Security Lock Systems Explains Basics of Corporate Security

 

Employers may not require 007 security like certain government facilities, where biometric readers allow targeted area access by scanning fingerprints, hand geometry, or even irises.  But prevalent and uninsurable employee theft, if nothing else, should prompt employers to keep abreast of their security options.  Studies claim that about one-third of bankruptcies are caused from employees who cannot keep their hands out of the corporate cookie jar - whether it's inventory, cash or the dastardly act of "cooking the books."  Coupled with employers' other security interests, there are clearly important reasons to understand the basics of how current security technologies work.

 

Marcy Wilson, President of Security Lock Systems, Inc. located at 7704 Ann Ballard Road in Tampa, explained how access control systems and digital video surveillance work to protect a property or multiple locations.

 

"Technologies have advanced to the point that systems can be integrated and have become more affordable. If you're changing your locks more than twice a year, if you feel you don't have control over your keys, or if employees are encouraged to work after hours, you should consider installing an access control system, "Wilson said. "With access cards, if an employee leaves and doesn't return the card, it only takes about three seconds to disable the card."

 

Access control systems provide several benefits: One, they allow controlled entry to buildings or floors through doors or elevators; two, they allow tracking of building, floor or gate entries, including who entered, and at what time; three, they can integrate with an intrusion alarm or video surveillance system - or building control system, like air conditioning or lighting; and four, they can alarm if someone leaves a door propped open.

 

Access control systems utilize many different types of credentials, including three different types of access cards. The oldest - the magnetic card - is based on aging technology that is reliable, but can be affected by dust, dirt or rain. This card is being phased out. The most commonly used card is the proximity card. It operates through radio frequency, and is the kind that is waved in front of a reader.

 

The latest, highest-security card is called the "smart" card. It operates through encrypted coding. This card is commonly used on military bases, and is extremely difficult to outwit. It also offers more programming options, such as the ability to store fingerprints and double as an ATM card of sorts.

 

"With proximity cards, it behooves owners and managers to make sure that they receive non-duplicate cards from an experienced security integrator, who understands card formats and numbering conventions. Otherwise, these cards may work at other companies, "Wilson said.

 

And since it is important to know who is actually inside the building after regular working hours, and what they may or may not take with them when they leave, it is wise to consider installation of a video surveillance system. This type of system can be integrated with access control systems for superior control.

 

Integration between these two systems provides the ability to see who presented a card, including signaling a moving camera to zoom over to the location of the card reader. Integration can also send the video recording to the access control system where video clips can be tied to access activity.

 

"Searching for a problem that occurred over the weekend becomes simple.  "Wilson explained, "You can sort all of the video you have, according to a card swipe and its result. This means that you don't have to know what time something happened in order to find it on a digital video recorder. Instead, you can literally organize and then access all of your video productions according to an event, like a 'card swipe' activity or even a door being forced open.

 

Ultimately, an integrated system comprised of this type of card-based access control system, and a video surveillance system gives employers both building security and show-and-tell on who's doing what, and when. Much information for company improvement can be obtained, since productivity issues clearly present themselves in this kind of secure environment. "Sometimes, an employer has to choose what activities they want to overlook with normally good employees, "Wilson said. However, as employees leave and don't return keys, and as even non-duplicable keys can be duplicated easily enough, the uninvited facts about the work environment are better known.

 

While prices have come down somewhat, security is still not cheap. Wilson said depending on the installation, it costs about $2,000 per door for an installed access control system, and several hundred more per camera to integrate with video surveillance. There are, however, stand-alone access control products that provide limited reporting for a lower price tag. To ask questions or inquire about Security Lock Systems' products and services, contact the firm at (813) 874-1608. You can also visit their website at www.securitylocksystems.com.

 

Security Lock Systems provides service throughout Florida as well as the Tampa Bay area. Whatever your security questions and needs, we have the answers and solutions.

 

Security Lock Systems
7704 Ann Ballard Road
Tampa, Florida, 33634
Call: (813) 874-1608
FAX: (813) 882-8266

Powerful.Integrated.Secure.