Access Control Checklist: establishing your first line of defense
- IronSite Education
- Aug 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 18
How to secure entry points and protect your perimeter through effective Access Control
Table of contents:
Introduction
Access control is your first line of defense in perimeter security, making it a critical component of any businesses security strategy. Effectively implemented access control measures streamline entry and exit protocols while keeping unauthorized users out of facilities that house sensitive or critical information.
However, it’s important to deploy access control the right way, because if done incorrectly organizations won’t see any of the benefits. This article explores key considerations when implementing access control in your perimeter security setup, as well as other tips and tricks to take your perimeter security to the next level.
Securing access points
Achieving an effective access control strategy begins with establishing appropriate policies. Developing policies that tailor to site or facility characteristics or environmental factors is critical to ensuring only authorized personnel are accessing sensitive areas across the site. These policies revolve around roles and responsibilities of security personnel and other staff, detailing procedures for granting and revoking access rights, and communicating those policies to relevant stakeholders so everyone is aware of the role they play.
Next is determining exactly how entry points can be secured. A good starting point is installing access control solutions at sensitive areas that house critical information or assets. Different types of access control systems include:
Card readers: secure and efficient access that utilizes RFID or magnetic stripe cards
Intercom systems: two-way communication that integrates with other systems for easy access
Biometric scanners: advanced access control that verifies users through unique physical traits like fingerprints or facial features
Multi-Factor Access: layered and secure access that requires two methods of user verification
Access Control panels: an integrated panel that acts as a central hub to control devices and equipment
Once access control solutions have been implemented, they should be integrated with perimeter security systems such as security fencing, automated gates, and security barriers. Different types of fencing solutions include anti-climb and anti-cut, as well as welded wire, crash-rated, and ballistic-rated for high security requirements. For security barriers, bollards, wedge barriers, drop arms, rising beams, and cable barriers are great options for both light security and crash-rated protection.
Deploying Intrusion Detection
Once perimeter security solutions have been integrated with access control systems, establishing an intrusion detection system (IDS) is next. This includes installing CCTV security cameras at entry points, loading docks, restricted areas, and other vulnerable areas. Different types of security cameras include:
Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera: motion activated camera with a wide field of view, capable of a full 360-degree pan and 180-degree tilt
Bullet camera: a security camera with a larger lens for enhanced performance, enabling long range monitoring and night vision capabilities
Dome camera: designed for harsh weather conditions, these cameras use varifocal lenses for adjustable focus and a highly clear picture
Box camera: a fixed angle camera designed to monitor areas from a distance, perfect for indoor or outdoor applications
Thermal camera: a anti-glare, weatherproof camera detects heat radiation to provide visibility in all lighting conditions
Panoramic camera: a camera that offers 360-degree coverage with advanced software that eliminates fisheye distortion
In addition to cameras, many high security businesses also leverage alarm systems for increased protection. They can be easily integrated with existing security infrastructure and provide real-time monitoring and rapid response capabilities. Once monitoring and alarm systems have been implemented, it’s critical that surveillance systems are continuously monitored and footage is regularly reviewed.
Implementing Personnel Training
Once all access control systems have been installed and integrated, they’ll need to be monitored and controlled by trained security personnel. Conducting regular training sessions on security protocols will help personnel know what to do in the event they need to report suspicious activity or properly identify issues with security equipment.
Developing an incident response plan that includes procedures on reporting and investigating access control incidents will allow you to identify issues before they turn into costly repairs or replacements, improving your bottom line and keeping disruptions to a minimum for staff.
Finally, regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures will ensure systems are operating at peak efficiency and security personnel and other staff are as safe as possible.
Preventative Maintenance Programs
Finally, the last step is establishing a preventative maintenance plan. A maintenance plan is an integral part to ensuring access control and security systems stay operational and are functioning as intended.
When that happens, businesses experience a variety of benefits like a reduced threat of security incidents, optimal equipment performance with improved longevity, minimal disruption of day-to-day operations, and even an improved bottom line.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits preventative maintenance programs provide, feel free to check out our blog article “Avoid costly security failures with preventative maintenance” for more details.
Safety and Compliance
In terms of safety and compliance, there are an overwhelming number of safety standards and regulations to be aware of and meet for access control systems.
At a general level, emergency egress is something that needs to be considered. Emergency egress is the ability to provide safe and unobstructed pathways for personnel and customers to exit a building in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. This also includes emergency lighting, exit signs, and directions around ramps, stairs, or elevators.
An often overlook or rarely talked about component of egress is American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. This involves designing access control in a way where it’s accessible to individuals with disabilities.
For example, hardware like handles, locks, and push plates that require little force to be operated should be used for doors and gates, specific clearance for doors and surrounding spaces, and controls should be installed in a place where individuals in wheelchairs or other devices can still reach them. It’s important to check ADA standards at any relevant state or local levels to ensure compliance is met.
Backup power supply is another component of access control that needs to be considered. Maintaining power during an outage or disruption ensures continuous operation of equipment, so establishing a backup power supply should be a top priority. Determining voltage requirements, calculating the power draw of access control devices, and establishing a required runtime to determine backup power duration are all importance aspects of a backup power option.
The UL 294 is an access control-specific safety standard that evaluates the performance of components when something goes wrong, such as a power outage, a hardware fault, or a tampering attempt. Do the controls survive voltage fluctuations? Are doors locking and unlocking correctly during an active fire alarm? Can it detect or resist tampering or vandalism? What happens when the system must operate on a backup power system? These are the types of rigorous tests in the UL 294 safety standard, and using access control systems that meet the requirements is an easy way to enhance any security strategy.
Conclusion:
Access control systems are incredibly useful and effective at deterring unauthorized users and protecting your facilities from security threats. When it’s integrated with other security measures, it creates robust perimeter protection that provides 24/7 peace of mind.
If you’re not sure where to start, partnering with an expert physical security integrator is always a great first step, they have the knowledge and tools to design and implement a highly effective security strategy that takes advantage of everything access control systems and security equipment solutions have to offer.
IronSite is a national physical security provider with specialized expertise to deliver premium solutions at scale. Our extensive family of brands nationwide enables responsive and consistent service and support for all our clients wherever they may be.
Media Contact
Terin Pickett
IronSite
1595 E. 6th St; Suite 101
Corona, CA 92879
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