The Best Access Control System Brands for Businesses

If your business is still using the traditional lock and key system then you are putting your business and your assets at risk – it’s time for an upgrade.

With time, businesses continue to face growing threats in the form of theft and unauthorized access, both external and internal.

Commercial burglaries have risen exponentially, impacting both small and large businesses. As you may know, it involves illegally breaking into an office building, store, warehouse, or any similar structure to steal, cause damage, or inflict harm.

Securing the entry points of a business is one of the most integral parts of the overall security system since that is what keeps intruders and such threats away.

Along with the main entry points of the business, there are certain areas inside the premises that contain confidential information and require authorized and very restricted access. These areas can be certain rooms as well as secure file cabinets or drawers containing sensitive information.

Enter: Access Control Systems (ACS)

Access control systems are keyless entry systems that control and manage access along with establishing access permissions for employees to enter different areas of the business. These permissions not only determine the areas the user can be granted access, but can also include specifically permitted hours of access as well.

They are an efficient way to provide access authorization to employees of a business, where the identification credentials are presented to a reader present on the system and sent to the access control server to determine whether or not to grant access.

BEST ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM BRANDS FOR BUSINESSES

Choosing the right access control system for your business is crucial in ensuring that the system works efficiently and doesn’t malfunction putting the entire business at risk.

There are a wide range of brands offering access control systems for businesses. Here are our top picks:

PAXTON ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Paxton is a leading brand for access control systems based in Brighton UK, with over 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing business security solutions that are easy to use and install.

It focuses on innovative products for businesses of all sizes, that are often used with flexibility and scalability in mind.

It offers a wide range of hardware and software solutions for commercial access control that include:

• Proximity readers
• Access cards and fobs
• Door entry systems
• Control units and monitors
• Energy-saving readers
• Hands-free interface
• Exit buttons

Paxton has three main categories of access control systems for businesses. They are:

• Net2 – Network access control

These systems are controlled from a central location and can be managed by using one or more PCs. The instructions sent by the PC, such as granting or denying access, are sent instantly to each door.

It allows for flexible control over the users’ access, where each control unit is part of a network but can also run on its own, making decisions and remembering activities and events.

The systems are scalable with advanced features such as event reporting and integration with other security systems such as CCTV cameras.

The Net2 series is great for businesses with multiple doors and users, with typical applications including schools, offices, and hospitals.

The products that make up a Net2 system are:

• Net2 Software: offers centralised control of the system with up to 1,000 doors and 50,000 users, with two versions; Net2 Lite, which is ideal for most businesses and is free of cost, and Net2 Pro, which offers extra features for more flexibility and an advanced level of access control.
• Net2 app: this user-friendly app for use with the Net2 Pro software allows remote management of the system from any device.
• PaxLock: the company’s range of wireless door handles that offer the same security and convenience as a wired access control system, and can work as standalone devices or used in a networked system.
• Net2 entry: a door entry system that allows the security personnel to recognize a visitor at the door before granting them access. It can work standalone or alongside the Net2 access control system.
• Controllers: used to manage and control the devices attached to it at each door, such as the reader, keypad, electric lock, exit button, etc.
• Readers: an extensive range of readers such as barcode, biometrics, magnetic stripe, and proximity and smart cards, along with keypads for different kinds of businesses and their security requirements.
• Standalone – Offline access control

Standalone systems are the simplest form of access control that are used to control one or many doors in business premises using access PINs or electronic tokens.

There is no need for a network and all the programming is done at each door. For example, if codes need to be changed for a particular door, the system administrator would have to complete the action at the specific door.

Due to their simplicity, the standalone systems are suitable for smaller businesses with a limited number of doors and users.

The different standalone systems include:

• Switch2: a simple and flexible access control system for external doors, comprising of a separate control unit and reader, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Compact: a simple and flexible access control system for low-security internal doors that don’t need the additional functionality of a PC-based system.
• PaxLock Pro: the company’s range of wireless door handles that come in two variants; internal and external door locks.
• Net2 entry: a door entry system that allows the security personnel to recognize a visitor at the door before granting them access. It can work standalone or alongside the Net2 access control system.
• Paxton10 – Web-based access control

Paxton10 is the brand’s most powerful system combining access control and video surveillance, supporting up to 1000 doors and cameras, to offer a power-packed system to make business security management easier and more efficient.

The web-based user interface allows the system administrator to manage and control the system from anywhere with an internet connection. It provides all the benefits of a networked system, and more, with no network required.

The series also offers integration with burglar and fire alarms with minimal configuration, offering a more comprehensive security plan.

The system is suitable for larger premises with many doors, where video surveillance is also a requirement such as offices and hospitals.

The components that make up a Paxton10 system are server, controllers, cameras, readers, connectors, tokens, entry, and PaxLock.

VIDEX ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Videx is one of the top suppliers and manufacturers of door entry and access control systems in the UK. They have grown from a small setup in London to providing and serving a wide range of businesses and individuals across the country.

They create unique systems for business’s individual needs and provide a wide range of door entry systems from audio and video solutions to biometric readers to provide the best access security for your business.

The brand has a wide range of products broken down into three categories; applications, systems, and series.

Those unfamiliar with the Videx range can start browsing through their applications category. For those who know what kind of system they want can go through the systems category. Lastly, for those who can have a particular style in mind can opt for the series category. Let’s look at each one in detail:

• Applications

Videx offers a wide range of solutions for all kinds of applications such as private housing, social housing, public buildings, and commercial/industrial properties.

