Why Building Access Control Systems Are Important for Overall Safety

Access control systems are an essential part of commercial security systems. With access control, you can effectively keep your building safe and secure, by controlling the movement of people in and out of the building. You can as well set the criteria for the people that are allowed to access the building, or sensitive areas within the building.

Access control can be broken down into three core elements. Essentially, these distinct elements define how the access control systems work.

• Identification: The main aim of an access control system is to protect your building from unauthorized access, and control the movement of people within. For this reason, the system must enable you to determine the identity of any individual entering the building, or accessing any of the secure areas within the building. 

• Authentication: After the system has identified an individual, it is imperative that his/her identity is authenticated to ensure that only the right persons are granted access. You can achieve authentication using a variety of methods including passwords, encryption keys, smartcards, and fingerprints.

• Authorization: With successful authentication, building access control systems are able to grant individuals, access to the building or other restricted areas, based on the set criteria.

Intruder Detection Systems: These consist of intruder alarms and motion detectors that alert you once an intrusion is detected. These systems can be fitted on the inside, as well as on the outside of your building or facility to ensure that no one tries to gain access without your knowledge.  

Gate Entry Systems: A gate entry system enables you to monitor the movement of people in and out of your property. Everyone is provided with appropriate security clearance, as they enter the building. The security clearance will be used to grant him/her access to specific areas and thus, you can monitor their movements at all times until they exit the building.

Biometric Readers: Biometric readers are ideal for high security applications to ensure that only the people with the required clearance are able to access sensitive areas within your building. The biometric readers work by scanning a person’s unique features such as fingerprints, handprint, or even iris scan, to verify their security clearance.

CCTV Camera Systems: Video surveillance is necessary in high interest security areas to give you a recorded visual of people’s movements. Surveillance cameras offer high-resolution image capture capabilities that can be used with specialized software for facial recognition, vehicle number plate recognition and other high security monitoring and access control functions.

1. Intrusion Detection and Prevention

Building access control systems are a conspicuous feature in high security facilities that need to keep out intruders. Intrusion comes in many forms including employees or visitors, who are intentionally trying to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas, or impostors trying to infiltrate your building. There are also cases of visitors, who might lose their way while inside your facility. 

2. Industrial Safety

You can use appropriate access control systems to prevent industrial accidents. For instance, you can control the number of people, who are able to access hazardous areas within the facility. 

3. Deterrence of Criminal Activity

Building access control systems are essential in as far as, dealing with crime is concerned. As a building owner, you are faced with security challenges including burglary, vandalism, and arson that can be prevented using appropriate access control systems. For instance, the use of CCTV surveillance cameras is a proactive means of preventing incidences of crime, owing to the psychological intimidation that it causes on people with criminal intentions.