Access Control Systems vs. Lock & Keys

Access control enables you to control who has access to your building, store room, office, file room, parking area, elevator or any secured area that requires some type of control. More and more Maryland Businesses and Organizations are using some type of Access Control from a single proximity card reader to a large system using a combination of Proximity Readers, Keypads and Bio-metric Readers.

Locks and keys also allow you to secure your building, but when keys are lost or stolen, the inconvenience and expense of changing locks and re-issuing keys can be considerable. Keys may also be copied, creating even more security risks. This is what most Baltimore Businesses and Organizations are getting away from and switching to Access Control.

All businesses, whether small, medium or large, have assets that need to be protected from theft. There is also the issue of protecting staff and their property. It is common in buildings that are secured by locks and keys for doors to be left unlocked all day. This opens up the possibility of opportunistic theft and malicious damage.

Electronic access control provides the most efficient and convenient way of securing your building and assets. Installing an access control system means that you will never have to change a lock again. Once an access control system is installed, all doors controlled by the system will automatically lock when the door is closed. Anyone without access is unable to enter. If necessary, doors may be set to unlock during a designated time frame.

Access control can also offer flexible control over users’ access rights. For example, all staff can gain access through the main door of a building, but access to internal areas may be restricted to those who have a specific need to be there. Access may also be restricted by time, only granting access to particular users at certain times of day or night.
Contact ACS Security for a site survey and information. We can show you all the available options with this technology for your office, warehouse, distribution center, church, nursing home, store, restaurant and much more.

Security Systems are not the only thing.

There are many reasons to get a electronic security system and one of the most common reasons is to protect your assets. Let’s face it if your business has product, inventory, equipment, or money in your business then you have what someone else wants and you need to protect it.

Crime cost Maryland Businesses in the millions of dollars each year. It has a particularly damaging effect on companies that can lose both customers and employees after a wave of crime. This effect isolates them and increases their vulnerability to crime. There are ways that businesses can fight back and prevent crimes from occurring.

• Train all employees full time and part time including the cleaning staff- so they are familiar with security procedures and know your expectations.

• Keep detailed, up-to-date records. Store back-up copies off the premises. If you are ever victimized, you can access losses more easily and provide useful information for law enforcement investigations.

• Mark all equipment, including computers and cash registers, with an identification number (tax ID or license). Take pictures of all the equipment and keep a record of all identification numbers off the premises with other important records.

• Windows should have secure locks and remove all expensive items from your window displays at night and make sure you can see easily into your business after closing. Move valuable merchandise away from the door and windows to prevent “smash and grab” thefts.

• Check the parking lot for good lighting and unobstructed views.

• Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, skylights, or other entry points. Consider installing covers over exterior lights and power sources to deter tampering.

• Install locks on Dumpsters to prevent unauthorized trash dumping, a hiding place and keep your trash from being pick through for those looking for any type information.

• Make sure that your entire sales floor can be easily viewed. Eliminate any blind spots that may hide a robbery in progress. Keep displays neat, and place small and valuable objects in cabinets. Ensure that your staff is familiar with all of the merchandise in the store.

• Make bank deposits often and during business hours. Do not establish a regular pattern. Take different routes at different times during the day.

• Think before talking about the details of your job or working on sensitive projects in public places such as restaurants, airplanes, classrooms, and gyms.

• Think about what is on a piece of paper before you toss it into the trash. If it is sensitive information, tear it up or use a shredder.

• Challenge any strangers who enter your work area. Ask for identification. Call a supervisor or security for help.

• After hours, do not work late alone. Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or public transportation or ask security to escort you.

• If a thief confronts you or your employees, cooperate. Merchandise and cash can always be replaced- people can’t!