How to choose an access control system for your business

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From small offices to multi-site networks by way of hotels, B&Bs, supermarkets and schools: controlling who gets access to what – and when – is even more of a priority than ever. Access control is no longer simply just a matter of security. It is crucial to efficiency, service quality and everyday management.

But how do you go about choosing the system best suited to your business? Here are the 5 fundamentally important criteria to bear in mind in any personalised and intelligent decision.

1. How many doors to control do you have (today and tomorrow)?

The first question you need to ask yourself is: how many entrances do I have to manage? A single door or dozens of them? The number (and type) of entrances is the linchpin in any system decision:

  • for just a few entrances a stand-alone or simple solution may be enough;
  • for complex networks a scalable and centralised, possibly cloud-based, system would be best.

2. Who are your users and how do they change over time?

Clients, guests, staff on permanent contracts, temporary staff, maintenance staff, suppliers: the higher the turnover the greater the flexibility needs. Many solutions enable you to:

  • set up temporary credentials;
  • modify and remove permits remotely;
  • reduce or eliminate difficult-to-control and easy-to-lose physical keys.

3. Need to manage access remotely?

A modern system has to offer distance control too. This enables you to:

  • modify permits in real time;
  • manage emergencies and last minute requests (e.g. out-of-hours check in);
  • view access logs for organisational or security reasons.

Cloud solutions or mobile apps are now indispensable if you want to manage security when you’re not physically present.

4. Which is best? A mechanical, electronic or hybrid system?

There’s no single ‘right’ technology. It all comes down to context.

  • Mechanical systems (e.g. master key systems) are reliable, and ideal for stable contexts with low staff turnover.
  • Electronic systems (badges, codes, smartphones) are perfect for dynamic management, frequent access and remote control.
  • Hybrid systems which combine the benefits of both and are increasingly common, especially in complex contexts.

5. What are your goals? Security? Efficiency? Autonomy?

Lastly: what are you trying to achieve? Greater security? Less manual management? A modern experience for clients or guests?

A solution made-to-measure for you exists: choose the people who know what you need.

Each individual context is different. That’s why CISA gives you consultancy and a full range of access-control solutions – ranging from mechanical cylinders to cloud systems managed digitally and mobile keys – designed to adapt to all sorts of business.

Looking for consultancy to help you decide what’s best for you?

Get in touch and we’ll work out the system best-suited to you together.