Access Control Locks

Being in control of home or business security is important for any business or home owner. There is no better way to protect residential or commercial assets than with access control locks. Now, more than ever before, families are switching to access control locks for their home to increase security, protection, and overall safety of their families. Business owners typically prefer access control locks for their buildings due to the many perks they provide.

Types of access control locks

Standalone

Standalone access control systems are one of the most basic and easy to use access control systems. Depending on the security needs of your home or business, standalone systems may be a great option. They are not connected to any other systems, such as a remote tracker or software program, but they are extremely effective for keeping certain areas or rooms in a business or residence secure. These systems most commonly come in a key pad design and require a pin number to open. Standalone systems can also operate via the use of a card reader and sometimes both a pin pad and a key reader will be combined on a standalone system, so either one can be used.

Benefits of a standalone access control system:

• Easy installation with no additional or external hardware.
• No software or program installation.
• Easy to use for employees or family members while still maintaining high security.
• Great for small offices or smaller commercial buildings.
• Option to have a key pad or pin code reader, card reader access or both.
• Extremely cost-effective and affordable.
• Option to expand certain access control units with additional upgrades as your business or security needs grow.

Electronic

The number one perk of an electronic access control system is that it lets you have the same security as standalone devices, but allows you to keep track of who is coming in and out of the building and when. This can be a good option for hospitals, laboratories or other high-security areas. Keeping track of who comes and goes may be particularly important for certain businesses in the event of an emergency or theft situation. You may want to consider upgrading to an electronic system if you wish to have more control over building or room access.

• Some systems allow for extremely specific access due to personalized programming. Certain electronic access control models can be set-up so only certain employees can enter a room or building and only during certain times or hours of the day.
• Accurately track access times and other procedures of business activity involving entrances and exits.
• Residential properties can benefit from electronic access control systems, as well. Especially with timed systems, this can allow certain services such as a nanny, to enter the property during a designated window or time frame.
• For larger residential properties with a lot of activity or individuals consistently leaving and arriving, a more sophisticated system is a great option in order to ensure higher security.

Cloud Based

Cloud based access control systems use wireless technology and certain programming to make your life easier when it comes to your home or business locks and keys. Cloud based systems are excellent if you want easy access with lots of flexibility and capability. If you were a building manager with multiple offices, for example, connecting all of the security systems into one system would make life much easier and convenient.

Additional benefits of cloud-based access control:

• Live stream capabilities to multiple devices.
• Ability to address a wide range of security needs in one simple system.
• Easily add or remove users to the access control base to allow or restrict access to certain areas or parts of the building.
• Integration with other systems, such as fire alarms and panic doors.
• Flexible design to accommodate expanding business or increased security needs.

Mobile Access

Depending on your business or residential needs, you may be well served, along with your staff, to employ an access system that merely requires the use of one’s cell phone. This option can be a no-brainer for many business owners and families because the majority of individuals own and carry a cell phone on them 24/7. The way mobile access works is typically through a blue tooth connection. Similar to an entry key card, mobile access works by detecting your phone through the Bluetooth connection and allows for entry. This technology may not work with all phone service providers, but may be an excellent option if your company already gives employees company phones.

Other benefits of mobile access:

• Bluetooth access omits the need to individually pair key cards or codes for employees.
• The convenience and cost-effective method can be easily implemented and installed.
• High level security for a low cost and minimal hassle.
• Can also be used with a tablet, smart watch, or wristband.
• Omits the need to carry an additional key or entry card by utilizing a device most individuals and employees carry every day.
• Encrypted technology allows for high security and reduces possibility of hacks or break-ins.
• May also be used in conjunction with traditional lock and keys systems for additional security.