One of your best defenses against security breaches is having a good access control system in place. There are many types of access control and security systems to choose from; these questions will help determine which is best for your building:
Are all access points monitored, either manually with a security guard or personnel, or electronically with video surveillance and detailed access reports?
Do all doors and windows have functioning locks?
Is ID based access control in place, and is it functioning?
How often do you have to issue or replace ID badges and keycards?
Is access to your building or specific areas restricted?
Is the surveillance system installed up to date?
Do you maintain a visitor record?
Is the current security system scalable?
Before installing a new access control system in your building, you’ll need to know if your current system needs to be updated, or if replacing it completely is a better option. In order to make the most out of your access control methods, use the following building access control security audit checklist to help guide you.
Install access control methods at key entry points to your building, like the lobby, elevators and parking garage entrances.
Use electronic readers that can check employee IDs and keep a detailed record of every access event, allowing you to easily access and analyze data reports in real time.
Install video surveillance to monitor key access points in your building, and ensure all cameras are fully functional, and that video footage can be accessed remotely if needed.
Keep an updated list of all employees who access the building, noting who has access to restricted areas. Using a security system that integrates with your directory can help administrators streamline this process.
Switch to mobile credentials, and always use encrypted credentials. Smartphone-based access offers the added security of multi-factor authentication, but encrypted keycards and fobs are also an option if you prefer them.
Install readers that respond to touch or movement to avoid bottlenecks in crowded hallways and lobbies.
Keep a detailed visitor log. A cloud-based access system can automate this process, making it easier to access your visitor log remotely, and administer guest passes without needing to lend out a physical badge or keycard.
Install locks on every door and window, especially those on the exterior of the building or doors that lead to rooftop access, and repair any broken locks immediately.
If you plan on adding more offices or buildings to your roster, the door access control methods you have in place should be easily scalable. A cloud-based system will give you greater flexibility for future growth.
Managing Security and Access Remotely
As seen with the recent COVID-19 shutdown, many buildings and workplaces were left empty and without staff who would normally provide physical security for long stretches of time. In the new normal, you may need to make adjustments to how people access your buildings, including limiting the maximum number of people who enter your facility, creating health-screening requirements before entry permission, or quickly closing access in the event of an emergency or contamination. All of these considerations create a new stage of your security audit: remote security and entry management.
We suggest you ask yourself and your team:
Do you have the ability to control your security system 100% remotely and reliably while most of your workforce is off premises?
Can you quickly trace or report on who has accessed specific sections of your building or workplace?
How can you manage health-screening or self- checkpoints remotely?
How will you remotely lockdown sections or your entire workplace? Can you allow temporary or restricted access during that lockdown period?
Having reliable remote access to manage your security system is essential to maintaining the safety and security of your facility. Use the following remote security audit checklist to ensure your system meets the needs of a post-pandemic workforce:
Upgrade to a fully remote system that utilizes cloud-based management to ensure you have access 24/7. Choose a security system that includes features such as remote unlock, digital guest passes, and easy door schedule changes so you can respond swiftly to shifting access needs.
Ensure you have access to real-time reporting and audit trails, so you can easily respond to access events as they come up. This is also an essential component of your security system if you plan on implementing contact tracing in your building, so you can see who accessed specific areas at specific times.
A cloud-based system that offers robust and seamless integrations will give you added flexibility to accommodate new regulations from health administrators, such as symptom self-attestations or health checkpoints. With Openpath’s open API, you can easily configure the readers to only allow a door unlock if the user has completed a specified action, like filling out an online symptom-check form or completing a thermal camera scan in the lobby.
Create a building crisis plan so you and your staff are prepared in the event of an emergency. With Openpath’s award-winning door lockdown feature, you can configure and trigger a lockdown plan remotely, alert your staff to the event, and allow temporary or restricted access for emergency personnel. With flexible lockdown plans available with the Premium Package, you can create an unlimited number of lockdown plans, so your facility is ready for anything.
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