Benefits of an access control system

Security is the number one priority for all businesses. Protecting employees, physical assets, data and electronic information is crucial to a successful operation

Access control systems are one of the latest innovations in commercial security. Installing an access control system allows your employees to work more efficiently and productively, as well as saving you money and keeping your business secure 24/7. 

In this post, we’ll explain what an access control system is, how it works, what industries it’s useful for and the top 11 benefits of access control systems.   

What is an access control system?

Access control systems provide security to buildings, rooms and other designated areas by allowing or restricting individual access. By restricting movement throughout the building, physical and electronic assets are protected and secured.  

Access control systems consist of:

  • Electric fail-safe locks which allow people to exit but not re-enter in the case of an emergency. 
  • An access control panel which is programmed to send authorisation to unlock the door when someone’s credentials are scanned.
  • The access control server that stores the system data and permissions. 

How does access control security work?

If an employee wants to enter a controlled location, they must scan their key card at a card reader. Once the card is scanned, the information is sent to a control unit, which permits or prohibits their entry. 

Part of the access control system is a management dashboard, which allows business owners, administrators, IT managers or security personnel to determine who can access the premises and under what conditions. The manager has three control options:

  1. Role-based access control all users who have the same role or seniority are granted equal access.
  2. Discretionary access control – each card reader has a list of authorised users set by the manager.
  3. Mandatory access control the software restricts access to the area. If an employee wishes to enter, they will need to enter a pin or password to gain access. 

What industries use access control systems?

Any business with security needs can benefit from an access control system, from small businesses to large national corporations. Access control systems can be customised to suit your individual security needs. 

Healthcare – facilities such as hospitals and aged care facilities, must adhere to strict regulations for data security. Access control systems can protect IT rooms from unauthorised access, keeping digital data secure. Access control systems are also used to restrict access to physical files, examination rooms, equipment such as MRI machines and chemicals or biomedical waste.  

Government  – buildings often require public access, as well as employee access to restricted areas. Access control systems can limit access to departments, confidential information and more.

Universities –  Access control systems are used at Universities not only to keep physical assets protected but also to ensure student safety. Unauthorised individuals are restricted from accessing labs, computers, campus accommodation and more. 

Small medium & large businesses – As we mentioned before, any business that requires a level of security can benefit from access control. Small to medium businesses can find tailored solutions that work for their budget and needs while larger companies can implement large scaled access control system across multiple locations 

11 benefits of access control systems

Access control systems are specifically designed to keep your building and your employees safe. You can remotely monitor who has access to your premises 24/7, giving you security and peace of mind. Here are our top 11 benefits of access control systems.

1.Easy access for employees – Access control systems allow you to ‘set and forget’. Once you’ve authorised individual access, employees can go about their jobs as usual. Our state-of-the-art SALTO access control technology is wireless, making installation quick and easy.

2.No more keys – Traditional locks and keys have a few disadvantages:
Each area requires a unique key.  The larger the building, the more keys you need
Keys can be duplicated, leaving your business vulnerable to a break-in
Cleaners and people with high-clearance levels require multiple keys, which can lead to confusion

Implementing an access control system means you can get rid of your keychain. It also helps avoid rekeying if a key is lost.

3. Save money and energy – Access control systems can be integrated with lighting, heating and cooling systems, so they only turn on when someone is using the room. This will save you a significant amount on your next energy bill.

4. Keep track of everyone – Access control systems allow you to monitor who enters or exits parts of the building and when. This is very useful, particularly in case of emergency, accident or theft.The Danalock smartphone-controlled locking system allows you to track who enters and exits your building 24/7.

5. Protect against unwanted visitors – Doors are programmed to unlock only for those who have access. You can be sure that everyone in the building can only access the areas you allow, and unwanted visitors can’t get in.

6. Give employees freedom and flexibility – When employees work at different times, an access control system allows them to enter and exit whenever they need to. Employees no longer have to wait for someone to unlock or lock the doors behind them.

7. Prevent data breaches – Only trusted employees are granted access to IT rooms, individual computers and networks, protecting your business against a data breach.

8. Create a safe work environment – In case of emergency, the fail-safe locks ensure that all employees can exit the building without needing to worry about finding keys. Through the management dashboard, it’s easier than ever to track and account for all employees.

9. Reduce theft and accidents – Only trusted employees are granted access to protected company assets. All employees are aware that their movements are continuously being tracked, which helps to deter theft.

Specialist equipment, tools and machinery can injure people who haven’t received required training or safety instruction. Restricting access to this equipment will prevent accidents.

10. Provide access to multiple buildings or locations – Access control systems can be customised to your every need. If you manage multiple buildings or locations, access permissions can be granted to make movement between the premises easy.

11. Comply with industry regulations and security standards – All information, whether it’s digital or physical copies, can be secured with an access control system, ensuring your business adheres to data security regulations.

SALTO

SALTO’S state-of-the-art electronic locking systems offer flexible and functional keyless entry with an array of software options. Their access control systems are designed to work in a wire free environment so there is no need to hardwire the building, allowing you to keep your original doors and locks in place. This makes installation fast, self contained and straightforward.

Both key cards and locks can be programmed to allow or restrict access to different parts of the building. And the information stored in the key card can be transferred to a computer to provide precise audit trail information about where and when each lock has been used including the date, time and whether access was allowed or denied.

SALTO KS

With SALTO KS you can use keyless entry to manage your business access and see what’s happening on your door. Proximity tags replace bulky rings of keys, and grant designated access to visitors, employees, or even delivery services whenever it’s appropriate for them to enter. Simply assign a tag, and define when and where that tag can go.

Lost tags are inevitable; simply block and assign a new one and receive a notification if someone tries to enter with a blocked tag. Door access points are equipped with wireless SALTO locks, which takes commands from the IQ inside the property. Use any combination of locks to manage access throughout a whole property or even across different properties in different locations.

We can customise a SALTO KS system to meet the needs of a variety of industries including:

  • Retail: Oversee keyless entries across multiple locations from one app. Makes access control a simple and secure solution for retail managers and owners to audit keys, users and doors across multiple locations from one central web interface as well as through the smartphone app.
  • Rental properties: Manage access with convenience. Provides the host with myriad advantages on property access control for staff, maintenance and clients as well as improving the guest experience.
  • Shared Spaces: Grant easy access, track usage. Makes access control a clever solution for coworking and shared spaces, to define who goes where and when in a building. To grant designated access to visitors and employees at the tap of a finger.

Danalock

Danalock’s smartphone controlled locking system makes access of your home easy to manage. No matter where you are you can always give others access to your door through the app on your smartphone. If the smartphone is lost access rights can be deleted in just a few seconds. The Danalock uses an advanced encryption method for transferring data (AES 256), which is the same encryption technology used by governments and military to keep information secure.

A 24/7 activity log tracks who enters and exits your home, and with unique ‘keys’ for each user you’ll always know who opens your door and when. With Danalock products you can control any door in your home. For instance, your garage can be opened automatically and you can make it request a confirmation when you approach the gate. Danalock also features a mechanical override so you always have the choice of opening your door with a physical key as well.

Business, Home, Corporate & Commercial Security Services