Employees, suppliers, customers, and other visitors walk through your doors each day. However, do you know exactly who is in your building at all times?
If your business relies on locks and keys to secure its facility, you cannot easily tell who is there, when they entered, or what they were doing. In a city like Chicago, where property crime remains a concern, a basic set of office keys is simply not enough.
At Alarm Security Inc. (ASI), we have been installing access control systems for Chicagoland businesses since 1982. Based in Des Plaines, Illinois, we have helped organizations of all sizes secure their facilities and monitor who enters and leaves. Our customers include schools, warehouses, banks, convenience stores, car dealerships, cannabis dispensaries, and government offices.
The Problem With Keys
Traditional keys can create serious security risks because they do not give you complete control over your property. For example, here are several ways keys can leave your company exposed:
Stolen keys. Even one stolen key can leave your business vulnerable. As a result, you may need to rekey every affected lock, which can be both expensive and inconvenient. Until that work is complete, your facility may remain at risk.
No record of entry. If someone steals equipment or enters your building after hours, you may never know who it was or when the incident occurred.
Limited access permissions. You may want to restrict certain areas to specific employees or vendors. With a standard key, however, anyone who has a copy may be able to access every door it opens.
No remote access management. When someone needs to enter your building unexpectedly, you may have to send an employee to the location. Consequently, access is delayed, and your business may face unnecessary risk.
These problems are more than minor inconveniences. In fact, they can leave your building exposed to intruders and internal theft. Furthermore, in highly regulated industries such as banking, cannabis, and government, inadequate access control may result in compliance issues.
What Are Access Control Systems?
Instead of relying on physical keys, access control systems use key cards, fobs, mobile credentials, or biometric identifiers such as fingerprints to grant entry.
When someone attempts to enter a secured area, they scan or present their credential. Next, the system verifies the person’s identity and checks their access permissions. Finally, it either unlocks the door or denies entry.
A professionally installed access control system generally includes the following components:
Electronic door hardware. These locks are operated electronically rather than with traditional keys.
Credential readers. Located near secured entrances, these devices may include card readers, biometric sensors, keypads, or smartphone-enabled readers.
Access control panel. This component processes credential information and determines whether a person should be allowed to enter.
Management software. The software allows you to add or remove users, change permissions, review access logs, and monitor activity at each door.
Additionally, an access control system can be connected to your security cameras and burglar alarm. This integration gives you a more complete view of your facility and helps you identify which entrances have been used.
Our Approach to Access Control
Every building has different security requirements. Therefore, we begin each access control installation with an on-site security assessment.
First, our experts visit your location to evaluate your entrances, daily operations, risks, and compliance needs. Then, we design a solution tailored to your facility and organization.
As a Bosch Authorized Security Dealer, we use dependable hardware and software designed to adapt as your business grows. Whether you operate one shop or manage multiple locations throughout Illinois, we can install a system that meets your needs today while preparing you for the future.
Our access control solutions can support:
- Cards and key fobs
- Smartphone access
- Biometric credentials
- Visitor access
- Video surveillance integration
- Remote monitoring and management
Who Needs Access Control?
Nearly every business can benefit from adding access control to its existing security system. Nevertheless, some industries have especially demanding security and compliance requirements.
Schools. Access control can help schools secure classrooms, manage visitor entry, restrict staff-only areas, and prepare for lockdown situations.
Warehouses. By controlling access to storage and loading areas, warehouses can reduce theft and maintain detailed records for future investigations.
Retailers. Stores can secure stockrooms, administrative offices, cash-handling areas, and safes. At the same time, managers can track employee access to sensitive spaces.
Cannabis dispensaries. Dispensaries can meet state-mandated controlled-access and recordkeeping requirements while protecting inventory and restricted areas.
Banks and financial institutions. Sophisticated access controls and detailed reporting can help protect vaults, computer rooms, records, and other high-security areas.
Government buildings. Programmable user permissions and biometric readers can help public facilities meet strict security and safety standards.
The ASI Difference: Local, Timely, and Dependable
Choosing the right security provider is just as important as selecting the right system. Here is what sets Alarm Security Inc. apart:
More than 40 years of experience. Since 1982, Alarm Security Inc. has protected businesses throughout Illinois. As a result, our team understands local regulations, security risks, and business requirements.
Fast, local response. When you need assistance, our Des Plaines-based technicians can respond in hours rather than days.
Licensed technicians. Our qualified professionals install, maintain, and service integrated security systems.
One provider for all your security needs. We offer burglar alarms, fire alarms, video surveillance, and access control through a single trusted company.
UL-listed fire alarm services. Our UL listing and adherence to NFPA 72 standards help ensure that life-safety systems meet applicable industry requirements.
A+ BBB rating since 2000. Through responsive service and dependable support, we have earned the long-term trust of our customers.
Access Control: The First Step Toward Better Security
Every door presents a security question. Can you confirm who entered? Can you review a record of the event? More importantly, can you respond quickly when suspicious activity occurs?
Access control provides those answers.
For more than 40 years, Alarm Security Inc. has helped Chicago-area businesses protect their properties with customized access control systems. With the right solution in place, you gain the visibility, control, and peace of mind needed to keep your business accessible while maintaining security.
Contact our Des Plaines office today to arrange a free security consultation. Call (847) 390-9600 to speak with an access control expert and learn how a professionally installed entry control system can improve the security of your facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an access control system cost for a Chicago business?
The price depends on several factors, including the number of doors, the credentials used, the required software features, and any integrations with other security systems. Because every facility is different, ASI provides free on-site security assessments and detailed quotes with no surprise charges. To schedule your assessment, call (847) 390-9600.
Can I connect access control to my existing video surveillance and burglar alarm systems?
Absolutely. ASI provides integrated security solutions that connect access control with video surveillance and burglar alarms. That way, you can view relevant camera footage for each entry event and manage multiple security systems through a single interface.
What happens if a key card is lost or an employee leaves the company?
Electronic access control systems allow you to deactivate credentials immediately. For instance, you can disable a lost card or revoke a former employee’s access within seconds without replacing any locks. You can also issue temporary credentials to new employees, contractors, visitors, and vendors.
Will the access control system still work during a power outage?
Yes. ASI designs access control systems with backup power so they can continue operating during an outage. Depending on your building layout and applicable fire codes, we can configure fail-safe or fail-secure locking to support safe emergency exits while maintaining building security.
How long does installation take?
Installation time depends on the number of doors, cabling requirements, hardware selections, and system integrations. However, our experienced technicians work efficiently to minimize disruption to your business. Moreover, because our team is local, we can often begin projects sooner than a national provider. During your consultation, we will outline a project schedule tailored to your facility.
Ready to gain control over who enters your business? Call (847) 390-9600 or contact our Des Plaines office today to schedule your free security consultation.
