SECURITY SYSTEMS
Access Control for Multi Purpose Buildings
» THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS impacted how buildings are used and what property owners and occupiers require . Here John Hardman , Product Marketing Manager at dormakaba , looks at the impact these changes are having on security and access and how professionals can use the latest innovations to meet their customers ’ needs .
The pandemic has accelerated two key longterm trends ; a move towards more flexible and remote working and greater use of online retail . With this has come a change in how buildings are used , with a growing number being repurposed and adapted for mixed-use or renovated to accommodate multiple tenants .
This type of change in use means that the converted buildings have more complex security and access requirements as each group of users needs specific access to different areas . Helping building owners to find a solution to this challenge is a way that security professionals can provide value-added service .
However , there are several key considerations when recommending a system . It is important to ensure that each individual or group can move through the building as easily as possible . Access systems that are overly restrictive can become burdensome and make people feel less welcome . Also , security measures that seem too stringent can , perhaps counterintuitively , increase anxiety by creating a feeling that people are not safe .
It is also essential to consider factors such as the size of the building , the number of users that require access and whether there is a need to frequently grant temporary access for guest users and contractors .
Additionally , the pandemic has placed a focus on hygiene and , as a common touchpoint , access systems are an area where minimising contact can be valuable for users of building . For example , systems that include keypads and physically operated locks may not be as suitable for buildings where a large number of people require access each day .
One possible solution to these requirements is a cloud based , electronic access control system , which uses connected door components and access media . Installing this type of system is simple and can be easily retrofitted to older buildings . There is a wide range of wireless products on the market , including electronic door handles and digital cylinders , that do not require additional wiring . All building users can then be assigned access credentials such as key fobs or ID cards . Smartphones can also be used for this purpose with systems supporting mobile access .
These electronic systems make it simple to tailor the permissions to each person so they can seamlessly access all the areas of the building they need to , while maintaining the security of other sections . A cloud based system offers the convenience of being able to change the access rights and permissions of individuals at any time and from anywhere . This type of solution is also easily scalable from a small number of doors and users for shared office spaces for example , to true mixed-use buildings with both public and private areas .
Smartphone , or ‘ smart key ’ access is a low contact solution that also offers further convenience and security benefits ; users do not need to carry a separate card or fob , and a phone is also much less likely to be misplaced or lent to someone else . They also commonly include additional security measures such as a PIN number or passcode , and increasingly , biometric verification such as fingerprint or facial recognition as well . Furthermore , digital keys can be sent direct to the smartphone app , so short term access can be granted easily for visitors .
To further enhance hygiene , low contact electronic locks can be combined with automatic doors . Manual doors can simply be upgraded to automatic operation by swapping manual door closers for automatic swing door operators . Where user control of the automatic door is required , contact free sensors can be installed in place of buttons or push-pads .
As buildings are adapted to new working patterns and requirements , it is important that the correct access control system is put in place to allow ease of movement , ensure security and maximise hygiene . Electronic cloud based systems can help meet a wide range of customers ’ requirements , especially where smart-key access can be implemented .
www . dormakaba . co . uk
44
JAN / FEB 2022
locksmithjournal . co . uk Issue Takeover
Magazine Sponsor