access control benefits
Access control: affordable options have become a reality
Whether you are running a small business office, doctor’s office, coffee shop, or retail store, it is important to ensure that you protect staff and assets. While for some this may mean simply locking the front door at night with a key, the introduction of new technology at lower price points now means that every business can afford the cost of access control today. For example, in recent years manufacturers have introduced more technologies in support of the small access control market, with systems designed for the one to a four-door customer. This means that for property managers they can save both time and money by implementing access control.
With a card-based system, the small business can use a proximity card and reader system that allows them to issue an access control card to employees. This can be an ideal approach for a business with multiple locations where they want someone to have access to more than one location. Using a proximity card to access the building also cuts down on re-key costs when an employee leaves.
Another cost-effective option is to install a keypad system on the exterior of an office door. When an office manager enters his pin number, it can unlock the door for the day and also provide a report on the open and close times of that location. This information can be accessed remotely by the retail manager to lock and unlock the door, for example.
In addition, with a keypad-based system, the administrator of the system can issue multiple pin numbers to employees so that each person has a unique pin. That pin number can be easily deactivated if the employee no longer works at that location.
Whichever approach you decide to take there are many access control systems from which to choose from that are technologically advanced yet affordable. Installing an access control system is s an investment worth making in your business.
Which access control is right for your building?
When we talk about access control we are referring to an electronic security system. Access control is used to identify an individual and authorize it to enter certain areas. The person entering may be an employee, a contractor, or a visitor. Access control systems mostly come in three variations: discretionary access control, mandatory access control, and role-based access control.
How access control works
Access control readers are installed to provide access to the building based on established credentials. These credentials can be key cards, key fobs, biometrics, among others. The card readers are connected to a network that allows individuals to get in with one of the credentials mentioned before and the system recognizes that they are authorized to be in the building. An appropriate access control software that fits your needs is essential. The software will track and keep who enters and exits the building and will allow supervisors, owners, etc. to keep track of it in case of a break-in.
If you’d like to get installed access control for your business and you’re still not sure of what’s the criteria for choosing the right company to take care of it. You can read our Access Control System Installation Considerations and Planning article.
Discretionary access control
Discretionary Access Control is a type of access control system that holds the business owner responsible for deciding which people are allowed in a specific location, physically or digitally. DAC is the least restrictive compared to the other systems, as it essentially allows individual complete control over any objects they own, as well as the programs associated with those objects. The drawback to Discretionary Access Control is the fact that it gives the end-user complete control to set security level settings for other users and the permissions given to the end-user are inherited into other programs they use which could potentially lead to malware being executed without the end-user being aware of it.

Mandatory access control
Mandatory Access Control is more commonly utilized in organizations that require an elevated emphasis on the confidentiality and classification of data (ie. military institutions). MAC doesn’t permit owners to have a say in the entities having access to a unit or facility, instead, only the owner and custodian have the management of the access controls. MAC will typically classify all end-users and provide them with labels that permit them to gain access through security with established security guidelines.

Role-based access control
Also known as Rule-Based Access Control, RBAC is the most demanded in regard to access control systems. Not only is it in high demand among households, RBAC has also become highly sought-after in the business world. In RBAC systems, access is assigned by the system administrator and is stringently based on the subject’s role within the household or organization and most privileges are based on the limitations defined by their job responsibilities. So, rather than assigning an individual as a security manager, the security manager position already has access control permissions assigned to it.

Physical Security Guide
What is physical security?
Physical security measures are designed to protect buildings and safeguard the equipment inside. In short, they keep unwanted people out and give access to authorized individuals. While network and cybersecurity are important, preventing physical security breaches and threats is key to keeping your technology and data safe, as well as any staff or faculty that have access to the building. Without physical security plans in place, your office or building is left open to criminal activity, and liable for types of physical security threats including theft, vandalism, fraud, and even accidents.
Determining your risk level
Before implementing physical security measures in your building or workplace, it’s important to determine the potential risks and weaknesses in your current security. Detection is of the utmost importance in physical security. While it is impossible to prevent all intrusions or breaches, having the right tools in place to detect and deal with intrusions minimizes the disruption to your business in the long run.
To locate potential risk areas in your facility, first, consider all your public entry points. Where people can enter and exit your facility, there is always a potential security risk. Baseline physical security control procedures, such as proper access control measures at key entry points, will help you manage who is coming and going and can alert you to potential intrusions. Once inside your facility, you’ll want to look at how data or sensitive information is being secured and stored.
Components of physical security control for buildings
The three most important components of your physical security control for offices and buildings are access control, surveillance, and security testing methods. While the other layers of physical security control procedures are important, these three countermeasures are the most impactful when it comes to intrusion detection and threat mitigation.
Access control
Securing your entries keeps unwanted people out, and lets authorized users in. A modern access control system is your first line of defense, so having the best technology is essential. There are a few different types of systems available; this guide to access control systems will help you select the best system for your building. The main things to consider in terms of your physical security are the types of credentials you choose if the system is on-premises or cloud-based, and if the technology meets all your unique needs.
Surveillance tools
Surveillance is crucial to physical security control for buildings with multiple points of entry. The most common type of surveillance for physical security control is video camera surveillance. Video management systems (VMS) are a great tool for surveillance, giving you visual insight into activity across your property. When adding surveillance to your physical security system, choose cameras that are appropriate to your facility, exterior doors will need outdoor cameras that can withstand the elements.
Benefits of physical security measures
Beyond the obvious benefit of physical security systems to keep your building protected, the technology and hardware you choose may include added features that can enhance your workplace security. Especially with cloud-based physical security control, you’ll have added flexibility to manage your system remotely, plus connect with other building security and management systems.