Choosing the right access system for your Fairfax, VA business depends on a number of factors. Whether you’re protecting a business, school, hospital, parking garage or other facility, you need to make sure that your system can handle multiple users, intrusion attempts, access control technology updates and more. Working with an experienced locksmith can ensure that you get the appropriate system for your specific needs.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing your access system.
Why choose an electronic access system?
Physical locks and keys are a time-honored access control system, but they have their flaws. First, keys can be lost, copied or stolen, which means it’s harder to verify exactly who has access to your building.
There’s also no way to put a time limit on when a person can enter the facility, unless you plan to rekey each lock every time someone gets fired or otherwise has their access revoked. For large-scale operations, this is not only impractical but expensive.
Additionally, someone has to be in charge of keyholder management, and if there are multiple access points, each employee or manager will need to carry around multiple physical keys.
Electronic access systems solve all of these problems, whether you use key cards, keypads or biometrics. It’s much easier to control who has access to your building—and for how long.
Types of access control systems
There are three broad categories of access systems:
Autonomous systems: These systems have internal memory and do not need external software or intelligence to operate. They may not offer remote management, and their capacity to handle large numbers of users may vary.
Online systems: Online systems use a remote server to handle access control operations. When someone enters a code, swipes a key or uses biometrics, the information is sent back to the server. If the access is approved, the server sends a signal to unlock the barrier.
Distributed intelligence systems: These types of systems use a controller to grant access. When access is granted, the information is sent to the server and controller to record and report the event. When the communication is down, the server records the event.
Other things to consider
In addition to the type of access control system you choose, there are other things to consider. For example, you may want your access control to integrate with CCTV and other surveillance equipment, including intruder and fire alarms. This will create a robust security system that ensures only authorized personnel get into the protected areas—and it also makes it much easier to revoke their access when necessary.
To choose the right access system for your business, you want to work with an experienced system designer and installer. They’ll have the latest access control technology updates in Fairfax, VA, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a top-of-the-line access control system.
What makes up an access control system in Fairfax, VA? While they’re tailored to the individual needs of the organization or individual, there are four main elements that every access control system has in common. When building or designing access control technologies, it’s wise to work with experienced locksmiths—they’ll help you determine which technologies are easiest to use and most logical for your needs.
Read on for an overview of the four key elements of an access control system.
Access control barrier
The first element you’ll need is an access control barrier. This could be anything from a locked door to traffic barriers commonly seen in parking garages. You might use a fence and gate as a barrier, walls or whatever your business requires to keep others out.
The type of barrier you choose will depend on your location’s physical requirements. Naturally, barriers to keep out vehicles will look different than barriers to keep out foot traffic. Consider where you’ll be placing the barrier and what kind of security concerns you want to address.
Access control verification or identification equipment
Next you’ll need to determine what kind of verification or identification equipment you’ll need. Key cards and keypads are popular, since they’re easy to carry around or memorize. Again, the type you choose depends on your specific needs. In a hospital, you might use key cards to keep out unauthorized personnel or visitors, while a simple code entered into a keypad can be used in retail facilities.
When deciding which kind of verification or identification equipment to use, give serious consideration to safety and security: Can your employees share cards and codes with each other, or will that present another security issue? For example, if you want to protect your retail store’s stockroom, a code is often shared between employees. In other facilities, however, you might need to choose personalized access codes for each employee or visitor. Biometric systems can be a great way to address these needs.
Access control panel to control the barrier
You’ll also need a control panel to control the barrier and determine who is allowed access. Choose a control panel that will grow along with your facility, since you’ll need to maintain a database of authorized personnel.
Communication structure to connect each element
The final piece of your access control technologies is the communication structure, which transmits information between each element above. Your locksmith or access control system designer will recommend the right type of communication structure for your specific access control system.
Security is important, especially in this day and age, so it makes sense to get a state-of-the-art access control system to protect your business.
When you need experienced locksmiths and access control technologies in Fairfax, VA, call Artie’s Lock and Key. We can design, install and program access control systems for your office, hospital, retail facility, apartment complex and more. No matter what the size and scope of your system, we’re ready for the job. Call us today to get started.
