The installation and operation of an access control system requires forethought and thorough planning. It’s not just a case of setting up a biometric reader at the entrance of your office premises for time and attendance purposes. This is a mandatory move, of course, if you’re planning to invest in an access control solution. But there might be other parts of your workplace you’d like to restrict access to, such as a storeroom or your server room. You might only want to allow a select group of people into those areas, as well as monitor the room with video surveillance. Make several key decisions before and after you install your access control system in order to ensure it’s properly optimised.

Grant access based on roles

It’s unlikely that everyone in your company will require access to a specific area within your workspace. Only someone with a specific purpose related to a certain room’s function should be allowed access. This really translates into granting what is known as least privilege access, which means access for those who explicitly need it. For example, your network administrator should be the only person who’s allowed access to your server room. So, when setting up access control measures at this particular point of entry, make sure it’s only his or her biometric data that’s registered on the system.

Implement more than one layer of security

It’s best to have more than one security measure in place to ensure that all access points are properly guarded and monitored. Don’t just stop at a biometric reader that helps with facial recognition. There are additional tools you can harness to support your access control infrastructure. Consider surveillance cameras for example. These will prove efficient in constantly monitoring who might be attempting to access certain points of entry. If some kind of breach does occur, you’ll be able to use your video surveillance measures to ascertain who was behind it. Combining surveillance and access control solutions is a thorough move that means tighter security at your company.

• READ MORE: The best places to install security cameras at your office

Secure your data

Implementing access control measures at your company can solve certain security issues. Remember, however, that the integration of this technology can open your organisation up to security threats of another kind, ie. cyber attacks. Data hacks are prevalent, and the personal information you have saved might be vulnerable to them, which is why it is important for you to patch up your access control with cybersecurity measures such as antivirus software or a firewall.

Audit your system

Audit your access control system on a regular basis and assess whether or not it’s functioning as it should be. Use antivirus programmes to find possible software bugs and also perform thorough checks of your system’s hardware. With an audit, you’ll know where changes, updates or repairs need to be made. Ensure that the auditing process is made mandatory and is not forgotten about. Make it a regular administrative activity.

• READ MORE: Reasons for upgrading your access control solutions

You should definitely find ways to maximise the efficacy of your access control system, from tightening up security with video surveillance to conducting thorough audits on a regular basis. After all, access control is one of the most important security measures your company can invest in, so make sure it performs to the optimal level.