Most companies and organizations today use the latest smart access control systems. Technology advancement in the security industry has made modern access control systems smarter, more secure, and more convenient. There is a wide range of access control systems in Kenya most of them cost-effective enough making it possible for every business no matter the size to use the latest access technology to protect its people, assets, and premises.
What are smart access control systems?
The access system hardware depends on the type of access control system. The common access system hardware includes:
- PIN, card, and biometric readers
- Door controllers
- Wired or wireless electric or magnetic locks
Modern access controls can also have a video surveillance system that uses security cameras for visual video access verifications. You will also need a power source preferably an uninterrupted power source and an internet access point to set up the hardware and get the system working.
Access software and apps
A modern system will come with a simplified easy-to-use administrator desktop software and mobile app you can use on smartphones. With admin software and apps, you can manage all access aspects of your system from adding or removing users, assigning credentials, scheduling shifts, checking logs, to exporting reports.
Mobile-based systems use mobile pass apps which work like a physical card except the credentials are authenticated by syncing the registered phone with the cloud over the internet to allow access. Technologies like multi-factor authorization phone locks and Bluetooth-based geo-fencing installed on the door terminals help secure the system from potential security risks.
Key smart access control systems features
Apart from the obvious access control systems features, modern access controls are more advanced and have smart features that make them more secure, convenient, and efficient to give you and your system users wholesome delightful access experiences.
- Monitor your Premises Remotely: you can connect your system with a mobile app or email to get real-time notifications on the door events.
- Integrate with other systems: Seamless integration between your access control and CCTV cameras or alarm systems allows you to view live or recorded footage and get alarm notifications through mobile app and browser interfaces.
- Hybrid access credentials: Door readers have multiple access credentials options to suit different use areas.
- Manage access credentials from anywhere: you can add, remove or grant user access permissions remotely, from anywhere.
- Automate and facilitate Visitor Access: you assign single-access credentials to visitors, print visitor badges, and create visitor schedules to automate visitor sign-in and sign-out.
- Integrate with other Apps: system integrators and developers can securely integrate access control with other third-party apps such as HR, parking, and campus management to allow complete management solutions.
- Elevator Access: smart access control can be used directly to control authorized elevator access or through integration with a third-party app.
- Safety Features: smart access controls allow touchless access, thermal readers, and people counters to offer facility safety features for traffic control and health checks for health-conscious access.
Advantages of Smart Access Control Systems
- Strong focus on digital and cyber security
- Plenty of software and hardware integration options to make systems extremely customizable and flexible
- Video and alarm integration video verifications
- Door readers with multiple access credentials options to suit use areas
Conclusion
If you are looking to migrate from a traditional access control system to a modern one today, you have more options than ever. Notably, the most distinctive strong leaders in physical security offer multiple access control systems for a variety of use areas and applications. Companies like Hikvision, Dahua, and Suprema have a range of access control systems that are feature-rich and cost-effective for commercial or residential buildings.
Some of these major players and upcoming independent brands have shifted to mobile and cloud-based solutions to allow users more flexibility. This demonstrates a forward-thinking approach and you should steer your business security vision in the same direction to better security for everyone.
Conversely, you should ensure your access control system will not limit your growth. That means no quick-fix tech adoption for access control security in your business. You should work with a professional systems installer and integrator to ensure you use hardware produced by manufacturers with a track record for quality assurance, completely proprietary technology, flexibility, and growth.