For business applications, the company provides access control and secure door entry solutions for both small and large setups, meeting every specific, and often complex, requirements.

• Systems

The company has an extensive range of systems, each with unique features, specifically designed to meet the challenges of access control for homes and businesses.

The systems include:

• IP systems: combine expertise video door entry with all the benefits offered by IP technology.
• Digital GSM intercoms: use mobile phone technology to operate automatic gates, doors, and remote site installations.
• Traditional intercoms: include the basic features required of any door entry system, with many styles to choose from.
• Standalone systems: independent systems that require only a power supply and locking device.
• Web access solutions: can be managed from anywhere in the world with internet access using all types of devices: smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
• Vprox: can be used from 1 door and 20 user installation, up to 99 doors with 4000 users.
• S-PROX: ideally suited for smaller applications where there are around 100 users, although it can cater for up to 4000.
• Portal plus: a networkable system with Windows-based programming and management software, with support for up to 15000 users and unlimited entrances.
• VX2300: a complete video door entry system based on a two-wire BUS, designed for small to medium-sized businesses having a maximum of 100 intercoms.
• VX2200: flexible enough to cater to a variety of installations; from small businesses to larger ones that include a maximum of 1000 doors.
• Series

The systems are further divided into series such as the Smart series, the popular 4000 and 8000 series, and VR4K series, with the widest choices of entrance panels, and telephone and videophone design, offering a solution for all kinds of businesses.

HIKVISION ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Hikvision is a world leader in providing security solutions for domestic and commercial properties, manufacturing a complete solution of comprehensive products for a broad market around the world.

It has invested a lot in its R&D, guaranteeing state-of-the-art security equipment for different industries including residential, banking, retail, education, traffic, and offices.

The company has always been at the forefront of security and technology. They are pioneers when it comes to novel and cutting-edge solutions, regardless of whether you are a homeowner or a business user.

Hikvision’s access control systems various options catering to different needs and requirements. The systems range from simple card readers to biometric access control systems using fingerprints, retina scans, and facial recognition.

The company has broken down its various access control for businesses into different categories. They include:

• Face Recognition Terminals: Hikvision’s face recognition system offers quick and reliable ID verification with an accuracy rate of over 99% and recognition speed of under 0.2 seconds.
• Fingerprint Terminals: integration of the latest fingerprint algorithms along with other supported verification methods such as access cards and PIN codes.
• Card Terminals: a great choice for businesses not wanting to use biometrics for verification. The system supports the use of two-way authentication using card swiping and PIN codes, providing the most basic yet secure access control management for most businesses.

CHOOSING THE BEST ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM FOR YOUR BUSINESS

With so many great brands out there offering the best state-of-the-art security solutions, it can sometimes become quite a challenge to choose the best one for your business.

Here are a few things that you need to consider and need to know before making a decision:

• Risk assessment

The first step is to audit the current security measures you have in place for your business and determine the areas that pose a risk to the overall security.

You must determine the external and internal threats, along with the valuable assets of the business that you need to protect.

This will give you a better understanding of the areas that need special attention and the type of access control system best suited for your business.

Remember, a comprehensive assessment will lead to a better security blueprint that will have virtually no vulnerability. So, take your time!

• Level of security

The level of security that your business requires will be determined by several factors such as the size and type of the business, and the area it is operating in.

This will, in turn, determine the type of access control hardware, policies, and mechanisms you require. A large business with lots of employees might need a more complex system, probably with biometric verification, than a smaller business with a handful of employees.

• Authentication method

There are several authentication methods including access cards, fobs, keypads, biometrics, and mobile access control.

Deciding which one is suitable for your business depends on the level of security you require, as well as the size of the setup and number of employees.

• System scalability

It’s always a good idea to think ahead. When choosing an access control system, it is best to think about future growth and business outlook for the next 5-10 years. An increase in the size of the business and the number of employees would require the system to be flexible and scalable enough to accommodate this growth.

• Budget

Before choosing an access control system for your business, it is always best to take the time to assess the costs involved, especially for small businesses with a tighter budget.

In addition to the upfront hardware and installation costs, there are a few recurring ones such as regular servicing and maintenance.

Even though spending money on the business’s security shouldn’t be considered as a cost, rather a long-term, very beneficial investment.

• Brand reliability

When you decide to get an access control system for your business, you must carefully choose the right manufacturers and installers to do the job.

Our list provides you with the top brands for access control systems, best suited for your business needs.

CHOOSE CALDER SECURITY

Calder Security provides a complete package for access control systems for businesses with professional installation, maintenance, and repair services.

We’ve been working in the security industry since 1976 and partner with only the best brands for security systems. Our MLA approved locksmiths can advise you on the best type of system for your business by helping you assess its security needs and requirements.

We offer all types of access control systems including access cards, keypads, intercom, proximity fob, as well as biometric systems that work with fingerprints or retina scans for all kinds of businesses.

We understand the importance of regular maintenance for your access control systems and can maintain and enhance door entry systems. We do this regardless of whoever installed the security system, providing a one-stop-shop for all your security needs.

Our team understands how a faulty access control system can compromise the security of your business and can get systems repaired quickly and efficiently, operating a 24-hour emergency service for your need and convenience.

Contact us right away for our state-of-the-art access control systems to make your business, and its assets and employees, safe and secure.

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