Access Control
driven by your access control systems Access control systems are a fundamental component of security in modern buildings and across sites within organisations. However, the capability of the technology extends far beyond safeguarding access points and keeping spaces secure. Gary Hutchinson, Solutions Design Manager for Securitas UK, explains how facilities managers can leverage these systems as powerful data tools, unlocking insights that drive smarter, more cost-effective decisions for building efficiency, sustainability, and occupant safety.
Where Access Control Began
In the last decade alone, the changes in technology and the additional tools available for businesses to unlock capabilities through open AI have paved the way for the security solutions we see around us today. From the early days of lock and key to the sophisticated solutions involving biometrics, AI, and alarm and mobile response support, to name a few, the access control market has evolved. Today, all these solutions and more can integrate seamlessly with modern buildings, transforming how businesses operate.
More Than Just Access Control
The access control market is expanding rapidly and is expected to grow by over one-third1
by 2030. These systems
are fast becoming part of everyday life. From alarm response and intruder monitoring to the personal safety of individual employees, response teams can now be mobilised to track and monitor both and not only ensure the safety of property but also prioritise people’s safety and well-being on-site. In the past, determining who had access and when used to be extremely difficult to manage, unless there was a physical presence on-site. AI and auto-recognition technology make this process seamless, efficient, and more accurate.
Decision-Making Through Data Insights
While the primary function of advanced access control systems may be to keep people out of places where they shouldn’t be, the data they generate for security purposes can now be put to work elsewhere.
The insights can provide a comprehensive understanding of building usage, allowing facilities managers to make informed decisions, optimise resources, and ultimately, protect against threats.
These could include: • Optimising cost savings and efficiencies: Analysing
building footfall to understand when a physical presence, versus a mobile presence or CCTV monitoring, is most suitable for a customer or client’s needs to protect access requirements. • Reducing risk: Safety is paramount when looking after a
business’s security needs, and there are many ways to reduce risk, such as monitoring login times and locations, geofencing and location awareness. For example, access frequency or unusual login times could indicate a security breach. • Remote response: access control and CCTV combined can
be used to remotely detect a threat in real-time, which would then set off an alarm in the SOC (Security Operations Centre) and mobilise an immediate response. This immediate response could be anything from a mobile patrol dispatch to sending emergency services to a location. • Optimising resources: By analysing footfall in certain
areas, FMs can adjust heating, ventilation, and lighting systems to match actual usage rather than preset schedules. Access control data can provide insights for smarter energy management, helping reduce energy usage, lower bills, and support sustainability efforts.
Access control systems are far more than just security mechanisms. They are essential tools for facilities managers looking to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety. By leveraging access data, facilities managers can optimise building operations, reduce unnecessary expenditures, and create smarter workplaces that meet the evolving needs of their occupants.
As facilities management continues to embrace digital
transformation, the value of access control in driving intelligent, strategic decision-making will only continue to grow, and the role of the facilities manager will be to support safer, smarter, and more efficient buildings.
1:
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/uk-access-control-market fmuk 35
Beyond security: smarter decisions
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