Wireless technology usage has grown throughout the last few decades, and is more prevalent in today’s marketplace than ever before. The security market, specifically access control, is no exception. Today, there are a number of ways to secure the perimeter of virtually anything and everything, and the solutions to do so vary in shape and size depending on the needs of the end user. Key cards, pin numbers, passwords and biometrics are just a few of the options available to help secure everything from data to individual room access within a building or large organization. With so many options available, it can sometimes be a challenge to identify the best wireless access control system to meet your needs, but with planning and careful consideration, finding a solution to fit your organization can be accomplished.
Before making the decision on your access control hardware, here are five reasons wireless access control might work for you and your organization.
Cost-effective
Integrating access control solutions that are battery operated, or that rely on software and Web-based solutions is a cost-effective way to increase security. Flexibility, scalability and overall lower total cost of ownership are all benefits of installing wireless locks. Additionally, running wire through old buildings can be time consuming, difficult and may not even be an option for some organizations. Wireless access control eliminates the added cost associated with the installation of hardware and additional wiring, and greatly reduces the need for continued maintenance. In comparison to hardware-based access control, wireless installation is easier, requiring less hardware for sufficient coverage. By saving time during installation and avoiding running wires and cables, organizations can also realize monetary savings.
Ease of Installment
Wireless locks can be easily installed in new or existing buildings where wiring or cabling can be difficult to maneuver. Wireless access control systems also can help users avoid significant disruptions and additional installation fees. By leveraging wireless solutions, organizations can be assured that there will be virtually no interruption in day-to-day operations, which can be especially important for schools, university campuses, healthcare facilities, and other high-traffic businesses.
Remote Coverage
Securing large or widespread organizations, such as university or hospital campuses, or those that consist of multiple locations in different geographic areas, can be a challenge for security directors and integrators. Wireless locks allow these types of organizations to be installed in any area regardless of the logistics. Wireless, or offline locks, allow organizations to install systems on doors and provide more flexibility and scalability for these growing organizations.
More Options
With wireless access control systems, there are many options available, as they come in a variety of configurations to suit the needs of the end user. For example, networked wireless access control systems allow end users to collect data from a data-gathering panel, and are able to communicate in real-time to a central computer over a wired system that can be IP-based. Should a communications failure occur, the data-gathering panel is able to recall the last alarm in a system, helping to identify possible reasons for the alarm. Another advantage to this system is its ability to connect to an existing Wi-Fi network. Networked wireless electronic access control systems also have the ability to operate as a standalone system should the connection ever be lost. Another example, standalone wireless access control systems, although able to store transactions similar to networked wireless access control, are unable to communicate to data-gathering panels. However, the advantage of a standalone system is that it can be installed virtually anywhere.
No Card, No Problem
Many organizations, whether large or small, face the same types of security challenges. Inevitably, people will lose keys, so how can you ensure that the security of the perimeter isn’t compromised? One major benefit to installing wireless access control solutions is the ability to easily delete the card from the system using remote access via a network, thereby shutting down any access to the cardholder.
Regardless of what industry you’re in, wireless technologies have become an ideal option for organizations for a number of reasons. Determining whether wireless access control can be made a reality in any given business requires security leaders and integrators to take a step back, identify the potential threats and risks associated with the organization, look at the scope of the project – ie: number of card readers, keyholders, etc. – and make a decision on what best fits the organization.
By Mitchell Kane, President, Vanderbilt Industries
