As a landlord or property manager, you have many responsibilities, including ensuring the safety of your tenants and the security of your property. However, managing multi-family properties and apartment buildings presents a number of challenges, and it’s critical that each of them is addressed effectively.
So, how can Orange County apartment building access control systems help building owners and property managers safeguard their apartment complex and its tenants?
Access control is a critical investment for multi-family properties and apartment buildings, that's why it’s crucial to understand how access control systems work and which type of system offers all the features you need to keep your property safe and secure at all times. However, selecting an access control security system for your apartment complex that meets all of your unique requirements can be difficult.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know before investing in access control solutions, including the most common types of access control security solutions, how access control systems work, and why Action 1st Loss Prevention is the best in the business.
Keep reading to learn everything you should know about apartment building access control and how Action 1st Loss Prevention can help you find the best Orange County apartment access control systems for your needs.
Common Types of Apartment Access Control
These days, surveillance through security cameras is not enough to ensure the safety of people living in your building. There are numerous methods for managing access in your apartment building. The best apartment access control system for you will be determined by the specific needs of your property.
Keeping an apartment complex secure can come down to various factors, but there are also several types of apartment access control systems to consider when making a decision.
Apartment access control systems come in many shapes and sizes, with some more functional for specific apartment complexes than others.
Here are the most common types of access control systems that are installed in apartment buildings:
Key Fobs and Key Cards
Key fob access control is one of the most common types of apartment access control. A key fob, also known as a key card, is used to tap the reader and grant access to a building.
Residents or staff members present their fob or card to the access reader at the building's entrance, which scans the credential and verifies their identity. After verifying the resident, the access reader instructs the electric or magnetic door lock to unlock, allowing the resident to enter.
Cloud-Based Access Control
Cloud-based access control systems are becoming increasingly popular for commercial properties. In fact, many property managers prefer them to on-premises systems because they do not require the installation of a server on-site.
Residents and building staff can open doors for themselves or guests using any internet-connected device and from any location. Furthermore, without having to be on-site, property managers can update the resident directory, manage access permissions, and review entry logs remotely.
Mobile Access Control
Mobile access control systems allow tenants and staff to enter apartment buildings by using mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smart devices as access credentials. To verify residents' credentials, the access card reader on the door communicates with their mobile devices.
Apartment Intercom Systems with Door Release
When visitors come to the property, they look up a resident in the intercom directory and press the appropriate button to call them. The resident then answers the call using either an in-unit device or their cell phone. Finally, the resident presses a button to activate the door release.
Keypads
Keypads allow users to enter a PIN code to gain access to a building or room and are an excellent way to manage access on your property. To open the door, residents enter their personal PIN codes or use virtual keys. Some keypad entry systems even allow tenants to open the door using a mobile app.
How an Apartment Access Control System Works
Apartment access control automates property access for authorized residents, staff, and visitors. While there are numerous types of apartment building access control alarm systems, they all have the same goal in mind: to make building access easier and more secure.
An access control system is a system that allows for automated entry into a building or community. Essentially, access control security systems grant those authorized to enter an area or building to enter and deny those who are not.
Apartment access control has four major components:
Access Control Panel
The control panel stores information about tenants and their access rights. When a person scans their credentials, the control panel receives an encrypted tag number from the reader. The control panel then decodes the number and compares it to the data stored in the system database. If the information is correct, the system will activate the door release.
Access Card Reader
An access card reader is typically located at every entryway to manage access and scan credentials. Readers scan credentials and then send encrypted data to the control panel. If the user is authorized to enter, the control panel opens the door.
Access Credentials
Resident access credentials can come in one or more forms, depending on the specific access control system installed in the apartment. The important thing to remember is that these access credentials include resident or staff identification information as well as access permissions.
Door Release Mechanism
The door release mechanism is a device that unlocks the door after scanning tenants', visitors, and staff's credentials. If a user is permitted to enter, the door release mechanism receives a message from the control panel and unlocks it so they can enter.
Find the Best Access Control System for Building With Action 1st
One of the most important services that a property manager provides is ensuring the general facility's safety and security. A well-planned access control solution can provide a plethora of benefits while also lowering costs and liability concerns, giving your tenants peace of mind and security 24/7.
When shopping for an apartment access control system, there are a plethora of factors to consider or research. What is important in one apartment may not be as important to another, which makes working with a team of access control experts crucial to finding the best security solution for your needs.
At Action 1st, we’re committed to providing our customers with a wide range of high-quality access control products that meet their specific needs and safety standards. With over 30 years of security and access control experience, Action 1st’s expert team has assisted companies of all sizes in determining the best access control solution for their goals, requirements, and budget.Contact Action 1st Loss Prevention to speak with one of our security specialists about any questions you may have and schedule a free consultation to discover how we can help you find the best apartment access control system for your needs.
