Overcoming access control challenges in modern buildings

The continuous development of new and challenging security threats for modern businesses creates an urgent need for efficient, powerful security solutions.

While traditional systems are falling short, modern, technology-based systems are shining through as the perfect solution.

Not convinced? Read on to see why access control technology is the solution you’ve been searching for…

Why is access control so important for modern buildings?

The primary reason businesses approach us for access control solutions is due to security concerns surrounding building access. In a business space, such as an office, it’s essential to monitor and control the individuals entering and moving throughout the building. Intruders can take advantage of relaxed security to enter a building to steal valuable assets and data, which has the potential to completely devastate a business or significantly disturb operations. Busy cities come with increased concerns over the danger posed by intruders, which access control can alleviate by preventing entry before a threat has the opportunity to develop.

Spaces accessible to the public, such as commercial spaces, require boundaries to be set to restricted areas, preventing public access. The security required for public-facing areas compared to staff-only spaces is vastly different. Restricting access to staff-only areas allows staff to set boundaries as to when and where they can be approached, as well as limiting access to unauthorised areas to prevent theft, breach of privacy, or safety risks in the event of an emergency.

Within the healthcare sector, access control plays a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable people and restricting access to sensitive or dangerous equipment. Chemical stores, medical waste, and specialist treatment areas require strict access monitoring to hinder vulnerable individuals who pose a risk to themselves if allowed access and protect equipment and data from theft or damage by unauthorised intruders.

The role of access control in schools is a topic we have covered extensively in a previous blog, which you can read here. Access control is pivotal for schools, as it safeguards students by reducing the risk of outside threats and protects staff by allowing safe areas to access and guide pupils in the event of an emergency.

Access Control “Challenges”

Many organisations believe there’s obstacles hindering them from operating an efficient access control system, such as:

• An inability to restrict by area, meaning the entirety of the building must have tight security or areas that require heightened security aren’t being protected properly.
• Inefficient systems that hinder quick, easy access and movement throughout the building.
• Disruptions in high-traffic areas where the volume of people and security of the area cause congestion.
• Difficulty integrating the access control system with existing systems and an inability to use alongside CCTV for heightened security.
• Control over access but a lack of visibility over who is using it.

Our ultimate access control solutions

For enhanced efficiency and security, our access control solutions can be tailored to suit each unique client. Our expert access and autos team works closely with our clients to configure a system that works perfectly for their business. This includes allowing the level of security for each area to be altered as is appropriate to the context. Adapting access rights by area is just one of the options available to our clients. With our skilled access and automation team, you can request access rights to be tailored by individual, giving high-ranking members of staff more privileges than lower-ranking staff who require minimal access rights. Using these systems creates a more efficient security eco-system where staff can carry a keycard and use a biometric signature or unique code that will identify the individual and allow them entry based on their pre-configured access rights. Traditional systems using lock and key entry, requiring staff to carry and identify a large number of keys, pale in comparison to the permission-based efficiency of access control technology. This has the added benefit of keeping a record of exactly who is accessing which areas and when, ensuring the correct access protocols are being followed, and highlighting where this is not the case to flag issues before they become larger problems.

Versatility is a huge benefit of access control technology. Our systems can be combined with our door automation solutions, allowing efficient entry and streamlined traffic flows throughout busy areas to ease congestion. This is particularly beneficial in spaces where swift movement is essential, such as commercial back-of-house areas where staff (often transporting equipment or large loads) must be able to quickly move between areas, including those with different levels of security. The ease with which our access control solutions can be integrated with our clients existing systems creates a powerful solution perfectly suited to each business. No need for disruptions or endless technical difficulties. Clients can also opt for additional security measures to ensure peace of mind, such as integrating access control with a CCTV system to provide a clear view of each area to ensure access credentials are being used correctly and to spot potential threats before they can become an emergency. With the added benefits of centralised management and remote access, our state-of-the-art systems allow clients to revolutionise and maintain their buildings security from anywhere, at any time. Manage users, create temporary credentials, and respond to potential threats in record time, even when you’re out of office.

Jubilee Building Hillingdon Hospital

A prime example of the exceptional impact access control can have is our work with Hillingdon Hospital, London. When working with the client, they explained that creating a safe, secure environment for patients and staff without compromising on operational efficiency was essential.

To achieve this, alongside other products, we supplied a complete access and autos system. Our skilled access and automation team provided comprehensive technical guidance, supplying door automation operators to key areas that were linked to a video entry system to provide 24-hour access, security, and safety out of hours. This allowed staff to prioritise the safety of their patients while still being able to efficiently travel throughout the building to ensure continuous, efficient care.

How can Lloyd Worrall help?

Not only are we trusted providers of sophisticated, powerful access control solutions, we also have an expert access and automation team who can assess your needs, suggest solutions, and ultimately help you decide on and implement the perfect solution for your business. With extensive experience working with a range of sectors to supply and install access control solutions, our team knows exactly how to understand your requirements and adapt our products to work for you.

As a trusted provider, we are proud to be at the forefront of shaping the future of security for modern businesses. We act with safety, security, and accessibility in mind to ensure we always work to the highest standards, solving our clients’ problems with integrity and efficiency.

Explore our range of access control products here, or get in touch to discuss the best solution for your business: https://www.lloydworrall.co.uk/contact/