An Overview of Access Control Systems for Small Businesses

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Whether you’re a long-time business owner or are just getting started, it’s important to recognize the need for security. Luckily, business security has never been easier to understand. Gone are the days when you would need to hire a security consultant to make recommendations for you. Now you can easily research and choose the proper type of security service for your small business.

One of the most important aspects of any business’s security strategy is access control. Having the ability to monitor access (and control it) 24/7 is crucial to the overall security of your business. Modern security solutions allow you to provide (or deny) access via the internet, phone, or even from a mobile device. If you’re unsure of what to look for in electronic access control systems, below we cover the different types of systems currently available (and their ideal applications).

Three Main Types of Access Control Systems

There are three main kinds of access control systems (that are commonly used by small businesses in the US). These are IoT systems, mobile/tablet-based controls, and cloud-based services. The one thing these system types all have in common is that they utilize web technology to provide 24/7 (remote) access control for your business.

Most companies in major cities offer all three types of access control systems. For example, with the tech industry being so prevalent in San Francisco, the city naturally has an abundance of security companies. Statcomm Inc. (based in San Francisco) is an example of a security solutions provider that offers numerous types of access control systems (along with other security systems).

While all of the major system types use the internet as their structural backbone, there are a few minor differences in regard to server options. Generally speaking, access control servers can either be located on-site or at a third-party’s location (i.e. the access control company’s server location). Below we go into detail regarding each of the three types of access control systems.

Access Control from the Cloud

Cloud-based access control systems have seen a huge increase in popularity over the past decade or so. Ever since cloud servers have grown in use, cloud-based security systems have seen a major increase in usage across nearly all industries.

Cloud-based control systems don’t store access permissions locally (on-site). Rather, these permissions are stored on a server located at a third-party location. In terms of convenience, this type of control system offers unmatched ease of use. With access permissions being able to be controlled from anywhere (as long as there is an internet connection). This type of security solution is often used when a business has numerous locations that they need to manage all at once.

If your business operates in more than one location (and you need to manage access control across all locations), then it’s recommended to look into cloud-based options. Learn more about cloud-based security here.

Mobile Device Access Control

Think of mobile-based security solutions as similar to mobile email apps. All you need to do in order to control your business’s security systems from your mobile device is to download the security company’s control app. Once the app has been downloaded, you’ll be able to manage your business’s security systems from anywhere in the world.

If you’re worried about securing your mobile-based security system, most of them use highly advanced encryption technologies (rendering them very secure). The way most of these security systems work is by providing specific authorizations which are tied to your mobile devices (meaning that only you/your mobile device can access the system).

IoT Security Systems for Small Businesses

Internet-of-Things access control systems work along the same lines as the systems that we’ve already covered. The main difference with this type of system though, is that all of the security devices are interrelated, and are always connected to the internet (which means they’re constantly updating, and sending/receiving information).

How to Choose the Best System for Your Business

The access control system industry is essentially always evolving. This means that technologies are always changing (and industry standards along with them). This translates to an added level of confusion for buyers, especially small business owners who already have a lot on their plate.

One of the first steps any business should take prior to purchasing a system is knowing exactly what its needs are. How many control systems will you need? Will you need added layers of protection? Do you want a mobile-based device? Will the server be stored locally, or managed by the control company? These are all important questions that are important to ask before getting quotes from security companies.

Knowing exactly what your business’s access control needs are (as well as what your overall budget is) will help immensely during the selection process. Choose your security company wisely, because when a security-related incident occurs the service provider can make all the difference between a major loss or a minor inconvenience.

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