This is not an easy question to answer, but SALTO Systems’ product and service offerings certainly stand out.
Modern-day access control systems utilise electronic components to deliver a seamless keyless experience. Users and guests can enjoy an efficient, secure, and flexible solution that regulates who has access to different areas within your building or facility. The ability to monitor who enters and leaves the premises, and when, helps keep your business and property safe; it also lends a streamlined and professional feel to your operations.
The best door access control systems offer building operators greater functionality, flexibility, and oversight. They allow you to:
- Boost security by allowing only authorised users and visitors into certain parts of your building or facility. This reduces the chance of people accessing areas they do not hold credentials for – whether maliciously or by mistake.
- Prevent unauthorised users, residents, visitors or guests from entering restricted areas where sensitive information, like customer data, might be stored.
- Eliminate the need for mechanical keys, lock replacements, and complicated system configurations.
- Choose from two primary access control solutions – cloud-based access control or on-premise access control – and different access methods.
Which are the most popular access control systems?
There is a wide range of access control systems available on the market today. One option is the use of contactless proximity smart cards or RFID cards, which are issued to authorised personnel to grant access to spaces fitted with a card reader. Card-based access control systems are a popular choice because they are easy to use; the cards can also be easily deactivated if lost or stolen. In addition, the best card access systems can provide a detailed audit trail of who has accessed specific areas and when.
Mobile-based access control is another widely-used possibility. These systems utilise smartphones and digital technology like Bluetooth LE and NFC. They are becoming increasingly popular due to the high level of security, flexibility, and user experience they offer.
Other common access control methods include PIN code keypad access, biometric access – such as facial recognition – and access via Apple Wallet using an iPhone and Apple Watch. Each of these methods boasts its own strengths and can be applied to different use cases but, ultimately, the choice of which method to implement will depend on the specific needs of the facility and organisation.
Choosing the best access control systems for businesses
Selecting the access control system best suited for your business depends on many factors, including use case, security needs, technology, integrations, installation size, and cost. The key is finding the right balance between your needs, project specifications, operational requirements, and functionality. Ultimately, the goal is to allow users to enter buildings when necessary while keeping unauthorised guests out of off-limits floors, zones, and spaces altogether – all while streamlining management to digitise your building operations.
Access control systems are an essential part of any business or building operations and security. They allow you to keep track of who is coming into your building, where they're going, and how long they have been inside. This can help ensure that unauthorised people cannot gain access to sensitive areas of your facility.
Take a look at the 10 features to consider when selecting an access control solution:
- Access methods and ID management. How do I manage access rights, methods, and permissions in a select access control system?
- Security requirements. What level of security do you need?
- Facility needs. What is the size and layout of your facility, the number of people who need access, and the type of assets you want to protect?
- User needs. What are the needs and preferences of the users and visitors who will be accessing the facility? Consider factors such as ease of use, access method, and operator needs.
- Integration. Does the access control system need to integrate with other security systems, such as video surveillance or alarms, or to extend access control to elevators?
- Scalability. Will the system need to accommodate future growth or changes in your facility?
- Compatibility. Does the system work with your existing doors and IT infrastructure? Retrofit installation requirement that prioritizes existing doors.
- Cost. What is your budget, including installation and ongoing maintenance costs?
- Maintenance and support. What level of maintenance and support does the brand provide? Do they offer a warranty or service agreement?
- Compliance. Does the access control system comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) criteria, cybersecurity and environmental regulations, and all other relevant certifications and standards for your industry or location?
At SALTO Systems, our certified security partners can give you all the information you need to determine the ideal access control system for your needs. But, before making your decision, here are a few other tips to help you pick the best access control system:
- Don't rely on the cheapest option – it may cause more problems in the long run.
- Don't underestimate the importance of user training and support.
- Avoid access control systems that are not scalable or flexible enough to meet your future needs.
- Avoid access control systems that don’t adapt to your needs, existing infrastructure, and existing doors.
- Avoid access control solutions that don't comply with GDPR or cybersecurity requirements and environmental policies.
- Don’t choose an access control system that cannot adapt to different access points or doors, or those which require wiring and entail high hidden costs.
The top access control system solution
This is not an easy question to answer, but SALTO Systems’ product and service offerings certainly stand out. We offer a broad range of solutions, including stand-alone card-based access control systems, mobile access solutions, and wireless locking systems including cloud-based or on-premise access control solutions.
One of our unique features is our use of wireless smart access technology and HW customization capabilities – allowing our wire-free systems to be easily installed and configured without the need for extensive wiring or infrastructure additions.
SALTO’s best-in-class access control systems also offer a range of advanced features such as real-time monitoring, remote access control, audit trails, and different keyless access methods.
We are well known for our innovative approach to access control, and our solutions have been implemented successfully across a variety of industries and applications. Our robust systems are designed to be seamless, user-friendly, and flexible, allowing for easy integration with other security systems and technologies. Indeed, this is one of the reasons why so many businesses continue to trust us with all of their keyless access control needs.
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