As we have talked about before, the best security for any business is a comprehensive system that is custom designed for your space and your daily operations. But we understand that a personalized system can sound overwhelming! Fortunately, your local locksmith team can provide guidance about what to expect from an individualized security system. We can also make sure the solutions are the right fit for your budget, so don’t stress about that! The best business security is that which fits your needs, your space, and your budget, which is what we always strive to provide. 

One of the most customizable elements of any security system is access control, and for good reason. The whole point of all the different access control security elements out there is to give you control over who can and cannot access each section of your business. Depending on the options you choose, it’s also a way of controlling how you manage your security. So let’s break it down. Here are the most common categories of access control security: 

 

Mechanical Access Control

While most folks think of access control systems as strictly electronic, the good old fashioned door lock also counts as access control. Depending on your need, the ease and simplicity of a high-security lock or a master key system could be enough to give you the control you seek. Non-electronic locks are also a great way to lock a specific portion of your space, especially if your employees don’t need to access that room. For example, it may make sense to secure conference rooms or janitorial closets with a standard lock. But this subset of locks also includes things like magnetic locks, high-security locks, and master key systems, which all give you a way to better secure your space without adding electronics to the mix.

 

Electronic Access Control

Now, when most business owners think about access control, the electronic elements are probably what come to mind. This subset includes: 

PIN/Code-Access Locks

Think of these locks a bit like the keypad that hangs out on the outside of your garage. There are a wide range of different PIN or code-access locks out there that span from simple, unlabeled buttons that get pressed in a specific sequence to digital number-pad locks that can be programmed with one or more different codes. Modern keypad locks can generally be connected through the WiFi, so you can often make changes to codes via a secure app on a smartphone or tablet. 

 

Card Reader Locks

You’ve probably seen this style of lock the last time you were at a hotel. Card reader locks are digital locks that are disengaged by swiping, inserting, or tapping a specially-coded card against a reader. Most of these locks allow you to key a card for each individual who needs access, which makes it a great way to take control when you need to restrict access to specific people and times. Card reader locks generally track users and times, so it can be a way to see who enters a space — and if there’s a card reader needed for entry and exit, it’s a good way to see who is still in the building. 

 

Audit-Trail Locks, Timed Locks

We’ve touched on this already, but audit-trail locks are any lock options that allow you to collect a trail of data about when a specific lock is disengaged. That information may be as simple as timestamps for when the lock is disengaged, but if you choose locks that allow for multiple codes, you can then track who’s code is used and when. It’s a great option for tracking employees and can be used for support in instances of burglary. 

Similarly, timed locks (or time-zone locks) can take multiple forms. Some of the most common are timed locks used on bank vaults, which provide a delayed opening when a duress code is entered. But many timed locks can also be set based on certain recurring times, like your business’s opening hours. With a timed lock, the door won’t open outside of set times, even with the correct code or access card. These can be a great option for retail businesses and others who see a lot of foot traffic throughout the day. 

Biometric Locks

This is the “spy-movie” category of locks. Think fingerprint scanners, palm geometry scanners, retinal scanners, and so on. These are often used for high-security needs because they are much harder to spoof than, say, a card reader. Since they rely on an individual’s incredibly unique features, it’s much harder for would-be burglars to perpetuate crimes of opportunity. 

The good news is that these different access control options come in a range of different sizes and options — and better still, they can be combined in any number of different ways to provide the customized security you need. Connect with Urich Lock today to discuss access control security for your Milwaukee business today!