One of the most popular security technologies for commercial and residential properties is access control systems and for a good reason. By 2027, the access control market will likely reach $20.02 billion, according to Fortune Business Insights’ forecasts.
These access entry systems, also known as discretionary access control systems, manage who enters residential and commercial buildings, ensuring that only people with the proper authorisation are admitted. In the past, using a deadbolt lock with its brass key was the industry standard for access entrance. But as technology and capabilities evolve, organisations and residents now demand enhanced security measures as standard. Access control trends for the future include elements like cloud connectivity, remote management, and touchless entry.
What is an Access Control System, and how does it work?
Both businesses and homeowners/renters alike now seek total control over who enters their premises. This will see the end of traditional lock and key systems in favour of cloud-based, keyless entry systems and smart locks.
Keyless access control systems give authorised individuals easy access and prevent unauthorised individuals from entering. It’s common for many businesses and homes to have smart locks which provide access through facial recognition, fingerprint, pin code or mobile phone access.
Access control systems enable open access to all authorised users as well as restricted access for visitors. In commercial and residential buildings, a landlord or remote management system often controls and monitors exterior doors, while tenants control interior door access. Since these buildings combine shared and individual spaces into one building, access control systems can divide access between tenants, employees and visitors.
The Benefits of Access Control:
Monitor All Activity
Access control systems can help business owners and residents monitor who has accessed their property. Modern systems are highly configurable and can record and store information relating to each access ‘transaction’.
When an ID badge, fingerprint, pin or mobile phone access code is used, the system stores the time, date and personnel information. This information helps to identify which members are accessing which locations and the frequency of their access. For business owners, this feature can help monitor the productivity and punctuality of employees.
Reinforced Zone Restrictions
Restricting access for employees in an office or visitors to a home is essential for security. Enforcing zone restrictions allows you to eliminate access to specific areas of the building to only those necessary for the employee/visitor. This protects your property and data from breaches, intrusions or thefts.
Improved Personal Safety
Having keyless access control systems means outsiders cannot access your property, keeping all workers and tenants safe. This security is further bolstered by systems that use mobile or fingerprint credentials, as these cannot be copied or shared.
Avoiding the hassle of traditional keys
Physical keys are a hassle – they require you to remember to bring them and can be easily lost or copied. When a key is lost, not only do you need to get a new key cut, but often the locks will need to be replaced to avoid potentially unauthorised access. This means issuing new keys to all members/employees in businesses or multi-residential buildings simply because one person lost theirs. Fortunately, access control systems provide the solution to this hassle. With modern smart locks, Bluetooth access control readers and keyless access, there’s no need to worry about losing a fob or key card.
Choosing the best access entry system for your home or business:
Security for tenants, employees, buildings, and your household is a top priority. A contemporary access entry system is ideal for increasing security and peace of mind.
With today’s access control solutions, you may manage access from any location using a mobile device. Access methods can be more than just key cards and fobs—you can even use your face, fingerprint or a smartphone. Choosing the best type of system for your needs is essential in ensuring the security of your property; there are many factors to consider including:
Your Access Control Needs
Advancing technologies have satisfied many of our security needs, with access control systems and smart locks being one of many applications developed to suit these needs. But before choosing which system is suitable for you, you must first understand the specific needs of your circumstances.
Multiple property locations
If you are a business with multiple branches at different geographical locations or an owner of multiple residential properties, you’ll need a system that can allow you to monitor access remotely.
Remote working needs
More than ever, hybrid and remote working conditions are essential for businesses and employees. Access control systems can help businesses record and monitor employees’ entry to the office and track in-person attendance. And for individuals working from home, you’ll need the extra security from an access control system to ensure your safety at home.
Visitor management
Offices and homes alike receive many visitors for deliveries and contract work. The ability to talk with these visitors over call remotely and then grant access adds an extra layer of security when allowing access to strangers.
