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1st Alarm Access Control Systems
The seamless flow of authorized access into and within your business, apartment building or community is critical in order to provide hassle-free movement for patrons and residents alike. Access control systems using automated gate systems helps reduce vehicular traffic controls access into the neighborhood while pedestrian gates and door access control limits access by foot to authorized personnel, residents and invited guest only.
Perhaps the most commonly asked question associated with access control measures is are they effective in reducing crime. The simple answer is, yes. Just being able to reduce unnecessary or unauthorized traffic alone is enough to reduce crime. Formidable fencing and gates restrict access and therefore provide both a physical and psychological barrier for criminals. Criminals want to come onto a property anonymously and blend in. Criminals like quick escape routes and don’t want to become trapped behind fences or gates should they be discovered. Many criminals will bypass a business or community that employs access control measures and opt instead to take their mischief to an easier target.
A comprehensive access control system is composed of these primary elements:
- Control Panel and Software – This is essentially the “brain” of the system that contains the database of authorized individuals. It also controls the commands for each door or gate within the community.
- Entry Devices – This refers to the actual devices used to gain entry to the property which include options such as:
- Keypads – Keypads allow access to someone who knows the code.
- Key Card or Fob Reader – The card reader system is ideal for properties with many people needing to gain access to a property. It makes it possible to configure access control to different doors and gates. It also makes it possible to issue different cards, depending on how they are going to be used. And when a card is misplaced, it is simple to deactivate it. Contractors may be issued cards that allow entry during very specific times or time periods only. Temporary cards may be issued for visitors, the validity of which expire once they exit the property.
- Biometric Readers – The use of biometrics to accomplish access control access has been increasing. Personal physical characteristics are used as credentials, therefore, the need for cards or fobs with a unique code is eliminated. Examples of Biometric Readers include retina scanners, fingerprint readers, and hand geometry readers.
- Radio Frequency Transmitters – Each resident is issued a transmitter unit
- Emergency Vehicle Access Control System – This element of access control is able to quickly respond should emergency vehicles need access to the community.
Access control for apartment communities
Large apartment complexes frequently employ some form of access control such as gate systems to not only improve safety but to also attract new residents. Installing access control measures are typically a more effective and less expensive alternative to hiring and managing security guards. Residents can be granted access with only the click of a button. When a resident ends their lease – property managers simply revoke access using a web based application without having to collect back a card or FOB or change the keypad code. Access control for apartment complexes can provide convenient, secure high-tech access control on your property; secure main entrances and/or access to certain floors within a building and keep common areas such as the community pool, fitness center or clubhouse exclusive for residents all while being able to grant access or revoke access with only the click of a button.
Access control systems can also keep time-stamped records of all entries and exits for a protected property. When a security breach or incident has occurred an audit trail can be very helpful in showing who entered the building/property corresponding to the time of the incident.
Access control for businesses
Digital technology has made commercial access control a simple, affordable feature. Tracking keys can be time consuming, expensive and doesn’t always work. With commercial access control you can determine who should have access and when they should have access and the system controls everything else. Doors are automatically unlocked and locked with a record of everyone that comes in and leaves.
Generally, when you’re away from your business, you’ll want to keep the security system enabled at all times. However, there may be instances where it would be helpful to disarm the system temporarily, such as to let a worker gain access outside of normal working hours. It couldn’t be more convenient to switch the system on and off from your mobile device.
Not only can you protect your business with a commercial access control system but you also provide protection for your employees since no unauthorized personnel can gain entry. Your Amarillo TX business will have a safety barrier around at all times.
No matter where you are in the world you can track who is coming and going at your business. If workers are scheduled to do repair work, you can grant temporary access and even know if and when they showed up. In the event of a problem that requires personnel in your business to be evacuated you can use your commercial access control system to verify everyone has in fact left the building.
