Protecting your people and assets should be a top priority for your business. While you may believe unauthorised entry could never happen at your premises, there is always a risk, which isn’t a matter of if, but when. 

Access control systems have long been a key first line of defense for any business when it comes to managing the flow of people and securing physical access to buildings or sites. Not having an effective system in place is as good as an open invitation to criminals to steal from you.  

Now that you understand how valuable access control is, it’s time to get serious about safeguarding all entrance points in and out of your business. Since access control systems will serve your business for a long time, it’s crucial to get the system selection right the first time. As you navigate the market, it can be helpful to keep a list of the most important features your ideal access control system must have to enhance building safety. Here is a checklist to get you started.

What to look for in an access control system 

1. Durability

You’ll want access control that is reliable and sturdy for long term use. Speed gates and turnstiles are subjected to frequent heavy use, and the choice to invest in superior technology tends to correlate with a reduced risk of equipment failure. Access control security systems that are built to last can save your business from shelling out continuously for replacements or repair, not to mention the inconvenience of dealing with the safety risks that come with downtime.

2. Speed and convenience

Speed gates and turnstiles need to provide fast access to ensure that foot traffic flows smoothly and that there are no hold-ups at entrances. Access control systems that grant access via fingerprints, face recognition and RF cards are therefore more efficient than conventional keys and passwords. Modern high-tech systems are able to verify users in as little as 0.2 seconds and detect unauthorised access to generate security alarms in response. These are the features to look out for.

3. Real time alerts

Being able to spot threats as they happen is vital in today’s environment. But it would be a mistake to think that this is an area where a door entry system doesn’t play a role in. There are now a range of options that can give real-time updates on events such as access granted and rejected, as well as doors being forced or held open. When integrated with CCTV, the alert system can stream a live video of the door event. Which brings us to the next feature.

4. Integration with other security systems

It’s likely that your business uses a variety of different security systems. Therefore, an access control system that can work alongside other safety systems is a huge advantage. For example, in the event of a fire, an access control system will react to the fire alarm. It will automatically unlock doors to ensure a fast exit for those inside the building and a fast entry for the firefighters to do their job.

5. Mask detection

Face masks have become the “new normal” for businesses, becoming a mandatory safety accessory for anyone entering your premises. Access control systems with a face mask detection feature use artificial intelligence to recognise and identify a human face and whether or not he/she is wearing a mask. It even displays a temperature reading on the terminal screen when users authorise themselves. If no mask is detected, the system can be configured to either automatically block access to the premises or remind a person to wear a mask when granting access.

• READ NEXT: How Access Control and CCTV enhance the role of security guards

Final word

Businesses of every size and industry are vulnerable to security threats. Having a robust access control solution in place to defend your premises against unauthorised access is an absolute must when it comes to the success of your overall security strategy. These are but a few of the essential features of access control to look out for. There are various other features that you can opt for should you need them. Discuss your needs and options with your service provider to find the best solution for you.