Get to Know the Basics of Building Access Control

GET TO KNOW THE BASICS OF BUILDING ACCESS CONTROL

Building access control is the process of controlling who has physical access to a building or area. It is an essential part of building security and is vital for several reasons. First, it helps to protect people, property, and assets from unauthorized access. This is especially important for buildings that contain sensitive information or valuable items.

Second, an access control system can help to deter and detect unauthorized access. If an unauthorized user tries to gain access to a building, the system can help to identify the person and prevent them from gaining access.

Third, access control systems can help to improve compliance with regulations. Many regulation agencies, such as OSHA and PCI DSS, require organizations to implement physical access control measures to protect the people and property in and around the building.

ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM KEY COMPONENTS

There are three key components necessary to build an access control system. Within each element, there are many different options to choose from based on the functionality your business requires.

Access control points: These are the physical locations where access to a building or area is controlled. They can be doors, gates, turnstiles, or other points of entry.

Access control devices: These are the devices that are used to control access to a building or area. They can include keycards, biometric scanners, mobile phone credentials, and proximity cards.

Access control system: This is the software and hardware used to manage access to a building or area. It typically includes a database of authorized users, a method for issuing access control credentials, and a system for monitoring access.

MORE ABOUT ACCESS CONTROL POINTS

As mentioned before, there are many ways to access a building. The following are some of the most common building access control points:

Doors: Doors are the most common access control points in buildings.

Gates: Gates are used to control access to areas that are enclosed by walls or fences.

Turnstiles: Turnstiles are used to control access to areas that need to be restricted to a limited number of people and can be placed inside or outside of a building.

Other points of entry: Other points of entry, such as windows, skylights, and roof hatches, can also be controlled using standard access control measures.

MORE ABOUT ACCESS CONTROL DEVICES

Before we had all of these advanced options we have today for access control devices, we had to rely on keys to enter the various access points in and around a building. All of the options listed below are superior to keys for several reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that keys get lost. Once a key is lost, your location becomes unsecure until you can change out the lock and reissue keys to all who need access. Other reasons that render keys inferior are that you are unable to track entry and exit, and you cannot manage keys like you can advanced access control credentials. Another important aspect of access control is the security of the credentials that are used. Low frequency cards tend to be less expensive, but they are also less secure. They are more easily duplicated unlike high frequency cards (and mobile credentials) which have stronger encryption and additional safeguards in order to avoid the stored credential from being stolen. Below are some of the more common (and advanced) access control device options:

Keycards: Keycards are small cards that contain a unique code. When the card is swiped at a reader, the code is checked against a database of authorized users. If the code matches, the user is granted access.

Biometric scanners: Biometric scanners use physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial scans, to identify users. When a user’s biometrics are scanned, they are compared to a database of authorized users. If the biometrics match, the user is granted access.

Magnetic stripe cards: Magnetic stripe cards are similar to keycards but contain a magnetic strip instead of a code. A reader reads the magnetic strip, and the information on the strip is compared to a database of authorized users. If the information matches, the user is granted access.

Proximity cards: Proximity cards are small cards that contain a radio frequency (RF) chip. When the card is brought near a reader, the RF chip sends a signal to the reader. The reader then checks the signal against a database of authorized users. If the signal matches, the user is granted access.

Mobile phone credentials: A mobile phone credential is a unique digital key issued to employees or residential tenants in order to manage property access via the user’s smartphone or mobile device. Smartphone access control credentials can take the form of an app users download, a QR code users can scan, or a custom link sent via SMS or email.

MORE ABOUT ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Access control systems are the overarching software and hardware that ties your entire system together and allows you to integrate your system with other building protection systems like burglar alarms and surveillance cameras. These systems are made up of two main types of components:

Access control software: Access control software is used to manage the user database, track access logs, and generate reports. It typically includes features such as user provisioning, role-based access control, and audit logging.

Access control hardware: Access control hardware includes the readers, controllers, and alarms that are used to control access to a building. The readers scan the user’s credentials, the controllers compare the credentials to a database of authorized users, and the alarms are triggered if the user is not authorized to access the area.

TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING BUILDING ACCESS CONTROL

Identify your security needs. What are the areas of your building that need to be secured? What are the types of threats you are most concerned about? Once you know your security needs, you can start to assess your options for building access control.

Choose the right system for your needs. There are a variety of access control systems available, so it’s important to choose one that meets your specific needs. There are a lot of options out there, so it will be important to partner with a professional security company to help you through this process. Some factors to consider include the size of your building, the number of access points, the type of security you need, and your budget.

Implement the system correctly. Once you have chosen an access control system, it’s important to implement it correctly. This includes installing the system properly, training your staff on how to use it, and creating a clear policy for granting and revoking access. Here again, a professional security partner will be able to help you with all of these aspects of implementation.

Monitor the system regularly. Once the system is in place, it’s vital to monitor it regularly to ensure it is working in the correct way to meet your needs. This includes checking for errors, reviewing access logs, and investigating any suspicious activity.

Establish an auditing schedule for your system. As your business grows or changes, you may need to review your security needs and make changes to your access control system. By performing regular audits, you can make sure your system continues to provide the best protection possible for your building.

In review, by implementing the appropriate building access control measures, organizations can help to protect people, property, and assets from unauthorized access. This can help to prevent security incidents, comply with regulations, and improve the overall security of an organization.

LEARN MORE

Would you like to learn more about implementing an access control system for your business? Please feel free to give us a call at 833.412.4491 or fill out the form for a quote, and we will get back to you ASAP.