the movement of the persons inside. The fact is, nowadays, everything - from to logging in to your computer, opening your car door and starting your vehicle, to opening a hotel room, to entering a high-security area, and even to launching a missile, is protected by access control.

For the most efficient access control, set up three basic aspects:

1.      Identify. The system you choose must enable you to confirm, that undeniably, the true identification of anyone wanting to enter your property, or desiring permission to gain access to any restricted area.

2.      Authenticate. After your system is capable of authenticating and fully confirming an individual’s identity, you’ll know that it’s acceptable to permit that person access to the property, or to a secure part of it. There are many ways to carry out authentication - from identification smartcards, to encryption keys, smart devices, passwords, fingerprints, eye scans, and more sophisticated biometrics.

3.      Authorize. Based on criteria that you decide upon for your access control system, with successful identification and authentication, a person will finally be given authorization to get in.

Things to Consider Regarding Your Access Control System

With appropriate access control, your building will remain totally secure and safe, because you’ll control the movement of everyone who enters and leaves. To decide how you’ll put together your access control system, it’s important to compile a list of criteria for specific individuals, as well as for categories of persons (that is, employees, VIPs, visitors, guards, delivery people, and so forth) who will be permitted either full or partial access. You will need to establish specific parameters for each kind of access. That is, you may give some people permission to go nearly anywhere (full access); others will be permitted to enter certain sensitive areas (you may want to establish various levels of high-security clearance); others may be allowed very limited public access (partial access).

Common Access Control Systems

Surveillance cameras. You’ll probably want to consider putting in a video surveillance system in order to monitor the areas that require heightened security. Your property’s security needs will tell you the level of image resolution necessary. You also should consider some other aspects of your system’s setup. For instance, do you want to record 24/7, and have video footage of all activities? Do you want your surveillance cameras to have advanced software that gives you various sorts of capture capabilities? This would include time-and-date stamp code, facial recognition, vehicle plate recognition, and other access-control functions and top-security monitoring.

Gate entry. If you put in a security gate, you’ll be able to monitor the movement of everybody who goes out and comes in. You’ll provide each individual with a suitable security clearance level based on conditions you’ve chosen.

Trespasser detection. Install motion detectors and intruder alarms - outdoors and indoors - depending on where you need protection the most. You’ll be alerted if an intrusion is detected at a particular area or point of entry.

Biometric measurements. User names, identification cards, keys, passwords, smart devices, etc. can be faked or stolen by criminals; on the other hand, biometrics cannot be counterfeited. If you want extraordinary security, to stop entry by imposters, biometric readers take access control to an entirely new level. You’ll be absolutely confident that only the people with acceptable clearance will have access to a sensitive area. A biometric reader scans and validates the unique features of a person. Cutting-edge methods of verification are handprints, fingerprints, and retina scans. Additional biometric measurements that may soon become routine are voice-print recognition, ear scans, and even DNA sampling and heartbeat identification!

The Benefits of an Access Control System

Tracking information. Access control not only keeps unauthorized personnel, unwanted visitors, and thieves from getting into your property or its restricted areas, but you’ll also be able to digitally and electronically record activities for your future reference - gathering pertinent information for investigations and reports. You can assist anybody who gets into trouble anywhere on the property, because you can identify them instantly, and see their exact location. Should the worst happen, the same goes for identifying an intruder.

Building safety. Limit the number of persons (such as in a theater, church, or nightclub) so you’ll know you’re adhering completely to the local fire code. It’s important to customize your access control system to your line of business and to your location. For example, you’ll prevent an industrial accident from occurring by controlling the number of people allowed inside a hazardous part of your building.

Thwarting criminal activity. When potential burglars, vandals, and arsonists observe the actual level of your building’s access control system, they’ll most likely stay away. The appropriate level of access control - based on your industry, your location, your activities, and any other express requirements - will make anyone with criminal intentions think twice and move on by.

Your best bet is to hire an eminently qualified professional who will first help you determine each one of your security needs, and then, according to your budget and desires, will guide you to optimal ways to implement every aspect of your requirements. Once your access control system is installed, tested, and up and running, you’ll also want the expertise of a reliable security expert capable of teaching you and your team how to utilize your access control system effectively. Make sure the company you choose will be there to respond 24/7 whenever you require assistance.