Considerations to make when choosing access control systems

Choosing a new access control system that suits your unique business is for some an easy and enjoyable project, while others find it tedious and time-consuming. There are many factors that come into play in terms of time and scope of the project. Whether you think it's easy or hard, there are pitfalls. We have listed some things to consider to avoid these pitfalls.

Function and solution

When thinking about investing in a access control system, whether it is a new one or the replacement of an old one, it is important to think about what functions the access system will perform and problems it will solve. Write a list of the points you value for example; user friendly administration interface, distributing temporary or managing a large amount of keys. Then you can start probing the terrain and review which brands you want to look at.

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Security and management of data

A access control system helps maintain security. You get control of your passages and can see who has been granted access and permission to enter the property. Logs of who passed where and when provide a better overview.

Also, make sure that the supplier system you choose also considers IT security as a whole. It is not just "the security between fob/passcard/mobile and the reader at the door" that you should only consider. Also make sure that the provider is GDPR compliant for all data generated, you as a customer do not want to encounter any irregularities. Discuss what type of control you need and then compare the different systems to see which ones meet your requirements.

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Administration and access management

Whether it's the office, the garage, the property or the training facility, administration is a major part of running a access control system. The management of who should and should not have access looks different for all access control system. Something that is often forgotten is the administration itself and that it can be very time consuming.

If the system uses fobs or an access card, there is a need to hand over a small piece of plastic in person to the person who will have access to a locked space. If the system can use the smartphone as a key, you can save a lot of time and money. You can often send one or hundreds of mobile keys in seconds from a web portal. Also investigate the possibility of integration with other products, such as booking systems, to automate parts of the key management. In other words, you can let key management take care of itself.

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Scalability

Don't just invest in a system that meets your needs at the moment, think long term! What will the business look like in x number of years? If you plan to increase the number of employees, it is a good thing to look at the cost when you want to add new users and how many the system can handle. Maybe the company will expand with more offices and real estate? Look for a system that can be applied to more areas so that you do not have to administer from different programs but can have everything in one.

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Budget

What are you prepared to invest in a new access control system? Work out what you can afford to pay for a new access control system and how long you plan to use it. Also, don't forget to include how many passages the access system will be connected to, this is a driving cost factor.

PS. If you have electric locks or access control system already installed, much of the work is already done, keeping costs down.

Please contact us at Parakey if you want to get more information about how mobile keys would work on your business.

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