No matter the size of your building, you want control over who is allowed inside. This is even truer if you deal with sensitive materials and have areas of your property that only authorized users should be able to enter. That’s where access control comes in. It’s as simple as the name sounds — access control gives you the ability to control who’s able to access your property. Traditionally, it’s consisted of systems that include key cards and key pads. But badges are easily lost, and codes can be forgotten, which is why a lot of organizations are moving to more technologically sophisticated solutions. What is the future of access control? Let’s look at some exciting technological developments, including mobile credentials and biometrics.
The Future of Access Control
Access control originated over 6,000 years ago with wooden locks and keys. A lot has changed since then, but the basics are the same. If you want to keep unauthorized people away from secure areas, access control can help. Eventually, access control evolved to include iron padlocks. By the 1960s, keypads and punch-card systems became common. In recent years, access control has reached new levels of innovation, and it’s only expected to become more advanced from this point. Smartphone credentials and biometrics are currently two of the most popular types of access control systems.
Mobile Credentials
Mobile credentials are essentially digital keys issued to authorized users — whether that’s employees, residents, or certain visitors. Rather than keeping track of a physical key, users can rely on their smartphones. You have the option of using an app, a QR code, or another tool to grant access. One of the biggest advantages? You can remove access remotely, so you don’t have to worry about someone returning a key card once you revoke their access.
Biometrics
Biometrics are widely considered the most secure form of access control. These systems rely on a user’s fingerprint, iris shape, hand print, among other traits. These systems are very difficult to breach because they depend on unique attributes that are impossible to fake — each biometric measure is completely distinctive and variable depending on the person. If you have highly sensitive materials,
Choosing the Right Security Provider
Integrated Security Consultants is a full-service security firm headquartered in Tampa Bay serving clients locally and nationwide. We live by our core values of Integrity, Solutions, and Customer Service — all while protecting your people, property, and profits. Are you interested in learning how we can partner together to install a high-tech access control system that’s easy for you to use? You have enough to worry about — let us handle security for you. Contact us online or call 813-254-0033 for a no-obligation, no-cost quote.