Access Control

Looking After Your Assets

Access control can be a number of things. It could be restricting certain people from entering your premises between specific times, controlling who operates certain machinery, or be a means of getting rid of keys out of your business. The days of having a key management system would be gone. So, the uses for access control are wide and varied.

Remember, mechanical locks and keys do not allow restriction of the key holder to specific times or dates. Mechanical locks and keys do not provide records of the key used on any specific door, and the keys can be easily copied or transferred to an unauthorized person. When a mechanical key is lost, or the key holder is no longer authorized to use the protected area, the locks must be re-keyed. Here are some examples of where an access control system would work well.

Any business that has high health and safety risks on site. The employer will know when an employee comes to work, and when they have left. You may call this big brother but when the onus is on the employer to keep their employees safe then why not. If a disgruntled employee leaves their job, then the employer can take their unique identifier out of the system and deny them access. No need to worry about getting the keys back. On sites where there are machines and plant that should only be operated by skilled personnel. These devices can be locked out by a keypad for example, where only authorised operators may use this equipment by putting in their unique identifier.

At Sports clubs, where multiple committee members have access day and night with keys. With thousands of dollars’ worth of assets or liquor on site wouldn’t it be better to know who is entering the club, especially after hours. When something goes wrong why should the suspicion fall on all members? The electronic access control system grants access based on the key code or proximity card presented.

When access is granted, the door is unlocked for a predetermined time and the transaction is recorded. When access is refused, the door remains locked and the attempted access is recorded. The system will also monitor the door and alarm if the door is forced open or held open too long after being unlocked.

Today’s access control uses high end technology to allow employees to manoeuvre through a workplace. This ensures safety and security in any area without the difficulties of setting up security settings. Most cards and technological tools integrate high end technology with any other security codes and settings you may have already have. This not only includes past security alternatives but also combines several badges or identity solutions into one card for easier access. This makes it easier and more efficient to change the employees to a new system of secure measures.

High end technology ensures stronger security and safety for businesses and employees. If you want to upgrade with ease of use, then you can consider access control. Understanding how the methodologies work is the first step to making the most of access control. Remember, access control is relatively easy to set up and maintain. Talk to your local Powerbase branch about your options.

In summary

We all wish we lived in a world where we could trust each other, or health and safety was based on common sense, but this isn’t the case anymore. We all have to think now to the lowest common denominator and make sure our our health and safety practices are up to date because if we don’t you will have a higher authority coming after you. Protect yourself!