Giving too much time to security management is frustrating; But a definite sign of an insecure access control system is the occurrence of a burglary or a theft, the spreading of an online virus infection or an action of sabotage performed by an employee. Most managers fail short in some aspect of keeping the company safe. They start thinking about how to switch the access control system once the business is jeopardized by some unpleasant event such as the above.
With so many customizable access control systems that can safeguard your working space, it’s below par to make the switch once you suffer a significant financial loss, let alone suffer from casualties. Instead of waiting for the final straw to be dropped by an accident, a simple security plan developed with the help of office security specialists can provide tips on how to switch the access control system with the least effort and at reasonable costs.
Factoring Costs to Change the Office Access Control System #
As a general rule, managers in charge of office and information security are reluctant to change access control systems because of costs.
But, is it really the cost of a replaced key or a damaged door the only factor that will affect your decision to upgrade the insecure access control system? If you haven’t calculated the overall risk effects before an imminent danger, you’d have no easy escape when it happens.
Although it’s true that you will need to plan the best possible version of the new access control system in terms of affordability and effectiveness, the story of costs is somewhat of a myth.
Just a basic search of Amazon access control providers for card proximity readers offers so many options, that it becomes clear that there is value for every money. For illustration purposes, digital keypads can cost anywhere between $30 or $40 and several hundred dollars. Biometrics are pricier.
In the end, when you change the access control system with a modern software solution, keep in mind the system options which enable additional savings on mechanical devices or people resources.
An advanced access control system is irreplaceable for companies with multiple remote offices.
So, the best answers to the question ”How to switch access control systems?” come in a pair with the answers to the question on “why” and “where” do you want to make the change. Only then you can get a full picture of the costs.
Key Benefits of Making the Switch #
Switching the access control system defines clear roles about who, when and where has been granted access. If you install an Internet-based access control system, you won’t be tied to waiting for legal implementation of measures. The switch provides sort of an internal policing tool for immediate handling of the consequences coming out as a result of the insecure access control system.
This is not about taking the law into your own hands. It’s about creating an ability to respond quickly to threats within the limits of your property.
An added benefit of newly implemented access control systems is that they can be used not only to open and lock doors, but also to track all security events on several locations, switch equipment on and off, and function out of hours without the need of 24/7 employed staff. A remotely controlled camera can take over this job. It can act as surveillance and keep images for reporting and event logs. Yes, cameras can be pricey, but when properly installed, they can oversee multiple access points. The software system dashboard provides real-time event log, but it can also create history reports.
When you change the access control system with a cloud-based option integrated with mobile apps, you can keep your office safe from anywhere in the world.
If you think that running a full security system from a smartphone is a far-fetched solution, here is some food for thought: Smartphones have become popular for wide use only in the last decade. We already feel safe enough to use them as payment tools. How long will it take until we switch to using smart devices in all other areas?