Access Control/Keyless Entry, What’s the Difference?
Access Control/Keyless Entry, What’s the Difference? What is an access control system or a keyless entry system? No matter how many systems are installed each year, many still don’t really understand these systems and the benefits of using them. There is one common reason for using these systems and that is to protect people, assets and property. Access Control systems are about more than monitoring doors; they are an integral part of any security system and give users a convenient platform to manage their facilities. Traditional keys cannot track who or when people are accessing your building, and when keys go missing rekeying locks can be extremely expensive. Access Control systems solve all of these problems and many more, including: OK, but let’s really understand the difference between an Access Control System and a Keyless Entry System. Opinions may vary, but, let’s give it a shot. Don’t over think this concept. When you think about true Access Control, consider the word “control”. When thinking about Keyless Entry, while it accomplishes many of the same common items, Keyless Entry is typically used for small 1-2 door applications, where you just want to get the hard keys out of the employees’ hands and allow entry in to certain employees into your facility. Some common applications where Keyless Entry Systems are used are; restaurants, shopping malls, multiple use business facilities, small businesses, some educational facilities, etc. Let’s see, what are some advantages to true Access Control versus Keyless Entry? Access Control usually means having a door position indicator and request to exit device, such as a motion sensor, push button, card reader, crash bar or another indicator to let us know someone is leaving the controlled area. Keyless Entry typically just is concerned with who get’s in a controlled area. Not typically worried about a door being left open too long, propped open, door alarms, etc. Access Control provides multiple levels of card holder control permissions, information and reporting capabilities. Keyless Entry Systems don’t concern themselves with all these levels of security and functionality. I don’t want to get too deep into this, but want to give you some items to consider when upgrading or installing your first “Access” door entry system. Both types of systems are viable and you should consider what your true needs are when making these decisions. A security industry professional, such as Fearing’s, has the ability to help you make good decisions while determining your ultimate goals. So, whether you are looking to do 1-2 doors, 20 doors or 500 doors, there are some good solutions available to you. Make sure you seek an industry professional to further increase your knowledge of best practices. There are some other factors to consider when determining the best way to have your system installed:
- Does your local fire department have some restrictions on access control systems?
- Does your company have existing policies that will determine best methods?
- Would integrating your door entry system with your video surveillance system provide a benefit to your company?
- Integrating an alarm system with your door entry system? Highly recommended to reduce false alarms.
- Does your company have multiple locations that could benefit from a global solution?
- It is highly recommended to include the IT professionals in your organization involved with this solution and how it will be integrated, controlled and accessed.
- Consider using an Electronic Visitor Management Software solution integrated with your access control solution and get rid of those hard copy sign in forms!
- Consider controlling rooms such as IT closets, drug storage rooms, critical file storage rooms and more.
- Are there elevators in your building that should be controlled?
- Is a proximity reader sufficient, or should you consider some dual authentication systems, such as adding biometrics, like fingerprint or retinal technology or maybe use an entry code technology? This way it’s not just what you have on your body, but also what you know.
- Is a centrally managed system make the most sense for your business? Let someone else manage your system, provide badges, run reports, manage your database.
I hope this has given you some food for thought when it comes to evaluating your existing system or before you install a system to help you GET RID OF THE KEYS!!
Tips on getting new or upgrading your CCTV (Closed Circuit TV)
By Mark Considine Fearing’s Audio, Video & Security
Do you love acronyms? How about TCP/IP, CPA, DC, DVR, CTS, IR, AI, or even NVR? If you knew that five out of the eight listed acronyms all have to do with video surveillance, then you’re on the ball. Way to go! Is it important to know all those? Probably not. Is it important to work with a business partner that knows those? I would say definitely.
When looking for a new video surveillance system, many people don’t ask the right questions. You might be one of them if you ask things like, “Can I get license plates?” or “How much does a camera cost?” or maybe even “Do I have to be a rocket scientist to operate this system?” While all of these questions may need to get answered at some point, I would contend that there are more important questions when considering either a new video system or upgrading your existing system.
Let’s take a quick look at some key points I think you should consider:
1. Does the business partner you’re considering understand your business?
2. Do they understand your concerns, risks and needs?
3. Have they installed systems similar to what you’ll be looking for?
a. Have they provided you a list of references?
4. Can you get a “live-working” demo at an existing site?
5. How many full-time technicians/installers does this company employ?
6. How many years have they been there?
7. Has the Sales Engineer you’re working with been with this company long?
8. Does this business partner have solid manufacturer’s relationships?
9. Are they factory-trained? How long ago?
10. Who is their largest client?
As you can see from the above ten questions, I feel the most important questions are those that get you aligned with the “right” business partner. One that you can trust to not only install a good working system, but also one that can support and service you and your system after the installation is complete. The idea of working with a company that provides a 30/30 warranty is not a good one. You know, 30 minutes or 30 miles, whichever comes first?
What are two words that will become increasingly important to customers over the next decade? The answer, according to marketing guru Frank Luntz, is “hassle free”. Customers are fed up with being forced to jump through hoops. Yet isn’t it bizarre that, even in a slow economy, companies are actually becoming more difficult for customers to do business with - before, during and after purchases? Is your company easy to do business with? I hope so, and if not, I’m sure it is or will be a goal moving forward. It should be a great experience! You’re spending the hardest money you’ve ever earned and deserve for it to be well spent.
L.L.Bean’s condensed and slightly edited timeless manifesto reads;
Who are Customers?
- Customers are the most important people ever on these premises.
- Customers are not dependent on us. We are dependent on them.
- Customers are not interruptions to our work. They are the purpose of it.
- Customers are not people to argue with, match wits with, or insult behind their backs.
- Nobody ever won an argument with a customer.
- Customers bring us their needs. It is our job to handle them profitably for them and for ourselves.
L.L. Bean’s words continue to remind me that you, the customer, are important. Do you always feel this way when working with your business partners? Do you deserve anything less? Don’t sell yourself or your business short-certainly you deserve the best available service you can get.
Now, let’s get back to those acronyms. My kids are using acronyms like LOL, BTW or TTYL. How about CRM, CSAT or FAQ? These are used by AT&T and others for ways to better serve you. Those are the acronyms and others like it that I think you should consider important when looking to upgrade your existing video system or any other service for your business.
You might think, “Heh, I thought this article was going to be about getting a new CCTV system. What about that?” Alright, here’s a little information to tease you until my next article. DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder, IR stands for InfraRed, NVR stands for Network Video Recorder, AI stands for Auto Iris and TCPIP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
Yes, I know, boring right? Yep! Stay away from the acronyms and focus on working with someone who really knows what they’re doing and cares more about serving you more than selling their product or service. It is my desire that you understand how important it is to serve. Here are a couple of famous quotes for you to ponder.
“A business absolutely devoted to service will have only one worry about profits. They will be embarrassingly large.” Henry Ford
“Always do more than is required of you” George S. Patton
