A building’s access control systems need regular evaluation regardless of an impending change of operations, or anticipation of a merger that may affect security protocols. Check your installations regularly and maintain the review as part of the building’s security plan.
Once you understand the system, you can join the security team when designing a plan to secure your building. Train your employees or tenants on the safe use of the access control points to avoid unnecessary false alarms. Regardless of how your system is set up, look out for the following hints that will help in improving your security.
Evaluate Every Critical Feature
What is the role of your system? Does it function satisfactorily, or does the system setup support that function? Knowing how the system is supposed to work and dealing with daily challenges are two different things.Ensure that the system does all the original functionality, and it fails, consider a replacement to avoid future disappointments. Accessing a building through a system should instill confidence to other users when the right persons get in at the correct times using the right door.
Re-Evaluate Access Levels
The changes taking place in the workplace may force you to change the access levels from time to time. Every building must have different access levels. For instance, it is not common to find a receptionist on the IT floor during working hours.Some people may have the right to access every floor due to the nature of their work. Have a careful plan not to lock such people out. On the other hand, you can devise a system that assigns a guard to take them to the floors they want and later on install the log into the system for system auditors.
Always Have the Latest Technology
The latest technology means having a system that does what any average system does regardless of its technology version. Start thinking of using access cards or biometric controls to keep away burglars and other vulnerabilities. Always think of changing your technology every ten years because technology does not wait for you.Do not hold the Door for Anyone Who is not With You
Train your tenants to avoid holding the door for others coming behind them. It may be a polite gesture but risky if you do not know the person tailgating you. Reduce tailgating incidences by installing two layers of security or access points.Another approach is the use of revolving doors that automatically allows one person at a time. In a busy building, introduce an ID badge that identifies the department and access levels for that particular individual. Note that coming up with a security application to cover all-possible threat levels may be difficult. Instead, come up with a system that is above your current risks and upgrade as more risks become prevalent.
Perform regular access control systems testing
A property’s access control system requires regular testing, just as you would test your home’s smoke alarms to make sure they’re fully functional. Get an expert to inspect, analyze, and test all the devices and components of your building’s access control system to ensure everything is functioning as expected.Pay special attention to all the perimeter door alarms. According to experts, they must be tested monthly or quarterly. Remember, this is the only way you will know for sure if everything is functioning perfectly.
