Here’s Why Your Building Security Needs Access Control Systems

In today’s times, organisations face a deluge of security threats ranging from theft, vandalism, espionage to terrorism. Whether you are a business, school, university, healthcare provider, or even an apartment complex, you will always be striving to improve security.

Here is where access control systems can play a major role in heightening building security. However, before moving on to why access control is required in buildings, let’s understand the concept of access control systems and their types.

What is an Access Control System?
An access control system is a process of handling the entry and exit into specific locations, buildings, and areas within buildings. They are electronic systems that provide security to building premises and integration with other security measures and devices such as CCTV cameras.

There are a variety of access control systems, which include:

• Discretionary Access Control (DAC): This type of access control system offers the least restrictions and allows complete control to the administrator or the owner to decide who has access and permissions throughout the building. This system allows an individual to change the security level of other users, which may lead to malware being executed in the system.
• Mandatory Access Control (MAC): MAC is the strictest access control system and is commonly used in organisations that have highly classified and confidential data. Only the owners have management access and can even control all the doors. This system also recognises and tags the end-users that allow them through security with predetermined guidelines.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): RBAC is more popularly known as non-discretionary access control and is one of the most popular access control systems. This system grants permission and entry to employees based on their designation in an organisation. This system also defines the number of entry and exits allowed in a day. RBAC assigns permissions based on the designation and not on the individual, making this system highly sought after.

Why Do Buildings Need Access Control Systems?

• Protection Against Unwanted Visitors: No business would want unauthorised personnel to enter their building without permission and carry out unmonitored activities. Employing access control systems prevents the entry of unauthorised people into the premises.
• Convenience: Access control systems provide immense ease of use and convenience while maintaining high-security standards. If keys are lost or stolen, it leads to inconvenience in terms of replacing all the keys and changing the locks. Apart from this, keys can also be copied, which adversely affects security. Access control systems are the perfect solution to these problems because key cards and access fobs can easily be replaced and barred from the system if they are stolen or lost.
• Flexibility: Employing access control systems means that users can be granted access to certain areas only at specific times. This allows security administrators to create a comprehensive security system that is practical and smooth to operate. Such an approach to security helps in ensuring that the right people have access to the right things at the right time.
• Integration and Management: Access control systems also provide a host of integration capabilities. They can be linked with emergency services, intruder alarms, and security cameras, which helps in improving the effectiveness of the security measures. Access control cards can also be integrated with existing systems like printers, computers, catering, and vending machines.
• Increased Automation: Some offices want their doors to automatically open and close at certain fixed times. This is possible with remote access systems. Furthermore, organisations can integrate their electrical processes into the access control system allowing the lighting and air conditioning to turn on and off at designated times. Such automation will also help in reducing energy costs.

 Look at the Bigger Picture with Access Control Systems
Apart from providing a means for access and authentication, access control systems are capable of integrating into wider workforce management. These systems can automate and provide accurate and improved data of workplace activities, which would be highly valuable to any business.

If you are interested in setting up an access control system for your building, you should approach professionals to help you out. They will review your property and listen to your requirements before suggesting the most suitable access control system for you.