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For any commercial property, access security is an essential priority and must be upgraded throughout the years to ensure improved safety and security, this can be done by utilizing a key card lock installation.

There are a lot of benefits that come with choosing key card access control systems for your commercial property, both with increased safety and convenience.

If you manage or own a commercial property, it is time to consider upgrading your security system to include a key card access system.

Keep reading to learn how you can implement this change, from strategy to installation, as well as the top three benefits of a key card lock installation. Action 1st offers a wide range of security options that will suit your property’s requirements and safety needs.  

How to Upgrade to Key Card Access Control Systems

When you make the decision to upgrade the security of your office, building, or other facilities, there will be a few steps in the installation process to prepare for. These are all simple and will be efficiently handled by Action 1st security experts.  

What should I expect from the installation process?

1. Installing the Physical Equipment

One of the first steps to take is the physical installation of essential equipment onto your property. The volume of equipment will be dependent on the size of your business or facility and the number of access points it contains.

For instance, if you are looking to upgrade the security of a high-risk facility such as a hospital, access points will likely be installed throughout each floor of the building, which is a much larger task than a commercial facility with only a few entrances.

 You will also find that there are three major forms of key card access control systems, but within these forms, there are many ways to customize your security system. You can work with our team to determine exactly what type and level of security are best for your property.

All types of keyless security systems are simple to use, with the person gaining access by presenting a code, mobile credentials, or using a key card or key fob.

 Information is sent to an access control software which either grants or denies access. The access control system also makes it very easy to quickly revoke or upgrade permission to access the building, which may be used when terminating employees or when someone received enhanced access to the building.

2. Setting Up and Utilizing the Software: 

When you use key card access control systems, the software is a crucial part that will ensure the proper functioning of your security system and access points. There are three main types which are briefly explained below:

Action 1st will guide you in setting up the parameters for your business or commercial property. With state of the art equipment and software, your facility will be more secure than ever before, and you will also discover the many advantages that come with choosing a key card access system.

3 Benefits of Upgrading Your Security Using a Key Card Lock Installation

Alongside the simple and efficient installation process, there are three major benefits of using a key card control system such as:

1. Increased Convenience

One of the best reasons to choose key card access locks is that this is extremely convenient and will end up saving you both time and money. It is pretty much inevitable that employees will lose their keys from time to time, and for security purposes that means that locks often have to be changed and new keys handed out to every employee.

This can end up costing your business hundreds of dollars a year and countless hours of administration work that could be avoided. When a key card is lost, all your security manager needs to do is remove access from the lost card and create a new card for that employee.

This is a streamlined process that is very convenient and prevents a lot of unnecessary hassle.

 2. Reliable Security

Traditional locks and keys do not offer anywhere near as much security as key card access systems. Traditional locks are much easier for intruders to pick or break open, which poses a major security risk to your facility or office building.

Key card access control systems are much more secure. Each card has its own code which grants its holder access to the building. This code can be rewritten or deleted to take away access at any given time. 

That means that whether the key card is lost or the employee is terminated, the access can immediately be revoked and there will be no security risk associated with it. 

Similarly, doors with this type of access system will lock when they are closed. No employee will have to remember to lock the doors behind them. With a key card lock installation, mistakes won’t happen, and your building will remain safe and secure.

3. Track Movement Through the Building

One very helpful feature of a key card lock is its ability to track employees through their key card usage. You know who is inside the building at any given time, which can be helpful in emergency situations. You can also keep track of when employees arrive and leave from work to ensure that schedules are adhered to and working hours are inputted correctly.

Key cards can also be programmed to only allow access at certain times of the day. This ensures that your employees are only within the building within contracted working hours and that health and safety measures are followed.

Choose the Right Key Card Access Control Systems

Never compromise your office and employee's security. Let us help you review, plan, strategize, and install your key card access control systems for your Orange County commercial property by contacting our team at Action 1st today!

If you’ve decided to upgrade your Orange County business, office, hotel, or other facilities with a key card access security system, you are taking a step into the modern world. Old-school lock and key systems leave much to be desired when it comes to security.

