In the interconnected world of life and technology, why are you still using keys for your front door? Especially when an average of 20 million Americans per year lose their keys… that’s a lot of unnecessary loss.
Doors are an essential part of any facility, and yet, we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their actual role, and how much they can support your business. We know all about fire doors, and keeping them closed in certain situations to cut down fire risks, but what about the front door? Or doors to specific offices and other secure locations. The front door can set the tone for your entire business. From access privileges for a new hire on day one, to membership-based businesses that monetize their spaces by locking doors at all times and only allowing paid members to gain access. What happens at the front door is key to reassuring people who enter as to what kind of forward-thinking business you operate.
Now the big debate: keep doors unlocked and employ individuals to constantly watch the unlocked door for unwanted or unknown visitors, or automate access control.
To understand access control, we first need to define it, or better yet, we’ll have our trusted partner in access control, ProdataKey, help us:
“Access control is a fundamental element of security, and a rapidly growing industry. It can be described as the intentional ability to either allow or restrict access to a particular building, room, door, or drawer with the main goal of protecting life, property, and confidential information. One of the key elements of access control is the empowerment of business owners and administrators to effortlessly monitor and manage who, when, and under what conditions people are gaining access to keep facilities secure 24/7. Everyday businesses and other facilities are choosing to upgrade their systems from the inconvenience of mechanical keys of the past to the robust security and ease of mobile access control systems.”
Keys
Aside from the 20 million Americans who lose their keys every year, manual systems come with a slew of other challenges, not only those that hinder security, but operational efficiency as well.
Operational Inefficiency and Time Consumption
Not having a modern access control system in place means that you must have staff manning open doors, spend a lot of time issuing physical keys, maintain and update lists of individuals who have keys, and specify which specific keys they have. The more employees, visitors, or members, the more time–consuming and resource–intensive the whole process becomes.
Human Error
Do you ever wonder if the keys you still have from your old office still work? Chances are high. Without strict measures on access, things fall through the cracks. Human error is inevitable. Especially when thinking about the scalability of your business. The more store-fronts – the more employees, the more employees – the more keys, the more keys – the greater chance for human error.
Lack of Data
The lack of data that accompanies physical keys poses risks to your business’s safety and security. How late are employees entering the premises? What information or data can they get on those unaccompanied late-night trips? Are you 100% positive that you locked up the server room before you left? What happens if an employee leaves the door unlocked when they’re the last one out? Imagine the damage that could occur then.
Keyless
Running a business means balancing safety, efficiency, and convenience. Traditional keys can slow that balance down. They’re easily lost, hard to track, and expensive to replace. Automated access control systems offer a smarter, safer solution that gives you full control without the hassle.
Smarter Security
Keys can be copied, misplaced, or fall into the wrong hands. With a digital access system, you can instantly update, revoke, or grant entry permissions – no rekeying or hardware changes needed. Every door and user is managed through one secure system, giving you real-time insight into who’s coming and going. It’s security that adapts as your business grows and changes.
Simplified Management
Automating access puts you in control from anywhere. Grant temporary access to contractors or cleaning crews, or set entry schedules based on employee shifts, all with just a few clicks. Multiple doors, multiple locations, and one easy dashboard. This streamlined management saves time, reduces risk, and eliminates guesswork.
Seamless Efficiency
Beyond safety, automation enhances daily operations. Employees and vendors can enter with key cards, mobile apps, or PINs, creating a frictionless experience. Plus, access reports and audit trails make it simple to track activity and ensure compliance. It’s not just secure, it’s smart, scalable, and ready for the future of business security.
Go Keyless, Stay Secure
Automated access control gives your business flexibility, accountability, and peace of mind.
Contact Somerset Fire Alarm & Security to learn how automated access control systems can strengthen and simplify your building security.