Choosing access control for your business?
For most businesses and facilities, security begins at the perimeter. By incorporating an access control system, you’re taking the first step towards a safe and securing working environment. But, with the huge variety of solutions available, choosing access control can seem daunting.
End-users need systems that perfectly fit their facility. They need solutions that can grow over time and include all the individual features that would offer the best protection.
Not all access control systems are created equal.
There are several common mistakes that companies make when choosing access control. Only by avoiding these can you adequately protect your business.
-
1. Failing to test drive
Just like a car, you must see an access control system in action before you make any serious buying decisions. Any solutions provider worth their salt will be happy to provide a demonstration. There, you can ask any questions you might have – remember to focus on the features that your premises will use most regularly. You want to make sure that the system you choose actually fits your needs.
-
2. Losing sight of your end goal
When you’re choosing access control, as with any new technology, it’s easy to get caught up in all the whistles and bells. Keep in mind your company’s security goals from the very beginning. Consider which security gaps or inefficiencies the new system will be addressing, and what you want your security to achieve overall. How will this type of security work for your business on a day-to-day basis? Answering these questions at the start will make the process much smoother.
-
3. Missing the opportunity to standardise
Implementing a new access control system creates a unique opportunity to standardize technology across your organization. By doing so now, you’ll make things easier down the road when the time comes to add onto the system.
While you’re at it, this also is a good time to standardize your organization’s procedures and conventions, such as naming doors or facilities, creating groups of users, responding to certain events and more. Creating these standards streamlines incident response, making it more efficient.
-
4. Forgetting about training
Any new technology should always be accompanied by training. Employees must understand how and why the system has been installed, and how it will be used on a day-to-day basis. Then you can rest assured knowing that your new system is being used correctly, effectively and to its full potential.
-
5. Failing to plan for the future
It’s entirely likely that your facility’s access control needs are going to change over time. Technology will also evolve, meaning you must choose a system than can develop and grow easily and cost-effectively. Considering the system’s flexibility will carry significant impacts for the future – and keep you from being left out of pocket with a system that no longer provides up-to-date protection.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re more likely to find a system and an installer that meets your organisation’s unique needs. Above all, keep your end goal in mind, and you’ll ensure the safety and security of your facility, employees and assets, now and for years to come.
For more information on choosing access control or to arrange a free consultation, call the team on 0161 883 2502.
