The security of buildings is increasingly linked to technological advances, with access systems based on digital keys, biometric systems or the technology used in our mobile phones.
Hotels are one of the sectors to have benefited the most from these systems, but other environments, such as office buildings or public bodies, are also increasingly beginning to enjoy the advantages of the most modern access control devices.
In this article we address the advantages of having a good access system in different types of premises:
1. Different control devices according to your needs
- Pedestrian access control: Via gates or turnstiles – whether half-height, full-height or tripod - that control the entrances and exits to a building and are linked to security systems.
- Vehicular access: Entry to a car park is another area where control systems for buildings can be implemented. Proximity cards are one of the most common credentials, but licence plate recognition can also be used.
- Electronic locks: With indoor and outdoor options for an office building, for example. Indoor electronic locks are well known in hotels and common in other environments, such as office buildings, public centres, residences, hospitals and educational institutions.
2. Increased security by layers
In the end, the security of a building works like the layers of an onion. For example, a person who works in an office building can access the car park with a vehicle, then go through the turnstiles at the reception using ID, before finally arriving at the office, which is accessed via an electronic key.
The same happens in a hotel: if it has no 24-hour reception, the owner can opt for a 2-layer access control system: firstly, through an electronic lock installed at the entrance to the premises and, secondly, when accessing the room.
There are even access control systems for lifts, which are useful in holiday settings and offices.
3. Credentials chosen according to group
Once these security layers have been studied, the next thing is to choose the most suitable credentials for the flow of people into the building. This may be the same for everyone, as with general workers; however, in others, it may be different for employees, suppliers, commercial visitors and other groups of people.
As a result, the access control type must be carefully chosen:
- Proximity system with RFID technology: This can be integrated into cards, key rings, bracelets and other devices.
- Via mobile phone: with permissions granted through Bluetooth technology or QR code.
- Biometric systems: for example, fingerprints and facial recognition.
- Numeric code keypads.
- Licence plate recognition.
4. Technology for flexibility and security
Access management linked to technological control devices offers great advantages compared to mechanical locks and classic keys, which carry a risk of loss and unofficial copies being made.
This does not happen with digital keys, since access can be granted and withdrawn at any time. This happens in a company: once the employment relationship ends, that person's entry credentials can be cancelled in a matter of seconds.
These systems can also be configured in all kinds of ways, with different levels of security permissions. For example, an ordinary worker may have access only to the general facilities, while a manager may be able to enter reserved areas; or access can be restricted according to a timetable, e.g. preventing entry to an office at night.
In short, the right people have access to the right place at the right time.
5. Flow supervision
Access management systems can monitor entry and exit flows, to facilitate management at times of high traffic. The system may also prioritise traceability, with proof and the exact time of those entering or leaving a certain location.
6. Individual access control plans
Omnitec Systems has more than 25 years’ experience in the development, manufacture and sale of electronic locks and access control systems. By considering a multitude of factors and the particularities of each environment, we can provide a tailor-made plan to provide buildings with the most appropriate devices to guarantee the desired level of security and the required information on the flow of people in and out of the building.
Please contact our team if you are interested in implementing a project with these features.