Gated Communities – the most dependable Access Control systems
- IronSite Education
- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
The value Access Control offers to both residents and property managers.
Introduction:
While they might not be for everyone, gated apartment communities are a highly desirable living style for a lot of people. They offer conveniences other types of properties don’t have; enhanced security, additional amenities, reduced maintenance costs - just to name a few. This blog article drills down into one of the most important aspects of enhanced security for gated communities: access control.
So, what exactly is access control? Simply put, it’s all about controlling who enters and exits a given area by verifying credentials of the individuals attempting to gain access. There are a lot of access control options available, so if you’re unsure on what to use you’re in the right place.
Residential Access Control – what exactly does it look like?
A residential access control system is a type of security technology that allows you to monitor and manage any incoming and outgoing traffic from your apartment complex. These systems work together in an integrated environment to protect against unauthorized access, and can consist of some, or all, of the below security equipment:
An effective access control plan provides benefits to both property owners and residents; it provides an extra layer of security for apartment residents while improving rental marketability, reducing insurance costs, enhancing property value, etc. for property owners.
The benefits for residents
Installing access control systems in gated residential communities has far reaching benefits. The most obvious might be the biggest benefit, and that’s an increase in security. By restricting who has access and when they can enter the community, you’re increasing the safety of residents and reducing the threat of unauthorized individuals compromising that safety. The most common types of crime - home invasions, property damage, burglary, and vandalism – are significantly less likely to happen in gated communities where effective security strategies are implemented.
Access control systems also offer more in terms of convenience for residents. Having a process that takes advantage of technology to automatically allow authorized individuals to easily enter and exit gated communities offers more than a manual system that depends on human intervention, such as a guard booth with security personnel. By automating access control, residents can quickly get in out and out of the community, avoid waiting in line behind other cars, eliminate the need to give names every time they enter, etc.
Enhanced security provides peace of mind to residents and property owners, knowing their family members and belongings are safe from intruders or criminals who might gain access to their buildings. Outside of criminals, it also reduces the chance of unwanted visitors or solicitors knocking on doors – something a lot of people value highly.
The benefits for property management
Aside from residents, property owners and managers see benefits of implementing access control. An integrated access control system makes the whole management process easier. The ability to monitor and manage who is entering and leaving the community can help identify any suspicious activity to be addressed before it turns into a serious problem. In addition to managing the process, investing in an access control system provides cost-saving benefits:
Lower maintenance/repair costs – by reducing the need for things like manual locks and keys, you spend less money and time replacing or repairing broken or malfunctioning equipment.
Lower insurance costs – reducing the chance of crimes like theft or vandalism can result in lower insurance premiums. Not to mention, some insurance providers require certain security measures to be in place before providing coverage.
Increased property value – gated communities attract individuals that are willing to pay more for additional security, increasing rental rates
Improved rental marketability – with the increasing willingness to pay for extra security features, property owners benefit from a consistent flow of residents to rent to.
Different types of Access Control
There are a variety of different access control systems available for gated residential communities. They each offer something a little different but share the same goal of restricting access to only authorized individuals.
Keypad systems require individuals to enter a personal identification number (PIN) to gain access. PIN codes are generally four numbers long but can range all the way to up twelve numbers. Moving a step up in security, a keycard system scans an electronic card or some kind of token to provide access. Both can easily integrate with other security systems, making them a go-to standard option.
Smart lock popularity has grown more and more over the years, due to the increased security of verifying credentials via Bluetooth on personal devices that already have security features baked in.
An access control system that utilizes RFID (radio frequency identification) technology uses radio frequency to detect RFID tags in each area. These tags can be used to track movements of authorized personnel and tenants, as well as streamline access to and from high-traffic areas with automated verification.
Typically seen in higher-security environments, biometric scanners leverage unique physical traits, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, to authorize credentials. They offer fast and reliable access options with the ability to scale to multiple locations.
What’s the most reliable access control system?
This question largely depends on the unique needs of your community. If you’re interested in maximum security, biometrics scanners might be your best option. If you’re interested in a simpler system, one that uses keypads and RFID technology might be your best bet.
At the end of the day, the most important aspect of access control is doing a thorough evaluation to determine exactly what you need to meet your unique requirements. There are a variety of factors to consider, such as cost, ease of use, scalability, maintenance support, etc. when determining those needs. It's not uncommon for property management companies to work with expert physical security integrators, as they have the knowledge and expertise required to properly evaluate and implement an access control system that offers maximum protection.
Conclusion:
Figuring out exactly how you want to implement access control at your gated community can be an overwhelming challenge. With so many variables to consider, it’s not uncommon for property management companies to work with industry experts, as they have the knowledge required to properly evaluate and implement an access control system that offers maximum protection.
At the end of the day, implementing security in a way that keeps your residents safe is always the main goal – how you decide to achieve that goal is relatively up to you.
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
Opmerkingen