Ways to improve your building’s access control

Having complete control over who gains access to your building premises is paramount. Unfortunately, you just cannot afford to let your guard down. If you can manage who gains access to your property, you can reduce incidents of planned and opportunistic crime. Access control technology is vital to keep your employees, tenants, visitors (people) and possessions secure. Whether you need a new system, have an existing system in place or are considering changing your system, it’s always a good time to evaluate your security systems and procedures. Do the right people have the right access to the right areas? Let’s run through some ways to improve your building’s access control, whether it is a domestic, commercial or industrial building. 

5 ways to improve access control

1. Focus on the right features

Every building is different, and your security requirements are unique. You don’t want to unnecessarily frustrate people by being too secure. Aim to create an environment where the right people can easily gain access to the right areas at the right time. With this in mind, consider what you need from an access control system. Ask yourself these questions:

• What specific areas need to be access controlled?
• What times will vehicles and people need to gain access?
• How many vehicles and people require different levels of access?
• How does the system work with other existing security elements?

2. Assess levels of access

There are very few people that will need access to every area of your building. Get a map of your building and define the different areas or zones of your building based on the security level required. Then determine the areas that each individual or group needs access to, and at what times.

Start with the first point of entry and figure out who should be able to come onto the building property, and when. From there, you can narrow down who gets access to which areas.

3. Keep things updated

It is pivotal to keep your access control system updated. This means constantly managing who has access – giving and removing access whenever necessary. 

It is also key to ensure your access control technology is kept up to date. Avoiding upgrades can make your building vulnerable. Investing in your access control system is a continuous process.

4. Test your system

It’s all fine and well having a system, but does it work? Make sure everything is working as it should and don’t delay in fixing broken components. Access points that are not working can entice unwanted visitors. 

5. Educate and communicate

Your security systems and procedures must be adequately and frequently explained to everyone entering your building. It is especially important to ensure “the regulars” are well aware of how everything should work. Help them understand that things like letting visitors in without authentication and tailgating will only leave them vulnerable. Send regular communication and put up signage around the building to remind everyone about the various security measures in place.  

Access control is non-negotiable these days. If you need a new access control system or require updates or testing on an existing system, please get in touch with the SysControl Secure team.