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SECURITY


number of users with varying security clearances), more often than not a straightforward, reliable, easy to use access control system, minus all the bells and whistles, does the job. And is highly affordable to boot!


Ultimately a good security installer will recommend the right system to meet a specific site, but it helps to have a basic understanding of access control and what you should consider.


Key considerations Before making any decisions on what type of electronic access control system is required, it’s important to engage all potential stakeholders in the decision-making process as different people within an organisation will have differing requirements; the choice of system will be directly impacted by this.


You also want to look to the future. Are there plans in place or talk of expansion and if so in what way? Is the organisation looking to employ more people or maybe looking to consolidate and move all staff to one site; will there be extra buildings on site or will existing buildings be extended; will activities within these buildings change at all? This applies to organisations of all sizes and, if anything, is even more important to smaller ones looking to grow as many standalone one door access control systems cannot be expanded to cover other doors. A scalable access control system will allow you to expand the system and add features as you grow. Even if there are no plans for change right now, I would always recommend a scalable system as it’s future proof. Lastly, ensure building compliance codes are considered, particularly in relation to fire systems.


Types of system Swipe card-based systems are pretty much a thing of the past and have been replaced by proximity systems where you present a card or tag at a reader without needing to touch it. These are by far the most popular types of systems as they can be relatively inexpensive in terms of capital outlay. There’s no wear and tear on these components so they are reliable and ongoing maintenance costs are low, plus the flow of pedestrian traffic is not impeded. They are particularly suitable for sites where there is a higher level of dirt and dust than usual, for obvious reasons.


However, be aware that proximity systems do have the ongoing cost of issuing and managing tags/cards. To avoid that you could look at a biometric-based system instead. Most organisations automatically associate biometrics with big bucks, but not so. Whilst a biometric system involves a larger capital outlay the ongoing costs are minimal so it balances out over a relatively short period of time.


One of the newest systems to arrive, that you may not be familiar with, is the smartphone-based access control system. Designed to be quick and simple to use, these systems also remove the need for cards and tags with users gaining access via their smartphones through an App. Our own Stanley OneDoor can be used with existing STANLEY Access Control products and rolled out to an


www.tomorrowsfm.com


entire building in under one hour, without the need for any new hardware. Instead, there is a competitively priced monthly subscription fee per door, with unlimited users. Highly flexible, the system is secured with bank-level encryption and can also be used with traditional cards and tags where required.


There are also environmental benefits to be had from both biometric and smart phone based system as plastic cards and tags become a thing of the past.


What makes for an effective simple system? Standalone systems are ideal if you have just one or two doors to control and will do the job at hand. Any more than this and you need to go up a level and opt for a software- based system. You don’t want to be paying for an array of advanced features that you don’t need, so ensure the system allows you to buy a basic package that you can add to if and when the need arises.


There really are an array of features that come with software-based systems – far too many for me to list here – but one aspect that is very useful is an audit trail, which documents who has been on site and in what areas.


“Electronic access control systems are a highly effective, affordable security option and can grow


and adapt with the building and its inhabitants.”


When it comes to hardware, you want robust readers and electronic locks that stand the test of time. The locks have the most wear and tear, and will require maintenance, so check if your security provider offers service and maintenance packages and what those cover.


If you have an intruder alarm system in place, check to see if existing cable can be used (8 core alarm cable) as this could save you a few bob also.


Lastly, check to see if finance options are available. Some companies now offer security systems on a rental basis. STANLEY Assure – STANLEY Security’s rental finance solution – for example, provides an affordable means of upgrading a complete security system and removes the need to justify and raise significant capital outlay in a depreciating asset.


Electronic access control systems are a highly effective, affordable security option and, if you pick the right system, can grow and adapt with the building and its inhabitants. Be realistic about what you want from the system and don’t get carried away by all the clever features and add- ons. Remember, you don’t need a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Sometimes, simple is best.


www.stanleysecurity.co.uk/solutions/access-control TOMORROW’S FM | 49


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