Smart Access Control Systems: Benefits and How to Choose

The rise in unauthorized physical access and property crime has led businesses to seek more advanced security solutions in recent years. According to a 2022 report by Security Magazine, 28% of organizations saw a rise in physical security incidents, the types of incidents that smart access control systems are designed to keep in check.

Keep on reading to learn about smart access control, cloud-based smart access control, and how to choose a smart system that will reliably meet the security and operational needs of your business or institution.

What is Smart Access Control?

Smart access control is an approach to door security that’s more secure than both mechanical lock-and-key systems and basic keycard systems.

Unlike the first electronic access control methods, which can be vulnerable to sophisticated hackers and duplication devices, smart access control systems use advanced technologies like biometrics and cloud computing to provide a more secure way to manage property access.

Smart access control systems incorporate multiple layers of security, including two-factor ID authentication, real-time alerts for suspicious activities, and remote management capabilities that allow business owners and personnel to view and control access points from anywhere and at any time.

Key Features of Smart Access Control Systems

Digital Keys

Digital “keys,” often managed through a mobile app, provide a more secure and convenient way to gain access.

Digital “keys” contain unique data that signal readers and panel software must assess before entry may be granted. On the other hand, mechanical locks can be picked and depend on mechanical key ridges that are easy to replicate.

By requiring electronic data instead of mechanical ridges, smart access control systems are able to unlock specific access points only when they are associated with a digital keyholder’s preprogrammed access privileges.

What’s more, when lost or stolen, digital keys tend to pose a smaller threat and nuisance than mechanical keys. This is because digital keys can be remotely deactivated by administrators, thereby eliminating the need to rekey mechanical locks and disburse new keys to individuals who need access.

Real-Time Monitoring

Smart access control systems should be integrated with video surveillance feeds to provide a comprehensive view of a property's security status. This allows property managers to track who is entering and exiting through controlled doors without being on-site or in a dedicated CCTV room.

Many smart systems with artificial intelligence can even recognize unusual or unwanted behaviors and provide instant alerts to administrators or other personnel.

Remote Management

Smart access control systems allow property managers to control who has access to buildings without being physically present to unlock doors. This feature is particularly useful for property managers with multiple properties.

Cloud Access Control: The Future of Security

Cloud access control is an advanced form of smart access control that leverages cloud computing to provide even greater convenience and flexibility.

Top Benefits of Smart Cloud Access Control

• Cloud access control systems store all access-related data in the cloud, including audit trails that support regulatory compliance and effective security investigations.
• Cloud storage allows for seamless integration between cloud access control and other cloud-based systems, including CCTV surveillance systems and alarms.
• Storing data in the cloud eliminates the need for expensive on-site servers, reducing the overall cost and complexity of the system.
• The cloud enables features like remote management and real-time monitoring.
• The cloud enables easy system updates, ensuring that your security measures are always up-to-date and that your overall system is keeping up with advancements in technology.

How to Choose the Right Smart Access Control System

By carefully considering these criteria and asking the right questions, you can choose a smart access control system that not only meets your business security needs but also offers convenience and operational efficiency.

Understand Your Needs

Before diving into the many smart access control options available, assess the specific needs of your property.

• Are you overseeing a large corporate campus with multiple buildings and entry points, or is your operation smaller with limited access areas?
• Do your employees or clients require advanced features like remote access, or are basic security measures sufficient?
• Are you managing a large apartment complex with multiple entry points, or is it a smaller property with fewer access requirements?

Understanding these needs will help you simplify the decision-making process by identifying the access control features that are most relevant to you.

Understand Your Smart Access Control Options

When evaluating different smart access control systems, consider asking the following questions:

• What level of security does the system offer?
• Is the system scalable to accommodate future growth?
• Does the system offer real-time monitoring and alerts?
• How user-friendly is the system for both employees and administrators?
• Is the system compatible with other smart building or office features?
• What is the system's uptime, and what kind of support is available?
• How does the system handle data and ensure privacy?

Criteria for Choosing an Installer

Cost Per Access Point

One of the first factors to consider is the cost per access point. This will give you an idea of the overall investment required to implement the system throughout your business premises.

Range of Services

Look for a provider that offers a comprehensive range of services that extend beyond basic access control. Features like real-time monitoring, integration with other smart systems and security installations, and cloud-based management all offer significant added value.

Network Security

Given that smart access control systems are Internet-connected, network security is a critical consideration. Make sure your installer adheres to industry-standard security protocols and offers systems with end-to-end encryption.

Mammoth Security and Smart Access Control

Choosing the right smart access control system is a critical decision that will significantly impact safety at your property.

There are many brands and models to choose from, which can make choosing a cost-effective system that maximally meets your needs a time-consuming struggle. But there’s good news for you if you’re in Connecticut.

The brilliant crew at Mammoth Security installs smart access control systems day in and day out throughout our charming little state. We work with the most trustworthy brands in the security industry, and we customize our installations for a wide range of properties—from apartment complexes and office towers to colleges and manufacturing facilities.

For a 100% free site survey and consultation with a friendly expert from our team, just click on the contact bubble and fill out the form.