Building access management systems has come a long way for both commercial interests and even some residential purposes. No longer are businesses restricted to lock and key systems of the past. With updated technology, building managers can view and operate directly from their phones just about anywhere in the world.  

What Are Building Access Management Systems?

Building access management systems are simply the combination of hardware and software to manage who can enter or leave an area. This access control system allows you to restrict where patrons/employees/tenants and others can go on your property.

Typical Hardware You Can Use:

• Fob/key readers
• Smart locks
• Biometric locks
• Keypad locks
• Video surveillance systems

Keyless Entry Methods:

• Mobile phone application
• Key fob
• Magstripe card
• Voice recognition
• Facial recognition
• Fingerprint recognition

Typical Software:

• Cloud-based access control systems (also referred to as online/electric systems)
• Integration tools to connect with other software such as fire alarms, HVAC monitoring, lighting, and more.

The type of hardware and entry method used by your company will depend on the system you choose and the price you can afford. If you’d like to learn more about pricing check out our article here:

Why Do Buildings Need Access Management Systems?

Access management systems provide a wealth of benefits for companies. From protecting trade secrets to keeping maintenance equipment secure, this software/hardware combination helps improve operations in a multitude of ways.

Managing Multiple Properties

When it comes to tracking access across multiple business locations or properties it can be difficult without a comprehensive staff to track every lock or access point. Also, access control needs to be adaptable to the location and industry. Companies need a system that can be applied in the proper ways and routinely updated with ease.

Compliance with Safety and Privacy Regulations

There are many different regulations at both the federal and state levels. Access management systems help maintain compliance by controlling access and keeping detailed records of who enters and exits the building.

Protect Company Secrets

Access management systems can tackle complex security and implement both physical and digital locks along with biometric features. These systems give you the tools to put multiple barriers between your company and prying eyes, this is extremely important as corporate espionage has broadened. 

Gather Data

Unlike older lock and key systems, access management systems can track who and when an area is accessed. This is automatically logged and can be used to determine the flow of people, the average number of breaches, weak points in your access control, and more.

Benefits of Building Access Management Systems

There are many benefits to using building access management systems. Some of these will apply to both commercial and residential properties.

Robust Security & Safety

These systems are meant to limit access to authorized persons only, lowering the risk of invasion and unauthorized activity greatly. These systems ensure that only those with authorized access can enter specified areas by utilizing advanced technology and then tracking the users of those systems. Not only are you putting up a wall to the outside world, but you can monitor everyone who has access to the system.

Emergency Response Features

By building access systems, you’ll be able to respond to emergencies quicker and more efficiently. Modern systems can be integrated with emergency response systems, allowing for fast lockdowns in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or a security breach.

Manage Multiple Properties with Ease

These systems provide the convenience of centralized control for property managers. This means companies can manage access, monitor security status, and respond to events from a single spot, saving time and money. They are expandable to meet the size and complexity of any property, whether it’s a modest residential structure or a major commercial complex. Because of their versatility, they are a viable option for a wide range of property types.

Create Restrictions for Areas

Building access management software allows for the usage of different access levels. Cleaning professionals, for example, may have access to public areas but not to offices or server rooms, whereas IT personnel may have free access to technical areas. This segmentation allows companies to keep employees and others safe. You’ll also be able to accommodate visitors with temporary access permissions and restrictions.

Save Money

Digital access systems reduce the need for physical keys, which can be costly to replace if lost or stolen. Additionally, rekeying locks in the case of key loss or personnel changes can be costly and time-consuming. Alternative keys like fobs or cards can often be created in seconds and can be bought in bulk. They can also be cheap to replace. Importantly, you can even skip the need for keys at all when using mobile applications to unlock doors.

Building Access Management System: Residential vs. Commercial

While building access management systems originally started out as just a tool for commercial businesses, it has become much more than that. Here are some of the different ways that they can be used across the spectrum.

Residential Use Cases	Commercial Use Cases
Access Control for Residents – Keycards, fobs, and mobile applications for secure entry to buildings and individual units.	Employee Access Control – Restricted area access based on employee roles, and time-based controls for shift workers.
Amenity Management – Access to gyms, pools, clubhouses with scheduling for usage.	Visitor and Contractor Management – Temporary badges or digital passes, tracking visitor movements.
Visitor Management – Intercom systems for remote access granting, temporary digital passes for visitors.	Integration with Other Security Systems – Linking with surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and fire safety systems.
Package and Delivery Management – Secure areas for package deliveries, notification systems for residents.	Data Center and Sensitive Area Protection – High-security access for server rooms, and multi-factor authentication for sensitive areas.
Emergency Access – Quick lockdown capabilities, access for emergency personnel.	Compliance and Audit Trails – Entry and exit logs for regulatory compliance, security audits.
Parking Garage Access – Controlled access to resident parking, vehicle entry linked to resident ID.	Elevator and Floor Access Control – Restricted elevator access to authorized floors, customizable access in multi-tenant buildings

Residential

Many aspects of the building access management system for residential use are focused on providing better resident stay and security. Residential systems can be found in apartment complexes, duplexes, triplexes, multi-housing situations, and even some mobile home parks. These systems help guests feel secure and help restrict access to guest amenities without office approval. This ensures that only guests are using those amenities and that residential spaces are kept safe.

Commercial

Commercial usage is focused on keeping employees safe and keeping company secrets safe as well. Building access management systems can be found in almost any type of commercial or public endeavor. You’ll find sophisticated systems at tech companies or banks, while key cards may suffice for your local warehouse.

Implementing Building Access Management Systems

Assessment and Planning

The first step in implementing anything new in your business is to plan. You’ll want a layout of your entire property and to record all access points that will need securing. Acknowledge areas that need to be restricted. You’ll also want to create different levels for your security. For example:

• Level 1: visitors
• Level 2: low level employees
• Level 3: manager
• And so on…

You’ll also want to mark days where access is fully restricted like weekends or holidays.

Research Providers

You’ll want to do your due diligence with suppliers and how they can fit into your company. Consider things like:

• Compatibility with other systems (like emergency)
• Budget
• User-friendliness
• Tech support
• And more!

After you’ve done your research and you have chosen a provider, you can move on to the next phase.

Professional Installation

You’ll have experienced professionals to help you install the system and teach the system to you and your overseeing staff. This process is extremely important because you can establish protocols and hopefully have staff trained alongside you. If you don’t have staff present during this time period, you’ll need to train your staff yourself.

Creating User Manuals and Guide

Create simple user manuals and short reference guides. These guides can the ben be used even when employees leave. Distribute and make these documents easily accessible for future reference.

Upkeep and Maintenance

You’ll want to keep in contact with your provider to perform regular maintenance and updates. For more complex systems, this may be handled by a designated person or team. You’ll want to address problems as soon as they arise to safeguard your building.

Need Building Access Management Systems for Your Building?

Searching for the right system doesn’t have to be a hassle. 360Connect can help. Use our free comparison tool to receive up to 5 free quotes from high-quality suppliers. It takes 1-2 minutes and can save you both time and money.