Page 39 - Security Today, January/February 2020

“An integrated access control system, built upon the advanced capabilities as outlined above, is the key to quality access control.”
be it a school, a corporate office or an industrial site? What type of credentialing would work most effectively?
Other things to consider are: Is the access system working in conjunction with a video surveillance system? How is it being monitored? And does it need to be monitored?
More pragmatic, yet advanced, features are being built into today’s access control platforms, giving end users more choices than ever before. Regardless of a larger breadth of options, it is essential that an access system be designed with the specific needs of the business/facility/owner/end user in mind. Only then can the integrator specify the right system using the right products and capabilities.
While protecting employees and visitors is a top prior- ity, many facilities are also tasked with protecting property and physical/digital assets. Organizations across a range of industries must secure areas, materials and equipment, while at the same time managing who is authorized to access these areas. Key loss or unauthorized duplication are real concerns for facility manag- ers responsible for the safety and security of staff and company assets, but modern access control systems now have secure digital components in place that mitigate/reduce that risk.
Key System Components
The integrated electronic access control systems available in to- day’s digital world are well equipped to help companies optimize their business, improve operations, increase security and lower costs. When evaluating your organization’s needs, the following system qualities should be taken into consideration:
Ease of use. The system should be user-friendly and simple to set up/administer. The administrator and users should be able to operate it seamlessly.
Scalability. Enterprise needs change over time, and the end user’s requirements likely will, too. Access control systems should have the flexibility of scaling up or down to accommodate grow- ing businesses and increased, or even decreased, security needs.
Affordability. Installing non-wired security options can be a fraction of the cost of installing traditional wired systems. Non- wired systems are also especially attractive for sites that are re- mote, are not powered or are challenging applications such as elevators and gates.
Accountability. An access control system should come com- plete with software that provides an audit trail of events and users who have accessed the facility to ensure full visibility and accountability.
Scalable and Affordable
The access control landscape is continually evolving, and new technologies are driving the marketplace. Here is a look at some of the newer capabilities that are elevating traditional access control:
Bluetooth enabled hardware. End users can now combine cost savings with the convenience of keyless security, thanks to Blue- tooth-enabled hardware. Integrated software platforms are avail- able that allow system web interfaces and smartphone apps to
be integrated with Bluetooth-enabled security devices, including Bluetooth padlocks, lock boxes and door controllers. These solu- tions allow users to grant access to individuals, multiple users and user groups – temporarily or on an ongoing basis – and issue and revoke access in real time. This optimizes access control, affords greater convenience and enhances security.
For organizations with high-volume traffic, this capability is especially helpful in streamlining daily operations and tightening up security. With the right software interface, facility managers can easily monitor and access robust data and audit trails while users also enjoy the added benefit of simple- and -secure access to assigned locks or lockboxes. Software that can easily integrate with security devices eliminates the cost, complexity and security risk of physical key management and lock rework or replace- ment. It also allows administrators to grant and manage access for as many locks and as many users as they need.
Mobile credentialing. Innovative mobile credentialing solu- tions continue to hit the market, and many end users appreciate the convenience and security they provide. Today, employees and visitors can use their phones to unlock Bluetooth-enabled locks and get access to the areas and materials they need while on the go. Consequently, more organizations are moving away from the cards and fobs of the past. The cost savings are also attractive, as the need to track, replace or revoke physical cards is virtually eliminated.
With mobile credentialing, security administrators can in- stantly issue – or take away – a user’s credential from anywhere. They can also lock and unlock doors remotely. And, for users, they no longer need to carry a separate card or key fob or worry about losing them. From a security perspective, mobile device se- curity can still safeguard the credential if it is lost or stolen.
Audit trails. Many of today’s electronic access control solu- tions provide robust data and audit trails of all those who have entered and exited a location. A perk of these audit trails is ad- ministrators can easily monitor lock access and automatically map lock and lock box locations via their smartphone, ensuring only authorized users are accessing their locations.
Encrypted technology. With audit trails and access control ca- pabilities via smartphones, safeguarding the digital data captured is crucial. In access control applications, encryption technology is a critical component in securing the electronic access control system data, providing sophisticated data protection, security across multiples devices and the secure movement of data to keep information safe and to ensure compliance.
Benefits of Implementing Integrated Access Control Systems
An integrated access control system, built upon the advanced ca- pabilities as outlined above, is the key to quality access control.
In addition to the near-immediate increase in property and as- set security, long-term benefits can extend to improved operational efficiencies and overall cost savings, benefitting
both the business and the bottom line. Through
physical security assets and integrated software
platforms, building and facility managers can
create a safe, secure environment for all.
Kevin Anderson is the global software and EAC product manager at The Master Lock Co.
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