Complete Guide to Building Protection with Access Control Systems

Access control is a security approach that provides effective entry and exit solutions for businesses and building owners, and it is now more accessible than ever. This security protocol is essential for maintaining safety and ensuring unauthorized individuals cannot infiltrate a property. Whether it's keeping an apartment as a guest-only space or ensuring an office building is safe for employees, access control has become an innovative security solution that business and property owners throughout Atlanta, Georgia, are increasingly relying on.

What Is Access Control?

An access control system ensures only authorized personnel can enter a property or specific areas. These systems guarantee that only those screened and granted clearance can access a business. Access control systems manage, monitor, and track who is in the building through doors or turnstiles.

How Do Access Control Systems Work?

Building access control is achieved by integrating software and hardware to create a comprehensive security system. The first step involves installing checkpoints that regulate access to the building. This can include sensors on doors that only open for authorized individuals. In some instances, security gates or turnstiles may be implemented to allow entry only to approved personnel at specific business entrances.

There are two primary methods for managing authorized personnel. First, each approved individual is added to a system that recognizes them through a key card, key fob, or access code. Once someone is added to the system, they can be granted access to various locations throughout the property. Depending on the property owner's preferences, access may be controlled by a badge, card, fob, or secure keypad. These devices allow for quick and efficient identification of individuals, granting them access while logging their presence on the property.

Granting Site Access To Approved Parties

Approval is not universal for access control. Though you can provide identical access levels to all individuals who can enter a property, you might recognize that not everyone needs access to every part of the property. For example, ensuring that only a select few have access to certain kinds of data or systems might be safer. Access control can ensure that employees or visitors do not walk into areas they are not permitted to be in. It is an additional way to guarantee that all areas remain secure at all levels.

As a property manager, you can give access and remove it easily. Outdated lock and key security methods, such as giving employees a specific key to a door, meant that the property was compromised when the key was lost or stolen. With access control, access can be revoked immediately, even if the device was never returned to the property owner in the first place. Former employees or former tenants can be immediately banned from a property to ensure everyone stays safe and the building remains secure.

Easily Track Employee Time

Access control systems continuously record who enters and exits a building, making them highly effective for time tracking. This allows you to keep a clear and consistent record of individuals on the property and the duration of their visits. With this information, you can efficiently manage employee timecards with minimal effort. It involves letting the systems do their job and leveraging the valuable data they provide. Ultimately, the priority is ensuring the safety of everyone on your campus.

Integrate With Additional Security Products

An access control system can work as a standalone security solution, but most clients effectively combine with other security tools to create a robust security setup. You enhance its effectiveness by integrating access control with intercoms, cameras, and door release systems. This approach allows you to build upon your existing systems and devices, resulting in a more advanced security system tailored to your needs. Rather than starting from scratch, you can quickly integrate access control into your current system, enhancing your overall security strategy.

Conclusion

With access control, you can upgrade your security protocols and keep an area safe. Knowing who is on your property and managing who is present at any point can offer significant advantages in the long run. Whether it is ensuring that data or employees stay safe, you can use access control to feel better about taking control of your environment. If you are looking for a custom approach to access control solutions in Atlanta, contact CFA Security to discuss the available options. We can provide unique systems that suit your property and needs.