Access control in an organisation ensures only those who are authorised are able to enter the premises. It protects your organisation from unwanted visitors, reduces the incidence of theft or damage and increases the safety of your employees.
But access control in your enterprise has wider implications and benefits.
Access control is not just controlling who can enter your company’s buildings, but it also allows you to restrict who has access to certain sensitive areas within your business. It can also provide real time data of who is in the building (in the event of an emergency) and historic records of who was on the premises and the date and time of their entry and departure.
So why should you implement access control for your organisation, and how can you ensure that your premises are protected effectively?
Employee security is one of the employer's safety obligations
Under Section 7 of the Health and Safety Work etc, Act 1974, all workers are entitled to work in environments where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled, and the primary responsibility for this is down to employers.
Access control to the premises
Access control to the company's premises is both a security issue for the protection of employees and for the preservation of its material assets. Business premises contain valuable computer equipment and production tools, which if stolen or damaged can have a devastating effect on the business.
Implementing an access control system
A secure badge entry system which is activated by a proximity card, key fob or biometric reader protects both the premises and the employees. Each employee is provided with a badge in the form of a secure smart card or key fob, which identifies the holder. The employee brings his badge (RFID, Bluetooth/NFC, etc.) close to the reader terminal, and the door opens to allow access to the premises.
Alpha numeric are also available. Each employee or visitor is provided with a unique code which they enter on an alphanumeric keypad to gain access.
Biometric terminals are growing in popularity. They use biometric data (such as fingerprints and face etc.) to identify the person gaining access. Biometric data is unique to the individual, which it makes it virtually impossible for an unauthorised person to deceive the system. These systems do not store actual images so they do not compromise personal privacy.
All these systems can be linked to access supervision software, which makes it possible to set access rights to different categories of staff and service providers (such as a cleaning service provider). The software then allows only employees and holders of accredited badges to enter the company. It also allows the employer traceability of the times of entry and exit of people, which makes it possible to track the history of events in the event of an incident.
Like Kelio, some access control software is linked to the working time management system, which allows access to the company's premises only during the working hours of each employee. With this combined system, the employer will be able to ensure that access to its premises is supervised while ensuring compliance with the legal working hours, working and rest time of its employees.
Another significant advantage of centralised systems is that they allow a badge (or person’s biometric data) to be activated and deactivated remotely in a few clicks. The employer will be able to instantly refuse access permanently or temporarily to any employee (in the event of dismissal with a layoff, for example). Access software linked to the company's HR system, such as Kelio, also makes it possible to automate the deactivation of the badge at the end of the employment contract period.
Internal access control
In addition to protecting external access points, access control also concerns securing and managing the flow of people inside the company's premises.
Most organisations have highly sensitive areas, including rooms hosting computer servers and data centres, internal laboratories, storage rooms for dangerous or valuable products, Only authorised personnel should have access to some of these areas.
Kelio access control experts will advise and guide you in assessing your needs and can advise you on the most suitable solutions for your organisation.
