How Security Integrators Can Guide Clients Toward Optimal Access Control Solutions
Making a sale is one thing; building long-term clients is an entirely different challenge.
Some factors to consider when addressing which access control solution to choose are facility age, credential management platform and protocols, budget and long-term security strategy.
Identify the Right Type of Solution
Once you have established the overall system needs, budget and IT requirements, the next important decision is determining if the client is looking for a networked security system, a standalone one or a combination of both.
If you are dealing with a large campus or business site, the security needs are likely to be much more complex, with different types of buildings requiring different levels of security. Not every door in the facility has to be a controlled entrance, nor is it always necessary to have 100%, 24-hour control. Your guidance on these types of projects will be particularly crucial in determining what is appropriate.
The building’s construction will also play a role in determining the right solution, since it can be difficult to wire a system in an existing or historical building. Networked locks that connect to a central access control system give you the flexibility to build a system that includes both hard-wired and wireless locks.
Wireless locks are increasingly becoming the solution of choice, both for convenience and aesthetics. Not only can they help you avoid a host of installation hassles, there are many scenarios in which wireless is likely to be your only option:
- An existing door (especially if it’s fire rated), or an opening set into stone
- A door that would require the wiring to be run in surface-mounted conduit
- A location in which drilling into the walls or ceiling would create too much dust or would interrupt a busy workspace (e.g. healthcare facilities have specific procedures that must be followed to protect the air quality for patients and staff)
- Exterior installations that would require digging deep trenches for wires just to integrate an exterior gate or a remote access door
A wireless solution also allows for easy installation that results in minimal disruption to their environment and can be finished quickly and cost-effectively. It’s important to remember though that not all wireless locks need to be networked to function effectively. For clients who lack the IT infrastructure necessary to support a fully networked system, standalone wireless locks may be a good solution for some or all of the doors.
Keep Solutions Flexible
A common concern of many clients is that the access control system they select today will not be flexible enough to be upgraded and expanded over time as their needs change. Integrators are challenged to provide a viable, integrated security system that can meet current safety and security issues, as well as accommodate emerging technologies that will allow the system to expand and adapt as needed in the future. Such solutions should be able to operate current technologies — as well as those under development — without compromising or risking investments in their present systems.
Open architecture electronic locking systems are the solution to meeting the security an
d technology needs of today and tomorrow. Your clients are unlikely to be familiar with this terminology and will rely on your expertise to understand what it is and why it makes sense for them. Open architecture will allow them to customize door openings with the right solution for each door, including credential readers and network communications, to create a perfect fit.
Your role is to help them understand how they can upgrade readers and network modules from an offline program to a networked solution, change credentials at any time and use future innovative technologies as they emerge. They may even be surprised to learn that, in many cases, upgrades do not require replacing all the locks or even taking locks off doors.
Because they allow access control solutions to be configured in multiple ways — depending on the need of each opening — modular designs are becoming increasingly popular. Customers appreciate the flexibility they provide to support and manage various types of openings with different access protocols and uses. Modularity also allows a single system to include multiple credentials, depending on the opening requirements.
Achieve Balance
In any given facility there are multiple openings to secure and multiple people who need access. Helping your client understand their credential options and what credential works best will be an important part of planning and implementing their access control solution. Issues to review and consider include:
- Are they choosing a networked system where issuing and managing card credentials make sense?
- Do they need to integrate cashless vending with their credential system?
- Will they be integrating time and attendance into their access control system?
- Are the locks being accessed in an interior or exterior location where weather may be a concern?
- How deeply will they want to monitor each user’s access and movement within the facility?
- Does everyone have the same level of security clearance or is there a need for multiple security/access levels?
“Typically security, technology and usability are the key priorities,” Larsen said. “The goal is to balance priorities for each organization. In a clean room environment, for example, usability may be the driving priority because handling keys, cards or keypads may not be conducive or convenient. In that scenario, the client likely needs a biometric solution.”
But he points out that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to access control and security. The key is to achieve a balance.
“Many people try to select credentials by leading with the technology,” Larsen said. “Instead, they should be finding out about the user, the applications and the culture. The right technology will follow once those things are understood.”
Solutions Over Sales
In today’s changing society, there are more decisions for your customers than ever before, and helping them find the right solution is important to completing a practical security plan. Each new sales lead is not just the opportunity to make a sale, but also an opportunity to build a lasting relationship that will lead to repeat business for your company. The end result will be an access control solution for the present and future, and a satisfied client willing to refer you to others.
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Bio: Minu Youngkin is the integrator marketing manager for Allegion.
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