Access control failings and how to prevent them

As much as we’d all like to fully trust those around us, there will always be some people who have malicious intentions – so you need to protect your premises. The key is to invest wisely in security, and more specifically, access control. Even when you have security in mind, though, there are pitfalls to consider; pitfalls that many organisations are still falling foul of today. Below are some of the most obvious failings, and a few tips on how to avoid them.

Relying on poor-quality CCTV

As we’ve discussed before, CCTV can go a long way to protecting your business, but not all systems are created equal. Take the cameras used by police in public places, for example – there has long been debate over the quality of footage these offer, and how useful it is when trying to solve crimes. Police insiders have also raised questions about how well forces use the material they gather, suggesting more could be done to protect the public and companies like yours from harm. Armed with this kind of knowledge, some criminals will no doubt be encouraged to take their chances. The answer is to take security into your own hands by implementing a high-quality and reliable CCTV solution – one that allows you to keep a close eye on your premises at all times, both internally and externally.

Assuming safety

It’s understandable that in some environments – especially those where there’s nothing obvious to gain - you might assume safety. Who would act maliciously in a hospital, for example? Or a school? This tendency for people to relax too much in non-commercial environments means that many end up unprotected, and the consequences can be seriously damaging. It’s important that any space where people gather – be it a workplace, school or public facility – is made safe and secure. A carefully-chosen and expertly-configured access control system is the best way to achieve proper protection. By bringing together various security measures into one connected system, you’re able to closely monitor movements on and nearby the premises, while preventing unauthorised access when necessary. The result is a much safer environment for staff, patients, students and anyone else at risk of criminal activity.

Leaving staff ill-prepared

Even when you implement your own state-of-the-art access control system, it’s important that you – and your staff – know how to get the most out of it. Install without warning and measures like barriers, biometric scanners and card readers could disrupt more than they protect your staff. Be clear from day one about what’s changing on the premises and how those changes will affect staff. Prepare cards and credentials well in advance, and organise practice runs with everyone who’ll eventually use the new system. Explain as well why an access control system is being installed and how it will benefit everyone; if you can get the team on board at the start, they’re more likely to follow the processes properly in future.

Looking for help?

If you’re still not sure how to go about protecting your business and employees, fear not – we’re here to help. With more than 40 years of in-house experience, TouchStar is ready to answer all your security questions. So, to find out more about our extensive range of access control technologies, get in touch today.