Choosing the Right Door Access Systems for Your Business

Ensuring the safety of employees and company technology remains a vital concern for business owners today, and recent advancements in access control systems offer a tremendous level of privacy and security. Whether a business seeks to upgrade a current system, or whether it’s become necessary to install a new access system for the business, the following considerations will help a business owner make the best choice.

1. Define system vulnerabilities and solutions

An effective access system needs to restrict entry at all possible access points whether they are digital or physical. This means considering how employees might pass through restricted access door systems, and how computer access might be restricted. The best way to determine each of the vulnerabilities in a company’s buildings is by making a list of all access points and security weaknesses. In addition, a list needs to be made of every person who might need to use different access points.

2. Research available technologies

Depending on the number of access points within a building, there are different access door systems available that might provide the best protection for a company. Some common types of systems may include biometric or fingerprint access options, timed-entry systems, or traditional card-access programs. Honeywell access control systems are appropriate for businesses with just a single entry point or many potential entry spots. In many cases, biometric options offer the swiftest access options, but they tend to require a higher initial investment than existing card access systems.

3. Compare different systems

When consulting with a security company, most business owners will find that more than one system meets security requirements. Choosing the best system will usually boil down to price, scope, and potential for upgrades or future advancement. Recent Honeywell access control solutions provide options for managed access or web-based access control, and a business owner will need to decide on the features needed for a new system. Depending on the security level required, a compound access system might offer the best protection.

4. Choose a system provider

Comparison shopping for the best access system provider requires taking a look at the company’s reputation, speaking with past clients, and understanding the company’s standard pricing for systems and features. It is best to obtain an on-site estimate for installation and service from all system providers considered. The business owner or individual in charge of purchasing the system should be present for the evaluation.

5. Confirm system’s viability after installation

Once installation of the system is complete, it’s vital that the business owner confirms a link is active for the monitoring service that will keep track of security breaches and access concerns. In addition, a meeting is necessary that includes each member of the business who might utilize the system, such as employees who would use a key card for building access.

Choosing a system in which a business owner may place his or her confidence requires research and knowledge of current features, and how systems help to keep a location protected. Business owners should also remain knowledgeable about new technologies and advancements in order to keep the access control system up-to-date and effective.​

Access Granted

Any company that has more than one employee needs to control access to its building. Unauthorized entry is a problem that can result from lost keys falling into the wrong hands, creating unfortunate outcomes for a business owner. Opting to avoid the expense of investing in a secure system that works perfectly every time leads some owners to use unreliable manual access systems.

A decision to use keys may never come to a bad end, but the likelihood that it can result in significant losses is greater than when access door systems are installed. Disgruntled employees often choose to cause harm as a way to retaliate for grievances that are unknown to management. Safeguarding the premises and valuable equipment is a matter of high priority. Failing to properly secure gates and entrances is equivalent to leaving them open, an unnecessary risk when excellent alternative measures are readily available.

Focus on Security
Security is based on vigilance, and successful business owners protect financial accounts and limit the number of employees who are authorized to know company secrets. The old adage “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” is good advice that applies to a building’s security. Honeywell access control provides maximum protection and assures companies of superior performance.

Demand Increases with Growth
As a company grows and gains more employees, the need to ensure protection of valuable assets increases. Owners who never leave credit cards lying around may consider the equal threat posed by doors that anyone can use at any time. Most companies use computer systems to store proprietary information that includes financial data, product descriptions, inventions and patents, personnel records and other sensitive information. Categories of companies that can benefit from installing access systems include the following among many others:

• aerospace
• construction
• computer hardware and software
• defense
• electrical
• energy
• financial services
• healthcare
• information technology
• insurance
• legal
• manufacturing
• medical equipment
• pharmaceutical
• real estate
• retail
• transportation

Benefits of Convenience
Replacing locks is unnecessary when companies use access door systems, and the burdensome task of issuing, replacing and retrieving keys is an outmoded aspect of conducting business. Security is not the only reason that a company can benefit from access door systems. Payroll records are easily kept up-to-date by tracking the time when an employee enters the building.

Attendance at meetings is automatically registered, preventing the need to check a name off a list. Unauthorized visitors are denied admission when necessary, preventing security breaches. Awkward, last minute arrangements that involve bringing in additional chairs are avoided by using Honeywell access control to monitor room capacity.

Energy Savings
The smart use of access control allows a business owner to save on the cost of energy by turning off lights, air conditioning or heating in areas of a building that are not occupied. Coordinating building management with a control system provides energy savings that benefit a company’s profit line as well as the environment.

A Valuable Investment
Prevention of a costly mistake makes investing in an access control system an appropriate use of funds. Access to advanced technology today makes the task of securing a building affordable and worthwhile. Installing Honeywell access control is a wise business decision for small businesses and large corporations.