Commercial venues across Las Vegas are coming to a new understanding of the need to protect their buildings with modern access control systems. In place of using an old-fashioned key, authorized individuals will increasingly gain entry with the help of such modern security devices as wristbands, access cards and key fobs. These conveniences are more than just easier to use. They also offer a vital improvement in security control.
An access control system is the modern way of monitoring and maintaining control over individuals who may or may not have permission to set enter your premises or, once inside, to set foot in certain areas. The earliest form of access control, the brass key, is one with which all individuals are already familiar. However, these items are easily lost or copied, and when it comes down to the security of your place of business, there are far better options today.
An access control system will allow your employees and other authorized individuals to easily and securely gain entry to:
The right sort of access control system will provide employees, customers and sanctioned individuals easy and convenient entry to permitted areas. Of course, as important as it may be to allow access to authorized persons, it can be even more necessary to restrict some others. Access control systems serve in both situations.
Some popular security access alternatives include wrist bands, swipe cards and key fobs.
These attractive and comfortable items contain programmed discs that identify their wearers. Users can keep them on all day, using their internal technology to gain secure access to locations in and around your venue. They stay out of the user’s way and allow him or her to move freely about yet remain at the ready when needed.
This alternative form of secure access contains a programmed chip that permits entry to credentialed individuals when passed through or held near a card reader. Access cards closely resemble credit cards in size and shape, although they may be somewhat thicker.
When a user swipes a valid access card through a card reader, he or she will normally hear a beep. The reader, for its part, will then permit entry by lifting an entry gate or unlocking a door. Many organizations appreciate the ability to imprint an access card to contain the employee’s name and photograph as an extra measure of identity verification. It is also possible to emblazon the access card with a barcode, thereby allowing it to work with a barcode scanner as well as with a card reader.
On its own, the word “fob” more specifically defines any small object kept on a chain with keys. Normally no bigger than a poker chip, the key fob entry control device is relatively unobtrusive and can easily attach to a keychain or lanyard. Some common uses today include garage door openers, remote automobile starters and keyless door entry devices. Although it is not practical to imprint a key fob entry control device with the user’s name or photograph, some businesses prefer them for just this reason, particularly if they wish to secure their employees’ identity.
The installation of an access control system will smooth the way for companies that have a need to comply with regulations concerning the privacy of such things as:
In addition to permitting access to credentialed individuals while denying it to unauthorized persons, access control devices allow any company to track the time and place of any unlocking event back to the person who triggered it. This capability facilitates the clocking of an employee’s entry and egress.
Access control readers will normally mount at turnstiles, on poles or on the walls outside the entry points. The user will either insert the card, swipe the device or hold it between 2 and 6 inches away from the reader. Some more advanced readers contain key pads allowing the users to enter an employee identification number. Others will provide for biometric readings of the user’s fingerprint or iris, and still more will contain a combination of these ingredients.
The access control panel, also known as an intelligent controller, will normally sit behind locked doors and away from common access. Every lock in the system is
wired to this panel. When it receives a valid signal from one of the readers, the panel will unlock the corresponding door.
A head of security, office administrator or other authorized individual will normally program the readers, thereby setting the parameters of who may or may not gain access to a certain area as well as the circumstances under which he or she may do so. More advanced systems have automated the programming procedure so that when a new employee comes on board or is terminated, the information propagates to the readers electronically.
The proper access control system is a critical part of protecting any commercial venue and helping to ease its daily operation. Security threats come from many varied sources. An unwanted intrusion by a terrorist, a competitor or a disgruntled former employee can shake up a business’s assets, wreak havoc with its operations or even endanger its human occupants. A careful determination of a company’s goals and needs will assist in selecting the system that meets them best.
You will want to consider:
In this modern age, it is the rare Las Vegas business enterprise that can consider itself immune from security threats. Low Volt offers a range of security systems with something to suit every need. Don’t leave your commercial property unprotected. Call Low Volt today and learn what our state-of-the-art security systems can do for you.