Modern key card door access systems allow greater flexibility, customization, and security. The only challenge is deciding which kind of door access control system you should install.

Here’s what you need to know about the different kinds of electronic access control system on the market.

The Physical Side of Access Control Systems

When the time comes that you need to transition to an access control system, there are physical pieces of equipment that need to be installed.

The amount of installation required depends on the layout of your facility and the desired outcome. A business that wants a simple key card access control system from the front door is much different than a medical facility that requires access to multiple entries, floors, and entryways.
While there are tons of variations, there are three main types of keyless access control systems. All of these systems work in a similar manner. The user supplies some kind of input, whether it be a code, body part, or object.

The system checks the central database to determine if that user is allowed access. If not, the door or secure area remains closed. If the user does have access, the door opens.

More places are moving to these keyless entry systems not only for greater security but for other perks. For example, it only takes a couple of button pushes for an administrator to change someone’s access privileges.

From terminations to promotions, it’s easy to change someone’s access level. These systems also store information when used, such as date and time the system was accessed, the user who accessed it, which door or location accessed, and more.

Secure Access Control Keypad

These are relatively straightforward but offer a reliable way to secure one of your doors. When needed access to a room, a user, whether it be an employee, guest, or client, simply enters a code into the physical keypad. If the code is recognized and has the appropriate permission, the designated door will unlock or open.

Control keypads are very common in apartment complexes, parking garages, or even community gates.

Biometric Access Control Systems

When biometrics are involved, it means that some human characteristic is required to verify someone’s identity. Biometric scanners work with fingerprints, retina scans, and other unique human elements to determine who is allowed access.

Biometric access control systems are most often seen in the movies, but they are used in real life too, in places like hospitals, major corporations, and other facilities that require strict security may go this route.

Key Card Access Security Systems

The most popular physical systems to install are key card door access systems. These devices use a smartcard, or key fob is presented to a card reader. The card contains a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that is used to determine if that card should have access or not.

You’ll see key card access security systems everywhere, from hotel rooms to military installations.

The Software Side of Key Card Lock Installation

While the physical components of any security system are crucial, there is also software that plays a critical role in how the system works.

These different software systems can typically be set up on any of the physical systems. There are three main variations of access control systems, such as:

Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

DAC is the type of system that gives the business owner or controlling manager the full responsibility of deciding which people are allowed in specific locations. The person in charge can grant access to different people based on whatever criteria they deem appropriate.

For example, you might assign access to your security manager-employee. If that person leaves that role, you would have to assign all of the access abilities to the next person to take that job.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

MAC is a popular option for facilities that are concerned with confidentiality, like military installations and hospitals. The owner or an appointed person makes decisions about who has access to different areas.

The most often use for MAC systems are for specific levels or labels. If someone reaches that level of classification, they earn access associated with their label.

For example, an employee who reaches a certain level of classification could have the same access as a security manager. 

Role-Based Access Control (RAC)

RAC systems tend to be the most popular in businesses. Access is typically assigned based on a person’s role in the organization. Each role would have assigned access. Whenever someone takes that role, they would then get the appropriate access.

For example, the security manager role has certain access abilities. Whenever you assign someone that role, they get that level of access.

Choosing an Access Control System for Installation

If you’re considering making a move to upgrade your office or business with a key card door lock or another access control system, you should start by taking inventory of your facility. 

Count all of the doors that need to be secured. That may not mean only counting exterior doors. You should also consider doors to access different rooms or departments like IT, storage, record keeping, etc.

Once you have a layout of the facility, you should decide which option is best for you. To fully understand all of your access control system options, contact Action 1st Loss Prevention — from helping you customize your next access control system to key card lock installation, we make sure you have everything you need.

We’re happy to provide you with a complimentary, no-obligation, onsite review of your facility. That means we’ll give you the best options for your needs and budget.

Our team of professionals has worked with commercial buildings, retail stores, hospitals, offices, schools, apartment complexes, hotels, and more. We can bring security, convenience, and reliability to your facility.

Give us a call today to discuss your options and set up your free onsite review.

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