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Digital and physical security is paramount in today’s technological landscape. Access control systems are a significant player in safeguarding resources and managing traffic flow.

This article explores access control systems and the considerations when implementing them.

Understanding Access Control Systems

Access control systems are vital to modern security measures, designed to regulate and restrict entry into private or sensitive spaces. They’ve become a global go-to for businesses due to their effectiveness and ease of use.

But what exactly is an access control system, and how does it work?

What Are Access Control Systems?

Access control systems are specialized technology that gives only authorized individuals entry to secured areas. In basic terms, they’re a system that regulates who gets to go where and when.

Unlike traditional keys, these systems operate using an employee badge, mobile access, facial recognition, or video surveillance, among other techniques. It’s a vital security solution, especially for data security in institutions or businesses.

Aspects of Building Access Control Systems

Access control systems have significantly evolved over the years. Advancements in technology have led to various types of access control solutions, each designed to meet specific needs or offer enhanced features.

Scan Badges

A popular type of building access control is scan badges. Typically, these are card-based access control systems where an employee badge is scanned to grant access. It’s a cost-effective option for small businesses or institutions that require access management without advanced features.

Scan badge systems give a higher level of security than traditional keys, as they can be deactivated if lost. This can form part of a standalone access system or work within a local network. Most leading manufacturers offer scan badge systems due to their reliability and popularity.

Commercial Door Security Hardware

This type of access control system involves the installation of particular hardware to improve the security of commercial doors. For example, alarm locks can go a long way in enhancing physical security while also allowing keyless entry.

A keyless entry system adds a layer of access management and security, eliminating the vulnerability of losing keys.

Access control systems are essential tools to maximize building security and protect assets. Explore your access control options today.

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The Perks of Access Control Systems

The transition from traditional lock-and-key systems to advanced access control has presented countless advantages for businesses of all sizes. Beyond standard physical security, access systems offer several other compelling benefits like:

Enhanced Security and Safety

The goal of any access control solution is to protect assets, spaces, and people by specifying who accesses specific areas and when. These systems significantly improve the security of your commercial facility by restricting entry to authorized personnel only, preventing break-ins, theft, and other security breaches.

The contemporary network access control system uses keyless entry systems, mobile access, or even biometrics such as facial recognition. Coupled with alarm locks and video surveillance, this is a robust security system that mechanical keys cannot match.

Convenience and Efficiency

Modern access controls offer unrivaled convenience. By replacing mechanical keys with mobile credentials or an employee badge, you streamline entry procedures and boost efficiency.

Access control solutions also integrate seamlessly with other network systems, combining physical security with data security. Users can enjoy the comfort of single badge access, eliminating the need for multiple credentials.

Compliance

Leading manufacturers of access control systems design the technology with strict adherence to evolving regulations. This is invaluable for businesses that are required to use strict security measures for compliance with industry standards, regulations, and laws.

Audit Trails and Accountability

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of access control technology is having audit trails. Access systems keep detailed logs of all access events, including who accessed what, when, and for how long. This information is invaluable for security audits, investigations, and compliance.

Customizable and Scalable Solutions

Unlike traditional key-based access control, modern systems are highly customizable. Security managers can define access rights based on an employee’s role, time, and area to reflect the business’s security model. Scalability ensures that as your small business grows, your security systems can grow with it.

What to Consider When Implementing Access Controls

While the benefits of access control systems are apparent, there are some factors to consider before implementing them into your security operations.

Security Needs and Objectives: Start by defining your security objectives. What are you trying to protect, and what level of security is required? Consider potential threats like unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, or data breaches and design the system accordingly.
Risk Assessment: A thorough assessment can identify your building’s vulnerabilities and risks. This helps determine the necessary security measures.
Access Control Technology: Choose the appropriate access control technology, such as key card readers, biometric scanners (fingerprint or facial recognition), PIN pads, or mobile access solutions.
Access Control Policies: Develop access control policies, including who has access to what areas, during what times, and under what conditions. Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to simplify access management.
Integration with Other Systems: Make sure your access control systems can integrate with other security systems, such as surveillance cameras and fire alarms. Integration with building management systems can also improve overall efficiency.
Compliance Requirements: Determine whether your industry or region has regulatory requirements related to access control and security. Make sure your system complies with these regulations.
Scalability and Future Expansion: Consider the scalability of the access system. Will it accommodate the growth of your business or the addition of new access points in the future?
Costs and Budgeting: Determine the budget for implementing and maintaining the access control system. Consider both upfront costs and ongoing expenses, including maintenance and software updates.
Maintenance and Support: Establish a maintenance schedule and consider a support contract with the vendor to keep the system up to date.
Emergency Plans: To ensure business continuity and safety, develop emergency plans for system failures, power outages, and lockouts.

