Maintaining proper access control systems in any public space is paramount for the safety and security of all those who spend productive time in it. Public transport, educational institutions, factories, warehouses and businesses need to have proper access control and video surveillance systems in place at all times in order to ensure that authorised people are the only ones gaining access to their facilities. Facility managers and business owners should be aware of what exactly access control is and its general importance, how they can implement and maintain various methods and, finally, how they can benefit from its ongoing implementation.
What is Access Control?
Access control refers to the practice of restricting entrance to a property, building or room to authorised persons. Effectively, access control is the selective restriction of access to a place or resource. Locks and login credentials are two analogous mechanisms of access control that work in different ways but ultimately achieve the same goals.
Access control is most effective when used in conjunction with a video surveillance system that best suits your business and video security needs. Quite simply, access control systems and their continual maintenance are the bedrock of safety and security in any facility or service.
Types of Access Control systems
Physical security
Geographical access control may be enforced by human means (guards/ticket clerks/bouncers/receptionists) or through physical barriers (turnstiles/fences). Implementing door access control and mobile video security in a premises is a fundamental way to control and monitor access of people to a facility or service. Door access control can be enforced using ID/swipe cards, turnstiles, voice readers and even fingerprint identifiers. The more traditional key & lock system is still effective too.
Computer Security
Computer security is an increasingly important facet of access control in business because of the level of automation present in most industries. Computer security These systems perform authorisation identification, authentication, access approval and accountability of entities through login credentials including passwords, personal ID numbers (PIN codes), biometric scans and actual physical keys/cards that help people gain entry to premises. Monitoring, however, involves both a human element and a set of automated systems.
Benefits of electronic access control in business
Easy Integration
Electronic access control systems can easily be integrated with an existing video surveillance system to form one, seamless and logical solution for your business. The reverse is also true; businesses needing video surveillance equipment can only benefit from it when it operates in conjunction with their existing access control methods. CCTV cameras can operate wirelessly, remotely and digitally which makes them more versatile and easier to implement across the board in business.
Peace of Mind
Video surveillance as a form of electronic access control is a highly effective real-time method that monitors activity not only at entrance and exit points, but also throughout the premises. Business owners can rest assured that with an electronic access control system in place, they have all bases covered.
Increased business efficiency
Electronic access systems within a business can help to automate some of the more tedious administrative tasks that need to be completed. They can also be put in place so that only certain tasks within a business can be completed in designated areas. This sort of system would streamline the activity in a workplace and increase efficiency.
The next Mr CCTV blog post will concern stock shrinkage and how businesses can combat this problem.
