Key Takeaways
- A modern facility access control setup protects people, property, and sensitive spaces across your building.
- Card readers, mobile access, biometrics, and cloud-based systems each serve different needs.
- The best system combines hardware, software, and policies that align with your layout, risk level, and compliance requirements.
The quickest way for a security system to fall apart is through weak access control. All it takes is one unlocked back door, a misplaced access card, or a system so outdated that people stop using it properly.
Facilities across Connecticut deal with these issues every single day. In 2024, the state saw 1,366 property crimes per 100,000 people. Many buildings don’t realize how vulnerable they are until something goes wrong.
A robust facility access control system gives you clear visibility into who’s entering your building, when they’re entering, and which areas they move through. It helps reduce internal risks and gives you reliable records you can review at any time.
But with so many options, picking the right system isn’t easy. Should you stick to cards? Move to mobile credentials? Add biometrics? Set up cloud management? Replace your door hardware or keep what you have?
We’re here to answer your questions. Let’s go over how to match the right facility access control system to your facility’s operations.
What Is the Best Access Control System for Facilities?
There isn’t a universal “best” system. There’s only the best fit for your layout, your workflow, and the level of security you need.
To pick the right one, start by looking at:
- Building type (office, school, industrial site, medical facility, multi-tenant property)
- Number of entry points
- Traffic volume
- Visitor needs
- Sensitive areas that need extra protection
- Existing hardware
- Budget
Once you have this mapped, you can match your needs to the right mix of hardware and software.
Here are the main facility access control options you’ll find across Connecticut:
1) Key Card Systems
Key card systems use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards or fobs to let people in. They’re familiar, easy for staff to use, and simple to manage on the backend. If a card goes missing, you can shut it off right away and issue a new one. You also get a clear record of who entered and when.
2) Mobile Credentials
Mobile access lets people use their phones to unlock doors with Bluetooth, NFC, or a secure app. It removes the hassle of replacing lost cards and makes it easier to manage credentials on the go.
Admins can adjust permissions remotely, and some systems add an extra layer of security by requiring a fingerprint or face scan before the phone grants access.
3) Biometric Access
Biometric systems use fingerprints, facial scans, or iris patterns to confirm identity. These systems are highly accurate because the credentials can’t be lost, shared, or borrowed. They also create precise entry logs tied directly to each user.
While the hardware costs more up front, biometrics can dramatically improve control in sensitive areas such as server rooms or healthcare storage facilities.
4) PIN Codes and Keypads
PIN code entry is a simple and affordable way to control access in low-risk areas. People punch in a code, and the door unlocks.
That said, you’ll need to update PINs whenever there’s a change in staff. Also, shared codes can limit visibility unless your system assigns unique PINs to each person.
5) Cloud-Based Access Control
Cloud-controlled systems let you manage everything from a single dashboard. You can update permissions, check activity logs, or secure an area right from your laptop or phone.
They scale easily for multi-building properties and update automatically, so you don’t have to deal with manual software patches.
How Do I Know Which System Fits My Facility’s Security Needs?
The easiest way to figure this out is to stop thinking of your building as one big space. Instead, picture it as a collection of zones. Every zone has a different level of risk and calls for a different level of protection.
Once you break it down this way, choosing the right system becomes much clearer.
1) Low-Risk Areas
These are spaces where security isn’t a huge concern, but you still want to keep tabs on who comes and goes. A simple keypad or basic RFID card system usually works just fine. The goal here is to manage access as simply as possible.
2) Medium-Risk Areas
In areas like server rooms, HR offices, or production floors, you’re likely dealing with sensitive data or operational processes that shouldn’t be open to everyone.
Card systems with tracking features or time-based permissions are a strong fit for these areas. You’ll want access logs, the ability to set different permission levels, and maybe some time-based restrictions too.
3) High-Risk Areas
These are the places where access needs to be tightly controlled and tracked. Biometrics, mobile credentials, or systems with multi-factor authentication are better suited to these zones. You need to know precisely who entered and when, and there shouldn’t be any room for borrowed cards or shared PINs.
What Features Should You Prioritize in an Access Control System?
Not all access control systems are the same. Some are packed with features you’ll never use. Others are missing basic functions. Suppose you’re running a facility in Connecticut (or anywhere with unpredictable weather, a mix of old and new infrastructure, and a range of security needs). In that case, these are the features you should look out for.
1) Real-Time Activity Logs
Real-time logs tell you precisely who entered a door, when they arrived, and the path they took through the building. When something looks unusual, these logs give you the information you need to respond quickly. They’re also invaluable for audits, HR reviews, and day-to-day oversight.
2) Remote Management
Remote access has become a must for most facility teams. With cloud-based management, you don’t have to be on-site to handle the basics. You can add users, remove access, check door status, or lock down certain areas from your phone or laptop.
This is especially useful for:
- Companies with multiple buildings
- Property managers who oversee several locations
- School systems with multiple campuses
- Healthcare networks where staff move between sites
The convenience alone is worth it, and it also reduces response times during unexpected situations.
3) Integration With Other Systems
A facility access control system works best when it talks to the rest of your security and building infrastructure. A good system can integrate with:
- Video surveillance
- Intrusion alarms
- Visitor management platforms
- HVAC controls
- Fire detection and fire alarm system
- HR or identity management directories
These integrations make your security setup smoother and more consistent. For example, you can pull up camera footage tied to specific door events, or you can automatically update access permissions when someone joins or leaves your organization.
4) Weather-Resistant Hardware
Between snow, ice, rain, and Connecticut’s infamous humidity, your outdoor readers and door hardware need to weather a lot.
Look for systems rated for wide temperature ranges and moisture exposure. If you’ve got readers on gates, external doors, or parking structures, this is non-negotiable. The last thing you want is a system that stops working every time it rains or freezes.
5) ADA-Friendly Design
Accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought. Your facility access control setup should work for everyone, without barriers. Make sure you have:
- ADA-compliant door hardware
- Options for hands-free entry or mobile credentials
- Wheelchair-accessible reader placement
Small adjustments here reduce bottlenecks at busy doors and help you stay aligned with accessibility standards.
Upgrading Your Access Control System Today
If your building is in Connecticut or nearby, the best way to move forward is with a professional walkthrough. Every facility has its own layout, risk points, and operational quirks, so choosing the right system starts with seeing how yours works on the ground.
Advanced Security Technologies offers a full suite of facility access control systems throughout Connecticut, including electric lock installations, keycard management, and cloud-based or on-premises security platforms.
Whether you’re running an office, warehouse, or multi-tenant building, our local team makes sure everything’s installed properly and keeps working the way it should. Schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long does it take to install a new access control system?
It depends on the size of your building and the amount of hardware you’re replacing. For most small to mid-sized facilities, it takes anywhere from a few days to a week. Larger or multi-site setups may take longer, especially if you’re switching to cloud-based controls.
2) What happens if someone loses their key card or phone?
You can deactivate lost credentials right away from your admin dashboard. If you’re using mobile credentials, most systems let users re-authenticate from a new device with permission.
3) Is there a way to give access to contractors or visitors without a permanent badge?
Yes. Most systems allow temporary or time-limited access credentials. You can set these up in advance or issue them remotely.