Access Control System – become increasingly complex over time

Access control systems play a vital role in ensuring the safety and protection of premises. By controlling and monitoring who has access to buildings, facilities, and sensitive areas, these systems act as a critical deterrent against unauthorised entry and potential security breaches. They provide a means to regulate employee access, restrict entry to designated workers, and manage visitor entry effectively.

Given the substantial investment made in these systems, organisations strive to maximize their return by using them for as long as possible. Over time, complex ecosystems develop around these legacy technologies, with newer systems added on top, resulting in intricate and interconnected layers. Replacing physical components, such as proximity card readers, turnstiles, or other items, can be costly and disruptive. Therefore, when faced with the need to upgrade their access control systems, many organisations view it as a formidable task requiring significant time and financial investment.

The good news is that there are innovative solutions available that enable modernisation whilst retaining a lot of the existing infrastructure. This allows companies to enhance security without the cost and disruption of replacing the entire infrastructure.

The Pain-free Path to a Seamless Upgrade

Here are some best practices and considerations to ensure your organisation’s journey to modernising its access control system is as pain-free as possible.

1. Assess your current system: Before initiating any upgrades, conduct a comprehensive assessment of your existing access control system. Identify its strengths, weaknesses, and areas that need improvement. This evaluation will help you determine the specific areas to focus on during the upgrade process.
2. Set clear objectives: Define your upgrade objectives and outline the scope of the project. Identify the specific features, functionalities, or security enhancements you aim to achieve. This will help you stay focused and avoid scope creep during the upgrade process.
3. Establish a Realistic Budget: Consider the financial aspects of the upgrade. Create a budget that accounts for all expenses, including hardware, software, support, and any required training.
4. Engage Stakeholders: Involve key stakeholders throughout the upgrade process. Seek input from different departments such as IT teams, security, facilities, and management. Their insights and perspectives will help shape the upgrade strategy, address specific requirements, and foster a sense of ownership and collaboration.
5. Compatibility and Integration: Ensure that the upgraded system is compatible with your existing infrastructure. Consider integration with other systems, such as video surveillance. Verify that the upgraded system can seamlessly communicate and share data with other systems.
6. Post-Upgrade Support: Plan for ongoing system maintenance and support after the upgrade. Determine the level of technical support you may need and whether it will be provided by an internal team or an external vendor. Establish protocols for regular system updates, bug fixes, and security patches.

Access Control - Tailored to Your Needs

Every organisation has different needs and circumstances so it’s vital to adapt these considerations to suit your specific needs. Working with a trusted company that has proven knowledge and expertise in upgrading access control systems can ensure the process is smooth sailing. Leveraging their expertise can help streamline the upgrade process and ensure optimal results.

A provider with proven expertise in access control systems will be able to conduct a thorough assessment of your existing system, analysing its strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement. They should be able to identify specific pain points and recommend targeted upgrade strategies tailored to your organisation's needs.

Knowledge, Expertise and Proven Track Record

At TouchStar Technologies, we have the knowledge and expertise gained over years of implementations to design upgrade solutions aligned with your unique requirements. We consider all factors such as budget, scalability, compliance, and integration with your existing card reader infrastructure. This ensures that the upgrade addresses your specific needs and maximises the effectiveness of the system.

We have experience in managing complex integration processes and ensuring that the upgraded system seamlessly integrates with your existing infrastructure, minimising disruptions, and maximising compatibility.

By working with a trusted partner, such as TouchStar Technologies, you gain peace of mind knowing that experts are handling the upgrade process. Leaving you to focus on your core business activities, knowing that your access control system upgrade is in capable hands.

Want to learn more about upgrading access control systems?

Contact us for expert insight and best practice advice.