5 steps to make sure your access control locks are future-proof

When it comes to building security, there are not many small investments. Choosing the right electronic locks is a decision you want to get right, as mistakes can prove expensive.

What factors determine the right access control for a building or business? Desirability and security must always weigh alongside what is affordable or available in the electronic access control market, of course.

This five-point checklist can help you develop a strategic approach to choosing the right access control solution.

Step 1: Can you extend your existing system rather than beginning from scratch?

Security needs change over time. Locks that “plugin” integrate with an existing system, extending its reach or capability can save you substantial amounts of money. This is why, for your future investments, it makes sense to choose locks built on open architecture. It gives you flexibility going forward, enabling you to choose the right locks for the job, not just the best available within a walled ecosystem.

Wireless locks like Aperio^®, for example, work seamlessly with systems from over 100 different access control providers globally. They can integrate online or offline. Users continue with their existing credentials — so your site’s access control extension, like the integration, is seamless.

Step 2: What is the structure of your site or sites?

You will need locks tailored for high-traffic and low-traffic doors, and indoor and outdoor use. Almost everywhere, wireless locks are easier to install and maintain than wired locks. Battery-powered locks are more energy efficient to run and only wake-up when presented with a credential. They, therefore, align with any corporate sustainability targets.

Certified wireless security locks add protection for sensitive areas and/or those with stringent standards or regulatory compliance demands. Your chosen locking system should handle installations at a single site with standard doors and remote sites in the field with specialist access point applications.

Step 3: Who are your site users and what credentials suit their needs — now and in the future?

Most companies must filter access for permanent staff, short-term contractors and visitors, at least. Your access system should be flexible enough to cope. This includes the credentials you issue. Different systems offer credentials stored on cards and tags, or on programmable battery-powered keys.

Increasingly, when future-proofing access control for convenience, mobile access control must be a consideration. According to a recent IHS Markit forecast, an estimated 44 million mobile credentials will be downloaded by 2021. To take one example, the Openow^™ app for SMARTair^® wireless access systems makes a user’s smartphone into their virtual key. Facility managers issue and revoke user “keys” using intuitive software, which is also app-based. It is an efficient, flexible mobile solution to meet user expectations for the next decade.

A mobile workforce operating at dispersed sites have different mobile credential management needs. For example, secure programmable keys easily updated via Bluetooth and an app — like ASSA ABLOY’s eCLIQ^® solution — will save your business wasted journeys to and from base to collect or return keys.

Step 4: Will a single system secure more than just doors?

Many wireless system product ranges include locks for cabinets, machines, elevators and/or server racks. For outdoor access points, you will need gate locks or padlocks certified for extreme climates and/or with higher IP ratings.

From a facility management perspective, there are workflow efficiency gains from monitoring all “non-doors” — medicine stores, car parks, lockers or lifts — from the same software interface as your doors. From a site user’s point of view, the convenience of carrying one credential for every access need is obvious. Better still if this credential is on the phone they already carry.

The eCLIQ^® locking solution allows you to incorporate all locking devices (including; padlocks, lift locks, cabinet locks, and server rack locks) into easy to manage software, allowing facilities managers to have full oversight of the complete business.

Step 5: Does your access control need to be in real-time?

Choosing an online access control system will allow  you  to manage and amend door security at any time, from anywhere.. You can monitor sensitive medicine stores remotely and in real-time — and revoke access rights if a credential goes missing.

Aperio^® wireless locks, for example, integrate via hubs with online electronic access and real-time monitoring systems in hospitals, schools, warehouses, student halls, and many more secure environments. With some wireless systems, including SMARTair^®, you can combine “Update on Card” and online updating for different doors within the same building.

Wireless access control offers this compelling mix of security, flexibility, compliance, ease of installation, cost-efficiency and seamless integration. Most importantly, it’s a future-proof technology you can deploy right now.

For future-proof access control soltions contact ASSA ABLOY on 011 761 5000 or send an email to za.info@assaabloy.com