The Rise of Smart Access Control in Small Businesses

The number of small businesses has been increasing, especially in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-employment has also risen, with women representing a significant and rapidly growing share of new business owners.

The shift of people preferring independence over traditional jobs and the rise of remote work are pushing people to start their own ventures. That means there’s a growing demand for smart access technology. Previously, these systems were primarily reserved for larger facilities; however, they’re now being adopted for smaller environments, such as in-home businesses, apartment complexes, medical offices, small gyms, and even small retail stores.

Smart access control systems are highly customizable, which is one of their biggest advantages for small businesses. Business owners can determine the levels of access, select different authentication options, enable remote control, and integrate various devices, such as cameras, alarms, or time-tracking tools.

With this technology becoming increasingly popular, there are several factors you need to be aware of when installing these systems for small business owners.

The Growing Demand

Security and affordability are the primary driving factors behind the surge in smart access technology. Owning a small business or being self-employed means you are now entirely in charge of security. However, it’s challenging for smaller establishments to afford a constant, on-site security presence. Implementing cloud-based systems is a great alternative to fix this issue without breaking the bank. In fact, it’s even sometimes the deciding factor for them to start and scale their business.

With a smart access control system, it’s easier for business owners to handle emergencies from a remote location if they were to arise. Several small businesses, which can’t be on-site all the time, often implement monitoring services to notify authorities during emergencies, automated direct calling, and owner/manager alerts.

Additionally, smart access technology enables business owners to easily track who has access to their building or office space. Traditional keys can be lost, copied, or stolen. Smart systems utilize cards, fobs, codes, or even phones, making it much harder to duplicate, thus increasing security.

Flexibility is another driving factor. Smart access control systems enable business owners to manage access remotely. Therefore, if somebody manages a gym and can’t be there every morning at 5:00 a.m. to open it, they can do so from a remote location. They can also ensure it has been closed at the end of the day. Similarly, if a delivery arrives after hours, you can unlock the door remotely.

Key Things to Look Out For

When having the initial conversation with a client, make sure they consider a system that can grow with their business. Unless they’re self-employed with very little to manage and no plan to grow, avoid locked systems that can’t expand without replacing everything. People are quick to opt for this since it’s cheaper, but it’ll end up costing more in the long run if they need to replace the system.

Many of these business owners have never had to manage security before and are seeking the easiest option. Ensure that you recommend a system with a user-friendly dashboard or mobile app.

Smart access control systems are affordable and scalable, no matter the business size. The smart solutions of today are readily equipped to handle large or small traffic. Whether they are controlling one maglock door at a gym or 30 doors and a security system in a whole building, the readers, hardware, and equipment will be the same; there will just be more of it.

Before conducting a site visit, ensure the client has mapped out all areas where they want smart technology implemented. It’s pivotal that you make sure the electronic system aligns with the door hardware. Always coordinate with the hardware vendor and ensure crash bars, strikes, and locks are compatible before installation. Failing to do so can result in unsafe exits, unreliable locks on doors, and fire code violations.

The days of keeping track of multiple keys and having lock boxes all over the place with different codes are coming to an end. Smart access technology is a game-changer, enabling everything to be centralized and remotely accessible. This technology has been in use for decades, offering convenience and security to businesses worldwide. Now, small business owners and self-employed individuals are also opting for cloud-based control systems, making the clientele pool larger than ever.