8 min
Selecting the appropriate access control solution is a critical decision for businesses of all sizes. Robust access control solutions are indispensable for safeguarding medium and large organizations, effectively mitigating security risks associated with access points. At acre security, we prioritize the safety and security of employees, guests, and valuable assets. With our unwavering dedication, we are committed to assisting you in making the optimal choice.
Here are 11 main features you should consider when selecting an access control solution for your business.
1. Configuration of Access Permissions
Access permission levels can be easily configured for everyone with a credential. This is achieved by assigning distinct levels of authority to various organizational locations based on access requirements. Once this crucial step is completed, user credentials can be customized to grant specific access permissions to people that are commonly referred to as “cardholders”. Credentials can be in the form of a card, fob, badge, pin number, mobile device or biometric.
In addition to determining which doors can be opened by each cardholder, credentials can also be programmed to activate and expire access permissions at designated dates and times.
Outside of normal cardholders, this feature is particularly significant for organizations hosting frequent events or conferences; visitors; and/or contractors. Upon arrival, attendees are promptly provided with a credential that grants access to designated areas of the facility. After the scheduled time concludes, access rights can be promptly revoked, rendering credentials inactive, which significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized entry by any third party attempting to gain access at a later time.
2. Management of Automatic Doors
An essential component of a high-quality Access Control solution is the capability to schedule door commands based on specific times or events. This sought-after feature is particularly favored by organizations that operate during the day for public access and close during the night.
The system can be configured to allow the unlocking of doors only after a credential with sufficient permissions has been scanned. Often referred to as the 'First Person In' setting, this feature is commonly employed to restrict employee access until a higher authority figure, such as a manager, arrives.
Each reader-controlled door can be temporarily unlocked during designated time periods throughout the day. This functionality is particularly important for organizations that frequently have contractors on-site who require access to authorized areas. The software allows for convenient scheduling of temporary unlocks for specific time periods on selected days.
3. Distinctive Alarm Notifications
To effectively distinguish between urgent, non-urgent, and emergency events, the Access Control software offers the capability to configure different notification sounds and colors. For example, the back office can be alerted with distinct alarms for events like 'Door Held Open', 'Door Forced Open', and ‘Access Denied’, ensuring relevant staff is promptly notified. Additionally, certain Access Control solutions can be set up to automatically send text notifications to designated employees when an alarm is triggered. This process automation configuration empowers security teams to stay informed about events, even when they are not physically present in their department.
4. Enhanced Accessibility for System Management
In response to the growing demand for intelligent and mobile-friendly solutions, Access Control has undergone significant advancements to enhance accessibility and user-friendliness. These changes primarily aim to support organizations in their daily operations and facilitate seamless access both remotely and on-site. By expanding the availability of Access Control Systems, hosts are provided with solutions that offer convenient access through their desktop (Thick Client), browser (Thin Client), and/or preferred mobile device (Mobile Client), ensuring a more streamlined and efficient user experience.
5. Automated Backup Scheduling
It is essential to ensure that your chosen Access Control solution provides the capability to schedule an automatic backup of the system database, regardless of the deployment method. When using an Access Control solution on the Cloud, regular backup performances are typically seamless. However, if you are using an on-premises solution, the risk of rebuilding all configurations and settings after a server crash can result in considerable time and energy expenditure. Therefore, it is crucial to consider this aspect and opt for a solution that offers robust backup functionality to mitigate potential risks and ensure a smooth recovery process.
6. Custom Reports
A comprehensive Access Control solution offers the capability to run and export a wide range of predefined and customizable reports. The flexibility of your chosen Access Control solution directly impacts the diversity of reports and fields available for generating insightful reports. Rest assured, by selecting the right solution, you can confidently access a wealth of valuable information. Some Common Reporting Capabilities include:
- Door Activity History: Provides detailed information about who opened a specific door and the corresponding timestamp.
- Unauthorized Access Attempts: A log of previous instances where users attempted to gain access by using their badge at a location where they were not authorized.
- On-Site Tracking: A comprehensive report detailing the access permissions granted to third parties across the entire site.
- Muster Report: A full list of the personnel currently present at the site.
