Top 5 features of access control systems

As employers across the country attempt to pull people back into the office, some employees who have fully embraced remote working are pushing back against the idea they need to show up in person to get the job done.

This dynamic, coupled with the still-ongoing “great resignation,” has put employers in unfamiliar territory. In addition to establishing hybrid schedules, employers are challenged with creating environments people want to be in, ones that are inviting and—especially important—safe and secure.

This heightened need for safety and security is why access control systems are more important than ever, since most workplaces are not yet fully populated and many now allow employees the flexibility of working after hours, it is even more essential for employers to use technology to protect those who are onsite.

Access control technology offers building owners and employers an array of features to select from. But let’s take a quick look at five that are currently generating the most interest. In no particular order these are:

• Touchless technology. The pandemic super-charged hygiene concerns, making touchless technology even more relevant. This is why the majority of today’s new access control systems rely on various no-contact methods, such as a scan of a QR code, or a proximity credential that works several inches away from a reader, or biometrics like facial recognition. By creating one less touch point, this technology eliminates a potential illness-spreading vector and reduces wear-and-tear on the physical hardware.
• Remote management. With people still working from home or in a hybrid arrangement, the ability to remotely manage access control has become an essential flexibility. Access can be granted, denied or monitored remotely, either through your designated personnel or your system provider. Even when offsite, security remains uncompromised and entirely under your control.
• Cloud-based access control. Today it seems as if nearly every key operating system is cloud-based, why should access control be any different? Cloud-based access and security affords multiple advantages, among them greater flexibility (changes to access can be made anywhere and at any time, even from a smartphone) simplifying access management. Because an onsite dedicated server isn’t required, security is enhanced. These are just a few of the advantages cloud-based systems offer.
• Multi-factor authentication. This simply means that more than one type of identifier is required to enter a facility, such as (for example) a credential scan on a phone along with a biometric scan of a face or some other combination. Driven by heightened security needs, this form of access control is becoming more frequently requested and therefore more common in new systems.
• Combining video and access control. Video technology can be paired with access control to create an even more robust system. These technologies can be incorporated into one system or as separate systems that still work together. Examples of this integration include unlocking a door after confirming access via video or ensuring that a valid ID/credential isn’t being used by an unauthorized visitor.

These features, and others, can be bundled together or deployed separately. Pavion’s experienced personnel can evaluate your specific situation and recommend a solution that will best meet your access control and security needs.