Increasingly, we are seeing technology moving to the cloud. Companies in Orange County, CA are looking to accomplish things more efficiently and less expensively. They are turning to cloud computing to do this. What does this mean and how does it impact how things are accomplished? Learn more about our
cloud based access control installation service here.
What Is Cloud-Based Computing?
Cloud computing does away with a local server. Instead a network of remote servers hosted on the internet is used to store, manage and process data. This means that a company can do away with servers or computers in the office that run their software programs.
A third party hosts the programs and data on their servers and the internet is used to access it. Through cloud computing, it makes it possible to run a program through a secure website using a web browser.
What are the benefits of going cloud based door access control system? It equates to an increase in capacity, enhanced functionality and an ability to add additional services on demand without having to invest in expensive hardware or hire/train in-house support staff.
Most importantly, it means that the information hosted in the cloud can be potentially accessed from anywhere in the world (with the proper access credentials of course).
Cloud Based Access Control System: The Advantages
The security and loss prevention industry has benefitted from advances in cloud computing and more and more companies are using cloud-based access control systems as a cost effective and fully functional solution to security.
Should you make the move? Here are just a few advantages of using a cloud-based security system:
1. Cost Savings on Both Capital Expenditure, Internal Resources, and Support
Since the software to run your system is web-based and hosted, the need to invest in expensive hardware is eliminated. It is subscription based - you pay as you go, and this optimizes cash flow.
Aside from savings on capital expenditures, a company also saves on internal resources because set up and management of the system is simplified.
Going cloud-based also removes the need for any additional internal IT support.
Further, because the system is cloud-based, service can be done remotely. Consequently, most on-site service calls can be eliminated, saving you the cost of service call fees.
2. Increased Flexibility and Ease
A huge benefit of a cloud-based access system is the ability to control it, access it, change permissions, access the audit reports, etc, from anywhere you have internet access. You can do this from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.
Further, as your business grows, adds locations, cloud-based access control systems allow a business to specify the level of control they need and easily expand and change as needed to keep up with the business growth. And this also makes it ideal for a growing business with a fluctuating workforce which may include freelancers, interns, contractors.
A cloud access control system allows the system to be remotely accessed. A user or administrator, with appropriate credentials, is able to view, control and manage access remotely from a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.
This means that you can respond to security needs in real time, receive security alerts, and ensure that safety and procedural practices are upheld all from a mobile application.
What are the practical applications? Risk from missing or stolen key cards is minimized because you are able to update or delete access rights immediately and they cannot be used to gain unauthorized entry to the building or any sensitive areas within.
Similarly, remote authorization can be used for granting access when authorized persons are locked out of a building outside of normal business hours. The monitoring center is able to verify an individual’s identity and lock and unlock doors remotely.
With a cloud-based system, all access rights are stored centrally. This gives a business the ability to easily update the system with the list of those who are authorized to have access to offices and distinct building areas, where they can go and when they go.
This eliminates the risk of having access cards still active even while the people holding them are no longer affiliated with the company.
Servers for cloud based access control systems are managed by the access system suppliers and they release regular software updates, including security updates and enhancements to the system.
Using cloud based door entry and security system does not waste time on maintaining the systems across different locations. The manpower hours can be directed to other things that matter in growing your business instead.
6. Ability to Manage Multiple Sites
Because of the capability to manage access control remotely from one platform, cloud door access control becomes possible to expand to multiple locations, remotely from a mobile phone or tablet no matter where you are located. So why should you move your business access control system to the cloud? To summarize:
- Lower Costs: Lower cost of acquisition, lower cost of maintenance, lower costs to make changes, and fewer onsite lower service calls reducing costs too.
- Ease of Use: Ability to access the system from anywhere, at any time, over the internet.
Ultimately, a cloud based door access control system enables your business to increase the efficiency and security of your company without incurring huge costs.