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Employees in all business sectors have a responsibility to protect the products, clients and location they work at. Bank staffers have a responsibility to keep money safe, airport security is tasked with protecting patrons, retail associates prevent merchandise theft and even doctors offices have medical files to secure. A lot of time and money is spent on systems. From residential homes, to apartment complexes, sports stadiums and retail establishments, millions of dollars each year is spent on both physical and electronic security products and armed patrols. However, one of the most overlooked and biggest threats to all businesses are it's employees. One often overlooked security threat comes from internal employee misconduct. Daily physical damage and theft from outside patrons is always a possibility, but most businesses are at greater risk from those they welcome in: their employees.
One top rated security system beloved by all businesses from doctors offices to retail stores, is an access control system. An access control system, consist of an electronic door lock, an access control reader (this can be a pin pad, access card or key fob), and access control software controlled on a remote IP based device such as a smart phone or computer. Together these tools monitor the flow of site traffic including guests, vendors and employees. Having both physical control of external and internal doors along with capturing data of site flow provides employers unparalleled security site management and the right tools to protect their assets, inventory, files, guest and employees.
The magic of access control security lies beyond the physical protection it provides when allowing and restricting access to buildings, internal doors and private areas. The true gem of access control security is in how the software program captures data. There are 3 top data points every company can use to protect itself from its own employees.
3 Top Access Control Applications To Prevent Employee Misconduct:
1. Time Clocks
Many corporations have long relied on a basic time clock for tracking employee hours. While many companies have moved to a computerized system the ability, both old school time clocks and computer clocks have opportunities for employee misconduct. This is why many businesses are now turning to access control systems to assist with both physical security and as a time clock solution. Each individual is given a personal access card tied to only themselves. As they enter and exit a location, the action creates a record. This prevents employees from fabricating overtime or covering for each other by clocking a friend in. An added benefit is the ability to see real time working hours, down to the minute, keeping both employees and management honest. As well as creating records for insurance and OSHA reports.
2. Controlled Access For Varying Levels Of Staff
Depending on the size and industry of a business, not all staff will have equal access. A hospital needs hundreds of workers every shift to operate efficiently. However, a cook in the cafeteria should not have access to confidential patient files or perscription drugs. A spa needs masseuses, managers, back offices employees and cleaners to run smoothly, but a cleaner does not need access to back office cash accounts or client credit card information. For each business and industry there are varying degrees of access and restriction required to keep operations running smoothly. The best practice for preventing employee theft of assets such as prescription drugs, client records or cash is to reduce access to them. One way to securely protect a businesses assets is through access control security. Access control security can be as simple as a pin pad on a door to an elaborate biometric eye scanner. Either system allows for personalized granting of access to specified areas to prevent theft and security threats before they happen.
3. Revolving Door Businesses
Let's face it. Some businesses are harder than other to keep and retain staff or they operate on a flexible, short term work model. Either way, businesses with high volume turnover struggle to manage employee site access. Keeping up with keys, staff access and site security turns into a nightmare for high employee turnover businesses. The best solution for these business is to ditch physical keys for access control security. Access security can be applied to both single and multiple door facilities. When a new employee starts and needs access to a site, a new keycard, fob or access pin is provided. When the employee no longer needs access to the site, the employees security is revoked and removed from the system. No need to worry about physical keys or rogue staff anymore.
There are so many wonderful benefits for businesses who adopt an access control security model. Modern electronics have made security solutions available to businesses with protection tools that are successful from day one. Access control security is an effective deterrent to less than honest employees or other people with access to your facilities. Systems range from highly complex and expensive, but they don’t have to be. Access control systems are available to accommodate not only the larger corporations, but also smaller businesses. These access control points can be so effective, (depending on your type of business) in some cases they will pay for themselves immediately.
If you haven’t adopted an access control security model for your business yet, what are you waiting for? CFA Security & Low Voltages has been providing commercial security and access solutions to all types of business in the metro Atlanta area since 2009. Our estimates are always free and no-pressure. Call today at 770-864-7891 or fill out a contact form.