How to streamline access control in your building

Access control is a critical part of your overall security strategy. Any building that is expected to attract a large number of people needs entrance control procedures in place.

Whether that building is an apartment complex, an office skyscraper, or an educational institution, lots of people coming and going should be managed in an orderly and problem-free manner. Building owners have a responsibility to ensure that access is properly managed for staff, tenants, attendees, and visitors. This is first and foremost vital for safety, as well as the efficient and organised flow of footfall.

As you develop your access control master plan, pay attention to the key factors outlined below. They’ll guide you toward best practices for seamless, simplified building access.

In this post, we’ll go over….

• The types of unauthorised access
• What access control systems are available?
• Design and organisation considerations
• Staff training

The types of unauthorised access 

When considering the best access control systems, you need to have a firm understanding of what you want out of these systems. In this case, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with the most common ways your building can be accessed by unauthorized individuals. These include: 

1. Tailgating — tailgating happens when an unauthorised person forcibly or accidentally gets passage by following closely behind an authorised user.
2. Piggybacking — when an authorised person opens a secured doorway and intentionally holds it open for others to pass through.
3. Passbacks — when an unauthorised person intentionally passes back their access card for others to use.
4. Door propping — holding open a door for a long period to make access convenient for building occupants.
5. Climb over/crawl under — forcing entrance by jumping over or crawling under an entrance barrier.

Consider the above mentioned security gaps, then look for features that will prevent these loopholes and only allow entry to authorised individuals.

What access control systems are available?

Improvements in access technology have given building owners greater control over security than ever before. With that advanced control comes a range of options that can be integrated to streamline access. 

Fingerprint access

Utilising biometric technology, fingerprint access control makes for a robust solution as there are no hackable passwords involved. This type of biometric system identifies users by matching a scanned fingerprint with information of the user stored in a database. If the information corresponds with what is kept on record, the person can access the secured area.

Facial recognition access

Facial recognition can be integrated into a fingerprint scanning system or installed as a standalone terminal. It relies on advanced deep learning technology to analyse a facial image in real time against a pre-loaded user template. When approaching an entrance to a secured area, users simply need to pause in front of the camera without having to do anything else. The system instantly and accurately recognises people’s faces for a more convenient user authentication method.

Card scanning access

Scanning terminals can be installed indoors or outdoors, and are designed to work along other security systems or function as a standalone system. Users are granted access by either tapping a smart card on the reader, swiping it, or inserting it, after which their credentials are validated. These access cards can be configured to limit access for certain times, security levels, or number of unlocks. 

Fever screening 

This system, connected to a thermal camera, uses advanced AI analytics to measure elevated surface skin temperature for quick and safe preliminary fever screening. It is also capable of detecting entrants without face masks. In both cases, the system instantly circulates an alert notification to the relevant safety officers. 

The system can be configured to either restrict or grant access based on the results. Thus, if a person’s temperature is too high, the doors will automatically lock to prevent access. The alarm will be raised, and the person can be safely isolated for medical examination, if needed.  

The total assessment takes less than a second, even up to a meter away, which makes it ideal for screening large crowds of people.

Design and organisation considerations

The access control system you choose should do more than offer you features that can stand up to security challenges. It should also seamlessly complement the environment surrounding it. What this means is setting up an entrance area that matches the building’s architecture instead of looking out of place.

Using a 3D simulator tool, you can see a real-time preview of the architectural impact an entrance system will have on your building while having the ability to test out different options.

Your building’s reception area plays an important part in entrance control, so it’s important to pay attention to its appearance and arrangement. Make sure that there is enough space to control the entrance gates and assist visitors. You should also check that there are no design features in the reception area that block lines of sight to the entrance area.

Visitors are going to be navigating around a building that they have likely never stepped foot into. Ensure guests find their way around by using plenty of signs to point people in the right direction such as the location of stairs and elevators. 

Staff training

All of your security staff should be fully aware of and be familiar with your entrance control policies and procedures. Remember that these front-of-house staff will serve as your eyes and ears throughout the day, and the success of your access control strategy will depend on the amount of training they have received.

• RELATED POST: Ways to optimise your access control solutions

The right access control systems will help you maintain a safe and pleasant visitor experience from the moment an individual arrives to when they leave the premises. As an experienced access control solutions provider, Nashua can not only provide you with the best-of-breed solutions but also advise you on the most effective ways to manage entry at your premises.