The 5 A’s of Access Control

Access control systems can be highly effective at monitoring vendors, employees, and other visitors to your office, but only if a proper system is developed to use and maintain the technology. Ensure the best safety and most efficient protocols for your access control system by reviewing these five phases to access control procedures: authorization, authentication, access, management, and auditing.

Authorization

The first goal of any access control system is to approve authorized entry for those you desire to admit to your property. Role-based admittance is typically the first area of review, allowing employees easy access into the building or a secured area of the property. Considerations for local law enforcement, safety officers, fire departments, and other mandatory admittance by the community should also be in play. A rule-based system is next in line to allow for any repeat vendors, like cleaning crews and maintenance personnel, to gain access when needed. Lastly, a discussion around the ability to allow discretionary access to occasional visitors should be created. One of the main benefits of a modern access control system is that access can easily be revoked to any or all of these groups if needed with a quick push of a few buttons.

Authentication

Knowing the person who is accessing the property is who they say they are will be the next component of a well-designed access control system. Creating levels of access to specific areas of the business can enhance security for sensitive zones where records, video recordings, etc. are kept. Know who comes in and out of various areas of your business by monitoring activity using authorized access control codes.

Access

Of course, the whole purpose of a great access control system is to provide access to authorized individuals within your business to the areas of where they need to perform their work. Access control systems reduce the need for keys, ensure that doors properly close behind each person as they enter (or provide an alert if the door does not close properly), allow for remote lock downs in the event of an emergency, and easily lock out unauthorized people, like past employees.

Administration

Administering  your access control system is an easy task if you have planned for this type of system. Add in a review of functions for the systems by your security detail or leadership on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis to make sure all is working properly. Keep records up to date with new employees’ access, revoke access for those leaving the organization, and have a quick list of emergency responders and recurring vendors who have access. A clean data set for your access control system will improve security.

Audit

A regular review of who enters and exits the building and any secured areas on a daily or weekly basis will provide peace of mind that your access control system is working. A bonus feature of a great access control system is that you can also begin to develop historical data on tardy employees, maintenance crews, or others that you may need some accountability around. Be sure to audit your system regularly.

Access control systems can protect people, data, physical space, equipment, and other assets of your business. Reduce liability risk, improve security, and boost productivity by investing in access control systems. Not sure which system is best for your company? Come and talk with us at All Secure Lock and Security. We have several to choose from! We can also provide a complimentary audit of your current system and provide any recommendations for improvement.