Commercial properties often rely on several layers of security to protect employees, visitors, equipment and other valuable assets. While access control systems and video surveillance systems each provide important benefits on their own, integrating the two can create a more complete security solution and give businesses greater insight into activity throughout their properties.
Gain Better Visibility Into Who Enters Your Property
Access control systems allow businesses to determine who can enter specific buildings, rooms or restricted areas. Depending on the system, employees and other authorized individuals may gain entry using smart cards, credentials or biometric devices. However, an access record by itself may only tell part of the story. When access control is integrated with commercial video surveillance, businesses can pair entry events with corresponding video footage. This makes it easier to verify that the person using a credential is actually the individual authorized to use it.
For example, if a smart card is used to enter a restricted area at an unusual time, security personnel can review associated camera footage to better understand what occurred. This added visual context can be valuable when investigating suspicious activity or reviewing security incidents.
Respond to Security Incidents More Effectively
Integrating access control and surveillance can also improve how quickly a business identifies and responds to potential threats. If an unauthorized entry attempt occurs, video surveillance can provide additional information about the individual or circumstances involved.
An integrated system may also make investigations more efficient. Rather than sorting through hours of footage to determine what happened, security teams can use access events to narrow their search to a particular door, credential, location and time.
Video cameras themselves can also serve as a visible deterrent to trespassing, theft and other unwanted behavior. Combined with commercial access control, they provide both a method for controlling entry and a way to document activity around important access points.
Build a Security System Around Your Property
Every commercial property has different vulnerabilities. An office building may need to restrict access to employee areas, while a warehouse may require additional protection around inventory, loading areas or equipment. Integrating access control and surveillance allows businesses to develop a security strategy based on these specific risks rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
NYCONN Security Systems specializes in helping commercial businesses throughout New York and Connecticut evaluate their security needs and establish customized solutions. If you are considering integrating access control and video surveillance, contact us for a free quote.