- Additional Report Fields: Door Openings, Forced Door Openings, Excessive Door Open Time, Transaction Types, Time and Date Ranges, Specific Doors.
Based on the level of activity at a facility, system reports typically store several months worth of transactions on hard disks. Alternatively, they can be synchronized with a Cloud-base platform for continuous uploading and backup purposes. This ensures data integrity and provides a reliable source for historical records.
Additionally, certain Access Control solutions can be set up to automatically send email notifications to designated employees with a scheduled report attached. This process automation configuration empowers security teams to stay informed about events and to easily perform system analysis.
7. Fast and Secure Hosting
Modern Access Control solutions can be hosted On-Premises, On-Cloud, or as a Hybrid (a collaboration between On-Prem and Cloud). Although each hosting option offers unique benefits, when determining the ideal location for your Access Control solution, Cloud emerges as the superior choice.
As Cloud technology continues to advance, there is a growing consensus within the security technology industry that more and more organizations will transition from physical hosting to a SaaS-based alternative like Amazon Web Services (AWS). By leveraging Cloud-based hosting for an Access Control solution, organizations can unlock a range of unparalleled benefits that traditional On-Premises solutions simply cannot provide, including rapid deployment, seamless installation, and global scalability. These advantages alone enable organizations to optimize their time and financial resources when it comes to scaling their operations.
Discover the advantages and disadvantages of Cloud vs On-Premises Access Control. Read our blog "Sky or Land: Navigating the Pros and Cons of Cloud vs On-Premises Access Control" to learn more.
8. Efficient Third-Party Integrations
With multiple departments interacting with Access Control on a daily basis, seamlessly integrating with third-party applications increases business efficiency and productivity, as well as improves on-site security.
The implementation of customized integrations also provides staff with the ability to access relevant information securely, ensuring that all data remains confidential. In addition, third-party integrations provide process automation which eliminates the need for duplicate data entry and streamlines processes by syncing data across multiple systems. With a flexible API-based Access Control solution, organizations can increase business efficiency by creating personalized integrations tailored to their unique needs.
9. Video Management Add-Ons
For organizations seeking complete security, integrating with a Video Management System (VMS or CCTV) provides comprehensive visibility in critical areas and throughout the premises. From reception and loading docks, to authorized access zones and confidential areas, Video Management Systems equip security teams with the necessary tools to make real-time decisions and maintain total visibility. With real-time footage of activities at access points, organizations can improve accountability and identify any potential security threats.
Process automation allows a video window to immediately pop-up upon a specific alarm or event. Linking a VMS to your access control system allows you faster situational reporting and analysis because the video is already linked with an access control alarm or event.
10. Emergency Evacuation Add-Ons
With stringent regulations and laws designed to ensure the safety of everyone on-site, Emergency Evacuation solutions have been developed to enhance safety measures and increase the likelihood of successful evacuations during emergency situations by mitigating risks effectively.
Many Super Enterprise organizations have recognized the importance of integrating Access Control solutions with Emergency Evacuation solutions. This strategic enforcement allows for accurate accounting of individuals on-site, ensuring the safety and well-being of all. These cutting-edge 'zero-casualty' solutions are specifically designed to provide real-time head counting and comprehensive on-site accountability reports for Emergency Service teams (ERTs).
11. Visitor Management Add-Ons
Since the implementation of GDPR in May 2018, and with the upcoming NSCI 2, which aims to protect the security and privacy of digital information and critical infrastructure, there has been a growing interest in Visitor Management solutions among medium and large organizations. These organizations are looking to transform their traditional visitor management processes into digital solutions that comply with strict data privacy regulations.
Conclusion
Integrating Access Control and Visitor Management brings numerous advantages to organizations. It ensures secure premises from the gateway to the end point; increases visitor transparency through comprehensive reporting dashboards; and increases business efficiency through process automation. The deployment and integration of these solutions provides valuable data insights, enabling receptionists, security teams, and other departments to make informed decisions. For instance, during busy periods of third-party traffic, allocating additional security team members at reception can be strategically planned.
At acre security, we are committed to providing you with the best access control solutions that are reliable, scalable, and easy to use. We understand that your business's security is of utmost importance, and our team is always ready to assist you in making the right choice.
Contact us today for more information.
