19 January 2009
The adoption of an access control system, integrated with other business processes, can improve a business’s bottom line as well as offering greater security.
The potential of access control systems to improve the efficiency of a business whilst increasing the security of staff was the headline finding of a new guide to access control published by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).
Chairman of the BSIA Access Control Section, Mike Sussman told FM World: “Smaller business see access control as expensive and don’t realise the cost and business advantages of it.”
These advantages include a reduced energy bill and carbon footprint if the system is synced with the building management systems that control heating and lighting; the easy monitoring of staff working hours so as to ensure compliance with working time directives; and, if synced with HR systems, the elimination of the lag-time that can compromise security when staff leave the business.
“Access control systems offer a versatile and cost-effective way to regulate entry to premises. The guide covers the principles and application of access control, as well as providing practical examples of its successful use in offices,” Sussman added.
The publication also provides information on the relative merits of different access control systems from swipe cards, to smart cards, to biometics; and offers information on relevant legislation.
The guide to offices sits alongside the BSIA’s recently published guide to manufacturing sites. The guide is available for download at
www.bsia.co.uk/accesscontrol
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