By carefully considering these factors and working with experienced security professionals, you can implement an access control system that aligns with your business’s needs and ensures safety.

Secure Your Commercial Building With Paramount Companies

As a family-owned and operated business, Paramount Companies knows how important it is to protect your property. That’s why our experts are committed to installing state-of-the-art access control systems for each and every client. With controlled access, our systems tighten your security measures and keep your assets safe.

Want to limit access to your commercial building? Contact us today to learn more and get started.

Are you concerned about protecting your commercial and residential property from burglars and break-ins? Those concerns are justified—burglaries accounted for 16% of all property crimes in 2019. Outdoor security lighting might be the additional security you’ve been looking for to deter any unwanted visitors.

What Is a Security Light?

Security lighting is a protective type of lighting that helps keep unwanted visitors, both human and animal, out of your home or business.

These lights enhance your facility’s overall safety because they typically scare off intruders and invasive animals. Security lights are usually automatic and operate with motion sensors. When something moves in front of your security light, it turns on to warn perpetrators that they’re being watched.

Benefits of Security Lighting for Homeowners

Many animals are scared by bright light, so security lighting is beneficial for homes with gardens. Your plants will stay safe from raccoons and rabbits when they set off your automatic light sensors.

If your home is in the city or a high-crime area, security lighting warns burglars that you have a security system in place and indicates that they’ll be caught doing anything on your property.

You can integrate your security lights with your alarm system and have double the defense against burglars.

Benefits of Security Lighting for Commercial Businesses

Security lights act as your building’s first layer of defense. Most commercial businesses have security and surveillance systems. These lights are an excellent addition, as they tell burglars that someone or something can see them.

Do Security Lights Deter Burglars?

Another benefit of security lights is that they help deter burglars. According to a University of North Carolina study, nearly 60% of burglars say the presence of security lighting and systems deter them from breaking in. There are several ways to utilize your outdoor security lights to deter burglars:

Set a timer on your outdoor security lighting: Many smart lighting systems have the option of setting timers so burglars think someone is in your building. If lights are left on all day, it doesn’t seem like anyone is home, because most people don’t leave their lights on all the time. Have your outdoor security lights turn on and off periodically, so it seems like someone is inside.

Integrate your outdoor security lighting with your security system: Motion-sensor lights are a great addition to your security system. Outdoor lighting warns intruders while your alarm system stops them. Together, these two solutions create robust protection for your business.

Choose motion-sensor flood lights: Motion-sensor lights only light up when someone or something passes them. If your security lights are on 24/7, they might not effectively stop burglars from entering your commercial property. Motion-activated lights startle burglars and drive them away.

How To Install an Outdoor Security Light

Follow these steps to install an outdoor security light properly:

Find a convenient light source near the location of your new security lighting. Shut off the light’s power source.
Cut the wire’s existing connection with a wire cutter.
Drill an outlet hole through the exterior siding with a 1⅜-inch spade drill bit. Run a 14-gauge wire leading from inside to outside.
Assemble your security light.
Attach the power wires to the light’s wires. Cover the wires with connector nuts.
Attach a flexible putty around your home/building’s exterior hole. This putty serves as a weather-tight seal for your light.
Install the light fixture and electrical box on the building exterior with a power drill and screws.
Replace your existing outlet with a switch-over outlet to protect it.

The installation process is simple if you have experience installing light fixtures. If you need help installing your security lighting, many electric companies offer installation as a part of their service. Hiring an electrician also ensures the installation is done correctly and safely.

Need help with outdoor security lighting installation?

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How Bright Should Outdoor Floodlights Be?

Most floodlights require 700 to 1,300 lumens to be bright enough. The brighter your lights, the more secure your space. Motion sensor lights require 300 to 700 lumens. Base your exterior light brightness choice on the size of your outdoor space.

Bright outdoor floodlights are typically used for parking lot security lighting. Not only do security flood lights help people see potholes and debris, but they also enhance a building’s overall safety. Many floodlights have security cameras that monitor everything happening in a parking lot in case anything suspicious happens.

These lights also give a clear pathway to your vehicle and make it easier to spot suspicious behavior.

Need Help With Outdoor Security Lighting?

If you don’t know where to start with outdoor security lighting, Paramount Companies can help. We’re an industry leader in lighting solutions and security systems and develop custom systems for businesses and homes of any size.

Whether you want to add additional lighting to your existing system or install an entirely new lighting solution, we do it all. Let us help you protect your property with innovative security systems. Contact us today to get started.

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The Benefits of Access Control Systems