Access control for optimising security in commercial spaces

Commercial spaces are hubs of activity, with staff and visitors flowing throughout the building. This human hive breathes life into the building, and is often what commercial spaces are intended for.

However, there’s a huge downside that could be putting your business at risk.

Buildings with uninhibited movement and weak security systems are targeted more frequently by criminals. One exploitable soft spot could mean millions in damage to your business.

But don’t fret – there is a way to protect your business. Access control.

With access control systems, you can rest assured that your business and assets are protected.

Why Access Control?

Access control encompasses a wide range of solutions used to regulate and manage entry in and around a building. They allow business owners to take control of their security with a flexible system that is both user friendly and highly customisable, meaning they get to know what’s happening, where, in real time.

Keep your business and employees safe

Restrict access to unauthorised personnel to keep your employees and assets safe. With a secure means to keep intruders out, you’re helping to prevent damage and theft whilst protecting staff from potential violence and abuse. In emergency situations, access control allows you to quickly locate anyone inside the building by viewing the logs.

Save time and money

Lock and key is a thing of the past. Modern systems can use fingerprints, pass codes, smart cards and even mobile devices to grant users access. Plus, these are cheaper and easier to replace than a door key, which can require a full replacement of all locks if a key is lost.

The inconspicuous design of smart cards and mobile keycards also reduce the risk of theft, which is a benefit that cannot be overlooked. On top of this, biometric systems – such as fingerprint scanners – prioritise ease of use as they only require the individual’s finger.

CCTV Integration

Access control systems have many functionalities and integrations that can be used to optimise the security of the entire building or specific areas. At Lloyd Worrall, we offer solutions that can work alongside CCTV to record when a controlled area is being accessed, ensuring complete security and surveillance, as well as being able to raise an alarm if required.

Easy remote access

With a state-of-the-art system, you can monitor and manage your security both on-site and from anywhere in the world, provided you have internet access. This allows you to manage temporary users, issue new credentials and troubleshoot issues remotely.

Restrict access by area

Sensitive areas may need additional protection – for example, internal areas where data or documents are stored require more security than a reception area. In retail buildings, this can be used to restrict access to certain areas such as warehouses or utility rooms, so that only the right people are getting the right access.

Digital detective

Your access control logs provide a goldmine of information that can be used to detect the guilty party in the event of a crime.

These details can show users who accessed the compromised area at the time of the incident and even how long they remained in there for. Paired with CCTV to show the individual’s actions upon entering or leaving the area, this can fill in the gaps in an investigation to ensure justice is served. 

Criminals in action 

The Commercial Victim Survey (2022) highlighted some key statistics on the vulnerability of commercial businesses. It showed that publicly accessible buildings are 13% more likely to be targeted by criminals with the most common crimes being theft (15%), burglary (9%), vandalism (9%) and assaults/threats (7%). The survey also revealed that the most common impact of these crimes was financial loss as well as stolen goods/ services, wasting of staff time and reputational damage.

Upon closer inspection of the participants’ security measures, the three most common were a working alarm (73%), window and door locks (66%) and external CCTV (63%). A staggering 56% of those surveyed reported having no entry control measures and those that did named receptionists, security guards and caretakers as their sole access control method.

–   Less than 50% had secure workshops and storerooms for valuables [1]

–   Less than 40% had formal sign in process for visitors

–   Less than 30% had intercoms/ video-coms

Our products

When it comes to access control, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why we offer a range of electronic handle sets, on-line door controllers and wall readers, Securespec packages, video door entry solutions and access control systems. These are suitable for a range of applications and are designed to work seamlessly throughout all spaces, including offices, retail spaces and warehouses.

Together, we can find the perfect fit for your next project.

Access Control Software

Similarly, our comprehensive range of software offers centralised administration and control of sites from one to hundreds of doors, and thousands of users. Using the intuitive, user-friendly system you can perfectly tailor access privileges to groups or individuals quickly and easily whilst generating event reports in seconds. The adaptable interface makes specifying, installing and maintaining the system easy.

We can supply software which contains all the standard access control features to manage access privileges and report on users with other features including unlimited free client login, CCTV and basic intruder alarm integration, and site graphics.

Our access control software can include advanced features like timesheet and timeline (which are time management bolt-ons), fire alarm and multi-zone intruder alarm integration, security lockdown, anti-passlock, and card designer.

These are suitable for a range of applications and are designed to work seamlessly, alongside our access control hardware, throughout all spaces such as offices, retail spaces and warehouses.

Why choose Lloyd Worrall

We understand that no two buildings or security requirements are the same, so our expert team will work with you to develop an access control system that is specifically designed to suit your needs – whatever the challenge.

We’ve got a wealth of experience working with clients in the commercial sector to optimise their security, so pick the team you can trust – pick Lloyd Worrall.

Get in touch today: enquiries@lloydworrall.co.uk

Back To News