There’s nothing more important than safety in a school environment. Unfortunately, many schools aren’t properly equipped with the safety measures and protocols they need to keep students and staff as safe as possible. The good news is that there are lots of options for schools to boost security, including access control systems. Keep reading to learn more about how to optimize school security in VA with access control.
The importance of access control for schools
It’s essential to keep schools protected from security threats, and access control systems can improve safety significantly. There are a lot of different ways to boost VA school security with access control, but every option offers some key benefits. Access control systems can put the minds of school administrators and parents at ease by restricting access to school grounds and improving the safety of a school facility. Ultimately, an investment in an access control system is an investment in safety, security and peace of mind.
Access control options for schools
If you’re interested in boosting school security in VA with access control, it’s worth it to consider the different options out there. Here are a few of the most common types of security systems in use at schools:
Video surveillance systems: One security option for schools is video surveillance. Video surveillance systems allow school administrators to monitor who is coming and going and ensure that only authorized persons are entering schools. In addition, video surveillance gives schools extra security by providing documentation in the event of a break-in or criminal activity so law enforcement has video evidence of the incident.
Door barricades: Another popular way to improve school security in VA with access control is by installing door barricades that automatically lock down a school facility in the event of an emergency. These systems can be very helpful in allowing administrators to quickly and effectively secure a school and address whatever emergency situation is at hand.
Electronic access control systems: One of the most effective options for schools is electronic access control. An electronic access control is designed to limit access to school facilities by ensuring only authorized individuals are able to gain entry to the school premises. Anyone with permission to enter can be given a key fob or code to gain access. As an added benefit, electronic access control systems can be personalized and programmed to limit access to different areas of a school to certain faculty members or teachers and ensure students, parents and authorized visitors only have access to certain doors.
Want access control? Call a locksmith today
Learn more about optimizing security in your school buildings with help from an access control locksmith by reaching out to Artie’s Lock and Key. With decades of experience providing our customers with comprehensive locksmithing services, our team has the expertise necessary to assist you with all your security needs. Give us a call today to find out more about everything we have to offer and to get started with a consultation and quote.
As a business owner or commercial property investor, you know the value of reliable security systems. Protecting your building prevents theft and vandalism while providing the protection employees or renters require to feel safe while at work. Many people have found that access control systems in Fairfax, VA provide both the security and flexibility they require.
What is an access control system?
The term “access control” applies to physical and information security in Fairfax, VA, meaning an administrator may restrict users’ access to certain places or data. Regarding the physical security of a building, facility or office, an access control system allows you to set parameters for users and access points. Staff members receive assigned smart cards that grant them access to the parts of your workplace that you want them to use.
Which access control system is right for you?
There are many variables to consider when determining the right access control system for your business or building. Working with an expert locksmith such as Artie’s Lock and Key will help guide you through the decision-making process to select the appropriate access control system for you:
Discretionary access control (DAC): This type of access control system gives the owner the most discretion, allowing them to program the system for individuals or groups. DAC systems are the easiest to program, usually running on a standard operating system such as Windows. In most cases, administrators add users to access control lists (ACLs) that determine where they can access. However, being that DAC systems are the least restrictive, there’s opportunities for inappropriate users to make administrator-level changes to the ACLs.
Mandatory access control (MAC): A system administrator programs a MAC system based on pre-determined settings. There’s no wiggle room when it comes to this type of access control system, as it’s the most restrictive. The system owner or administrator can only change system parameters established during installation. If your business requires maximum security, you’ll want to invest in a MAC system.
Role-based access control: This is another term for non-discretionary access control in Fairfax, VA. During the initial setup, managers work with a system administrator to organize employees into different classifications. The system is then programmed to allow access based on the roles determined with the classification process. For example, managers can access every portion of your facility, while associates can only unlock primary access points.
Rule-based access control (RBAC): Yes, rule-based access control differs from role-based access control. Not only are users restricted to certain areas, but they’re also only given access to these areas at certain times on certain days. An RBAC system allows for the most customization and holds employees accountable for their time spent at work.
Now that you understand the basics of access control systems in Fairfax, VA, you’ll want to get in touch with an expert to learn more about your options. Since 1975, Fairfax business and property owners have trusted Artie’s Lock and Key. Professionally-trained and equipped with the latest technology, we’re ready to go to work for you. To learn more, get in touch with us today to discuss your commercial facility’s security.
