An effective access control system is one of the most important elements of any comprehensive security solution. For most facilities, security starts at the external doors. Finding the right access control system for the organization is the first step toward achieving a secure environment.
Of course, there are many solutions available, so selecting the right system can be a challenging task. End users require a solution that fits the size of the facility, but can also be easily scaled if the service needs to grow over time. Common examples include situations where an operator acquires additional land next to a parking area and wants to expand it, or when an office building expands with additional space, or when a company’s remote sites grow.
When selecting an access control system, there are six key factors to consider, but of course, our company will assist you in building the best system tailored to your needs.
- Keep your eyes on the end goal. The biggest mistake, and also the most common one. It’s surprisingly easy to get lost in the details of new access control technology—such as being excited about the quality of camera footage or focusing too much on the appearance of access cards. However, it’s crucial never to lose sight of the end goal. From the outset, it’s important to understand the problems you aim to solve. We ask questions like these to define the goal: What security gaps or deficiencies currently exist in the access control system? What level of security does the building require? Do you want employee entry and exit to be monitored, or would you only monitor visitors (for example, in office buildings, tenants are sometimes less scrutinized than the visitors coming to them)? How is security currently functioning in the facility? And so on.
- Try the suggested solution. Just like it’s recommended to test drive a car before purchasing, it’s also a good idea to see the access control system in action. Whether by reviewing the contractor’s references or visiting a demo site, take a close look at what the system is capable of. Don’t hesitate to get to know the manufacturer before the installation, ask your questions, and focus on the features that the facility will regularly use.
- Choosing the right contractor. It’s important to find the best partner who can help design and install the ideal solution. Look for a company with extensive expertise in access control systems and one that can provide software support for the installed system, along with a service that guarantees response times. It’s essential to ensure they have a sufficient number of high-quality references, including those related to product support. The right contractor will be able to thoroughly explain your exact needs in advance and professionally implement them, including the complete system setup followed by continuous support. With a poorly chosen contractor, you may face the difficulty of having to restart the design of the system later on.
- Standardizations – two birds with one stone. New access control solutions create a unique opportunity to standardize an organization’s processes. For example, alongside the access control system, a time tracking system can also be implemented. Such solutions can make it even easier for the company to grow in the future. In addition to access control, there is also the opportunity to establish and define security policies, operational concepts, key areas, user groups, and control tasks, etc.
- Training. Every new technology must be taught to those who will use it. It’s worth preparing in advance to ensure the smooth introduction of new solutions. It’s important that employees, tenants, or visitors understand why and how the solution was implemented in the specific environment and how they will use it daily. Depending on the size and complexity of the new access control system, user training may take anywhere from a few minutes to an entire day. In any case, it’s essential to prioritize the training, ensuring that the system is used correctly, efficiently, and to its full potential.
- Planning for the long term. It’s just as important as setting goals. It’s likely that the access control needs of the facility will change over the next decade. If so, it’s important to consider that technology evolves every year. Therefore, you need a solution that is easily scalable and supports potential growth—without having to rebuild the system from scratch repeatedly, which can lead to very high costs. Access control systems are typically planned for many years by a company, office building, or any complex, and during this time, the system that is planned now will be relied upon. It’s wise to choose a solution that can be expanded and a partner with a professional background that suggests they can continue to be a reliable supplier for your company even after many years.
If you pay attention to the above, you will have a better chance of investing in an access control system that truly meets your company’s needs. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!!
