Access Control Systems Installation
What to Expect From an Access Control Installation
Once you have picked your system, completed a site visit, and received a quote, it is time to start your access control installation.
An access control system is a secure way to protect a building. It allows occupants to tailor user permissions based on their roles, responsibilities, and other security criteria.
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Installation
A sound access control installation will help you create the right system for your facility. This can range from simple physical locks with traditional keys to complex IoT-based solutions that leverage mobile credentials, biometric scanning, and license plate recognition to speed up visitor management.
Security professionals begin the process by inspecting your building to determine where to install the various devices and run cables. They then mount and connect readers, electronic locks (maglocks or door strikes), door position switches, and the panel that manages user permissions. Access control systems installation will also install and wire the power supply that keeps everything functioning and a network connection between devices.
The final step involves onboarding and training your staff and residents to use the new system. This will prevent misunderstandings and operational challenges down the road. Then, it's time to enjoy your facility's new level of security.
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Commissioning
Once the system is installed, it needs to be properly configured. This includes creating user accounts and permissions, configuring time schedules, and more. This is why it is crucial to choose a security professional who can help you get the most out of your system.
The first step is to perform a comprehensive site survey and evaluate the facility's layout. This helps determine the best locations for access control devices and ensures that proper wiring is in place.
Once the installation is complete, a thorough testing process is necessary. This is especially important with Life Safety systems since they are required to release doors upon activation of the fire detection and alarm system. The commissioning process also involves reviewing contractor submittals to verify that the installed equipment matches the design documents' basis. This is a critical step to reduce liability. Additionally, the installation of system cabling should be carefully conducted to prevent damage or tampering.
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Training
After thoroughly inspecting the physical site, the installer will configure the system. This includes determining individual access privileges and time restrictions for each authorized user. Enrolling users in the installation access control system ensures their credentials are correctly registered.
Once all the hardware and software are configured, the entire system will be tested. This process will include attempting to log in using both valid and invalid credentials. It is also a good idea to test any integrated systems, such as video surveillance and visitor management.
Access control training courses are available both online and in person. These practical courses are much more rewarding than reading a product manual and will help you get the most out of your system. Typically, these courses take up to a few days to complete. New hires, sales, and engineering personnel can attend them.
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Maintenance
An access control installation lets your company track who enters a building, when, and why. This helps you avoid security incidents by limiting the number of authorized individuals who can enter. Reviewing who accessed which areas of your premises also makes it easier for your company to identify potential problems, like vandalism or theft.
Proper maintenance is essential to getting the most out of your access control systems installation. That includes regularly backing up your system's configuration settings and access logs to ensure you can recover quickly from unexpected failure.
Additionally, regularly testing all hardware and the access control panel is essential. This can be done by using valid and invalid credentials to ensure the reader, door lock, and controller are functioning as expected. This will reduce the likelihood of dealing with unplanned problems, which can lead to costly downtime and security risks.
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