Commercial access control systems add layers of security to any commercial property by preventing the unauthorized opening of doors and restricting entry by unauthorized individuals.
Access control can be applied to exterior commercial doors and entryways as well as interior ones, providing a range of options for controlling the flow of people both into the building as a whole and to specific areas within.
If you’re considering implementing a commercial access control system for your business or facility, make sure you understand exactly how they work and ask yourself a few key questions to determine if you need one.
What Is a Commercial Access Control System?
In essence, commercial access control is a security measure that limits access to buildings or specific areas within them.
While traditional methods like keys and locks suffice for residential use or small businesses, many commercial settings demand more sophisticated access control systems.
Common Types of Commercial Access Control:
- Key-carded and fob-controlled locking mechanisms: Doors are equipped with readers that require key cards or fobs for access.
- PIN code and passcode access control systems: Entry is granted upon entering a unique code into a reader.
- Smart locks and mobile access control: Mobile devices serve as access credentials.
- Biometric-controlled door locks: Individual biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, grants access.
- Remote access control: Doors are opened remotely by authorized personnel.
Who Needs Commercial Access Control Systems?
Any business that experiences high foot traffic faces an increased risk of unauthorized entry, making access control a critical security measure.
Whether it’s an office building, retail store, or healthcare facility, regulating who can enter and exit helps prevent security breaches and ensures that only authorized individuals have access to restricted areas.
For businesses handling valuable assets or sensitive data, access control provides an added layer of protection to secure areas. By implementing role-based restrictions, companies can ensure that only employees with the appropriate clearance can access confidential information, reducing the risk of internal and external threats.
While some businesses thrive on openness — think retail stores and hospitality venues — it's still essential to secure back offices, storage areas, and other sensitive spaces.
Traditional lock-and-key systems come with vulnerabilities, including lost keys and the potential for unauthorized duplication. Access control solutions minimize these risks by offering more secure, trackable entry methods.
In short, almost any type of commercial facility can benefit from implementing at least some level of access control — it’s an easy win when it comes to boosting security!
Ask Yourself These Questions To Determine If You Need Access Control:
- Is your property in a high-traffic area vulnerable to unauthorized visitors?
- Does your business house valuable assets or confidential information?
- Do you need to restrict certain areas to specific employees?
- Should certain sections remain inaccessible to the public?
- Are you concerned about the risks associated with lost keys or lock picking?
- Do you desire better control over visitor access?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, chances are high that you could benefit from installing access control systems in your commercial property.
Other Security Considerations for Commercial Buildings
While access control systems effectively regulate who can enter and exit a commercial property, they don’t eliminate all security risks.
One major vulnerability that business owners often overlook is the potential for intruders to bypass locked doors by breaking a window and using the emergency egress mechanism to gain access.
Even the most advanced access control system cannot prevent an unauthorized individual from manually opening a door from the inside once they’ve gained entry through a compromised window.
To fully secure a commercial building, it’s essential to reinforce vulnerable windows with impact-resistant glass protection.
Security window films, laminated security glass, polycarbonate glazing, and other reinforced glazing solutions help prevent forced entry by making windows much harder to break. In many cases, these solutions delay or completely deter intruders, buying valuable time for law enforcement or security personnel to respond.
Beyond preventing unauthorized access, impact-resistant glass protection also offers additional benefits, such as improved safety during natural disasters and increased protection against vandalism and storm damage.
When combined with an access control system, these security measures create a comprehensive defense strategy that minimizes risks and greatly increases the overall safety of a commercial property.
Wrapping Up
A commercial access control system is an essential investment for businesses looking to boost security, protect valuable assets, and regulate entry. However, to create a truly secure environment, property owners should consider additional measures such as impact-resistant glass to protect against forced entry through windows.
By implementing a layered security approach that includes access control, reinforced glass, and other physical security upgrades, businesses can significantly reduce vulnerabilities and ensure a safer working environment for employees, customers, and visitors alike.
At Campbell Glass and Films, we offer a full range of security glazing solutions to perfectly complement your access control. Contact us today for a free consultation!
