Managing access control within a business, apartment complex, or commercial property can be challenging when there are multiple methods used to grant entry into each door. For example, staff members will need to carry many different keys, guests/visitors will have to wait for access, and facility management will have difficulty tracking which individuals have entered the property.
Using a simpler method of integrating an intercom with smart locks is to allow authorised people to use a connected access system to interact with visitors and to open approved doors.
Why Combine Intercoms and Smart Locks?
The use of intercoms will help your employees to determine who is at the door prior to allowing access. The use of smart locks will allow you to control access to each door. By combining these two types of technology, you can create an experience for guests that is both easier and more secure.
In addition, a visitor can contact reception via the intercom, and once their identity has been verified, an authorised employee can open the door from a distance.
Commercial intercom systems installation professionally will allow you to select a system that is suitable for the way your building is organised, where people enter and leave your facility, and how often individuals need to use the intercom on a regular basis.
One Credential, Better Access Control
The use of a connected system will eliminate the need to carry multiple keys and access devices. Staff can utilise an access card, mobile credentials or approved codes at several entry points based upon the type of technology being used.
Access permissions can also be based on roles. For example, office employees can access common spaces in the building, but manager-level employees may have access to restricted spaces. In addition, temporary credentials can be provided to contractors during their contract period and then retracted once they are done with the job.
However, just because you have one type of credential doesn’t necessarily mean all your doors will use the exact same technology. Prior to adding any new hardware to your computer system, especially when incorporating hardware produced by several different manufacturers, you must first verify that it will be compatible with what is already installed on your computer.
What Businesses Should Consider Before Installation?
In advance of choosing a commercially available smart lock system, assess what your building requires for its level of security and the type of locking hardware it currently uses.
Consider these key factors:
- Compatibility: The intercom, locks, and access control software must all be compatible so they can work together correctly.
- User Permissions: Decide who can enter each area and when.
- Audit Logs: Verify that the system records access events and can produce reports about the recorded events.
- Power and Connectivity: Plan for possible network outages and electrical failures.
- Emergency Access: Ensure that all doorways meet local fire safety and emergency evacuation requirements.
An effectively designed system will increase access while maintaining or improving existing safety measures.
Keep Security Simple to Manage
The ability to manage user accounts, assign permissions, and revoke access for employees who have left the company is made much simpler through centralised access management. Furthermore, the use of centralised access management can reduce the amount of time and resources spent on the management of keys for all of the different locations that are being managed.
When considering commercial security & access control solutions explore Alpha Technologies. Providers should be asked about: Installation; system integration; ongoing support; future expansion.
Plan for Long-Term Performance
Building security is not guaranteed by technology alone. To be effective, there needs to be a combination of good user policies, regular maintenance, and well-configured system security.
When choosing an commercial intercom system installation, select a system that meets your current needs and will provide room for growth. Also, when selecting commercial smart lock systems for your business, verify that the system has a proven history of being reliable, offers easy-to-understand access control options, and allows you to make changes to the system at some point in the future.
Using smart locks with an established intercom system is one way to increase ease of management of access into your business. When you properly plan, you can enhance the user experience for your customers/visitors; simplify entry into the facility for your employees; and provide improved oversight of who enters your facility.
