Small businesses often overlook security until a breach happens. Most of the time, it’s not sophisticated hackers or elaborate break-ins causing the damage. It’s a simple mistake, some that can be easily corrected. This blog outlines common access-related issues and shows how a centralized system can prevent them.
Shared Credentials
Although using the same key or codes might seem easier in smaller companies, this approach has a flaw: accountability. Since all employees are using the same method of entering the building, it will be impossible to know which employee entered at what time. And since you won’t be able to tell, you’ll never know who was responsible if something happens while you were out of the office.
Misplaced Fobs and Badges
Since fobs and badges can easily get lost or stolen, they could potentially pose a security threat if they are not canceled right away. Unfortunately, many businesses do not have a tracking system for these types of credentials; therefore, if a credential does fall into the wrong hands, it will likely become a threat to your business.
No Visibility After Hours
If your company does not know who is present within the building after normal business hours, then it’s leaving itself open to the possibility of unauthorized persons gaining access to your facility. As previously mentioned, utilizing a manual sign-in sheet or having someone man the front desk after hours will provide very little insight into real-time activity occurring within the building.
Delays in Responding to Problems
When there is no central tracking system in place, responding to problems such as removing an employee from the list of authorized personnel can take time. If you need to contact multiple individuals or visit multiple locations before you can remove an employee from the list of authorized personnel, you may experience a significant delay in responding to the problem. In emergency situations, a delayed response can result in unnecessary financial loss.
What Does an Access Control System Do?
A modern access control solution allows businesses to manage entry points remotely, revoke access instantly, and maintain audit trails. It connects to doors, cameras, and alerts in one platform. Eliminating guesswork and manual effort makes the access control system easy to use and implement. Real-time logs allow you to see who has entered or exited the building and enable you to lock down your facility instantly if necessary.
How Can Businesses Get Started?
Before a business begins looking at an access control system, the first thing the business should do is review its current methods of controlling entry to the facility. Are keys being shared? Are employees’ credentials being monitored? Who can instantly remove access to the facility? If the answer to any of these questions reveals inconsistent processes, then it is time to consider upgrading to a more efficient system. A centralized access control system does not require a large team to manage. These systems are designed to be flexible and scalable, so they can accommodate small businesses, regardless of the amount of IT support available to the organization.
Security gaps often start small. Shared keys, misplaced credentials, and a lack of oversight make a business vulnerable. Upgrading to a centralized access system gives better control, faster response times, and clearer insight into who is on-site. Small businesses that take action early are less likely to face avoidable risks.
