Limiting access to your building whether during working hours or after hours is of utmost importance to any business. Inventory, records, even office items can be a prime target for a burglar or a sticky fingered employees. Some businesses choose to invest in either an access system or a commercial security system as their security solution. Both of these systems are advantagoues in certain situations. However, both are very different and owners should look over their goals before making a choice.
Access Systems
Our high speed society demands items and they demand them now. Facilities like warehouses, manufacturing plants and shipping facilities are going to 24 hour facilities to keep the pace. For these businesses that never close, an access system may be a good choice for them. A well planned access system, will be very helpful in running a secure facility. How?
- Provide user entry without the use of keys – The problem with keys, is they can get lost, stolen or misplaced. And unless you have a patented locking system, any key can be duplicated even keys stamped with “Do Not Duplicate”. Non-professional key cutters in home improvement and hardware stores or mall shops will not ask any questions when they duplicate a key. If a disgruntled employee leaves without returning his keys to the facility, he will still have full access to your building allowing him to come in at his leisure to take inventory. Even worse, he may come back to harm other employees. With an access system, users are issued key fobs or access cards. No need to re-key the building because the keys weren’t returned. These cards can be activated and deactivated in a matter of minutes.
- Limit access to sensitive areas in the building – Not all employees need access to all areas of your building. Putting some thought into where and why. Some examples include:
- Server rooms – Because of the high cost of servers and the information they hold, only IT people and upper management should have access to this area.
- Tool and die room – Sophisticated and expensive tools are required for die-makers.
- Maintenance room – While it may seem small for an employee to take cleaning supplies home, this type of theft costs business millions each year.
- Office area – Protect computers office supplies, and employee records can be secured when office personnel is .
- IT room – High priced servers and equipment should not only be secured from theft but vandalism.
Multiple access levels can be programmed to allow the IT department to access the office area also. Time schedules can also be built to allow manufacturing personnel into the office area to see the HR department, but while the HR department is working.