Access Credential Type
Many systems employ keycards and keyfobs, PIN codes and QR codes, cellphones, and biometrics like face recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris scanning as physical access control credentials. Each option has advantages and disadvantages of its own, so you must decide which is best for your situation.
Key cards and fobs
Door readers are a component of key card access control systems and can read proximity or contact-based cards and fobs. The cards hold user data that the card reader may access and compare against credentials for authorised users stored in the cloud or on-premises equipment (for older systems). Keycard use is continually expanding due to its benefits over traditional metallic keys. Key card and fob access is a convenient and affordable access method, but it comes with a few challenges. This method does not support remote management and temporary access or provide overall security, as cards can be cloned and lost. These drawbacks mean modern companies and buildings are deciding to employ cloud-connected mobile and face recognition credentials instead.
Mobile access credentials
A smartphone may be configured to function as a proximity key card and to store credentials using mobile applications. Similar to how card readers can scan proximity cards, mobile access control readers can read mobile credentials. The sole distinction is that keycards passively retain the data, while mobile devices actively transmit the credential utilising BLE and NFC technologies; bringing a phone up close to the scanner or using a mobile app both work to open the door. This is a convenient and easily manageable access method in which cloud-based security methods are employed. The risk of cloning and the costs of printing and replacing key cards are eliminated. However, this method relies on individuals keeping their phones charged, the app software capabilities and issues, and access to wifi or mobile data.
Face Unlock
Access control using face recognition has been gaining in popularity. By 2028, it’s anticipated that the global facial recognition market will have more than doubled in size. The technology provides the utmost ease and security in addition to a sophisticated entering experience, making it particularly useful for access management. Apps allow users to enter user data over the phone and remotely grant or revoke access requests. Facial recognition provides the highest security of the options since the technology is difficult to fool, and you are not likely to misplace your face. The only limitations of this method are the potential privacy and software quality issues related to the facial recognition data technology you’re using.
Access Management Experience – Cloud Vs On-Premise Systems
On-site computers can be used to operate access control software; systems based on key cards, fobs, and PINs are often on-premise systems. They are inflexible, unsecured, and burdening owners as they cannot be managed remotely. These systems come with the general disadvantages of key card and fob systems: cards and fobs can easily be lost or forgotten and require replacement which means increased workload and costs. If using a pin system, the pin can be forgotten or shared and is generally not tied to an individual. These are but a few reasons on-premise systems are less suitable for homes and businesses than cloud-based alternatives.
Cloud-based access management tools are now standard in both commercial and residential buildings. These Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) options store user info and access information in the cloud with remote access management tools available using smartphone applications. All smart locks and scanners are linked to cloud-based management applications using wifi, allowing users to manage access to their properties from any location quickly and easily. The only potential downfall of this system is its dependability on access to the internet; however, with access to the internet, it automatically updates the software and upgrades to new features.
Where Barrenjoey comes in….
At Barrenjoey, we offer and install a full range of access control systems and smart locks to protect your home or business. Our products and installation services make access control easier than ever and provide tailored systems for every home or office configuration.
When it comes to home security, ensuring your security systems are selected and installed effectively makes all the difference. Barrenjoey Locksmiths expert team are available to guide you through the process of selecting and curating the right system to suit your home and household needs. Whether you are looking for a CCTV Camera system, a home alarm system, back-to-base monitoring, an intercom, or a more holistic smart home security system, Barrenjoey Locksmiths can arrange a site visit and consultation to secure your home or workplace. Our security services also include deadlock and window lock services, rekeying, security screens and doors, as well as lock-out and lock repair services. We are also available to help if you have lost your car keys, are locked out of your vehicle or need a new transponder key – call our 24/hr emergency lockout line.
Barrenjoey Locksmiths services the entire Northern Beaches region and the North Shore of Sydney, and our mobile workshops can deliver most repair or replacement jobs on the spot without lengthy delays. Contact us today to discuss your home security and Commercial Locksmith Services needs.
Pay Online
