Can Your CCTV and Access Control Systems be Integrated?
When setting up security for your business, you might consider adding CCTV and access control systems. These two security measures work great to deter crime on their own, and provide even greater security when integrated. This pairing has many advantages, but it is also a complex setup that may not be right for you. There are several factors to consider when making this decision for your commercial property.
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television. Cameras that are part of a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage is used to document and help prevent crime. Access control refers to the selective restriction of access to a place or other resource. The purpose is to grant entrance only to those who are authorized to be there.
Benefits of CCTV and Access Control Integration
Integrating your CCTV and access control systems can add an extra layer of protection to your building or facility. However, if your access control system uses proximity cards, there is an inherit risk since someone could use a lost or stolen card to enter your business.
Pairing your access control system with security cameras will allow you to monitor who is using each proximity card and mitigate improper use. If an unknown person tries to enter the building with a lost or stolen card, the cameras will either document the unauthorized access, or alert those monitoring the system.
CCTV and access control integration can be especially helpful in emergency response situations. Having video surveillance of an unauthorized access alert will help you figure out exactly what happened so you can determine whether it is a real threat to your facility or not. In the event that a crime has been committed, this is helpful when coordinating with local authorities as well.
Aside from discouraging and monitoring unauthorized access, CCTV and access control integration can also be useful for general documentation purposes. It will allow you to monitor who is coming and going from your facility, and when. This pairing could serve as an accountability tool for your business.
Is CCTV and Access Control Integration Right for You?
CCTV and access control integration may not be necessary for every type of business. Pairing these systems can be expensive, so you want to make sure this setup is right for you. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself when making this decision:
- Do I recognize all my employees?
- Does my facility operate 24/7 or late at night?
- Does my business operate out of multiple buildings/sites?
- Does my facility contain high-security or restricted areas?
If you answered yes to most or all of these questions, it might be time to consider CCTV and access control integration. FSS Technologies can help you better understand and assess your needs. Our team of experts can give you personalized feedback for your commercial property.
Explore Our Other Blogs
8 Home Security Tips
With more than 45 years of experience in the home and business security industry, here are our top eight tips for discouraging intruders and burglars from targeting your home. 1. Create the illusion that someone is at your house. If you are going to be gone for an extended time, leave a light or TV…
Alarm Monitoring Services: How They Work
An ear-piercing siren and flashing strobe lights create an immediate sense of emergency and indicate an alarm of some sort has been triggered. Now that the alarm has been triggered and the warning sirens have sounded, what happens next? If you have a monitored security system, it won’t just be the neighbors or passerby alerted to…
Choosing a Safe Neighborhood in Chicago
There are a lot of great places to live in Chicago. From the historic vibe of Printers Row to the ultra-stylish River North, there are neighborhoods to fit every personality. But are they safe? It turns out, many of them are. According to Niche.com—which ranks neighborhoods based on crime, schools, cost of living, etc.—the short commuting times…
Lowe’s Iris Line Goes Under
Many consumers are seeing red with the recent news that big-box retailer Lowe’s is shutting down service to its Iris smart home platform. Lowe’s launched its Iris cloud service in 2012 so it could sell its own smart home products to the public. Customers with an Iris smart hub, the heart of the network, could…
Livly: A Modern Residential Community Experience
The Livly property and tenant management system is one of the most cutting-edge and all-inclusive apartment app experiences available today. The system offers low-cost technology and fully integrated experiences that pair well with a variety of existing property management systems. As a proud partner with Livly, FSS Technologies offers this trusted technology solution for both…
What Is Alarm.com?
How Does Alarm.com Work? Alarm.com is a cloud-based service that allows customers to manage their security alarms and home automation systems remotely. Alarm.com does not manufacture security components, like alarm panels and cameras. Instead, its cutting-edge software is integrated into hardware systems provided by highly regarded manufacturers. What sets Alarm.com apart? Alarm.com Products Alarm.com’s partnership…
Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?
The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…
What are the Components of a Security System?
Security systems can vary widely in size and scale: from simple home alarms and small business surveillance systems to commercial-grade intrusion and detection systems. One system could even be comprised of enterprise-level networks that stretch across multiple locations. Understanding the essential components of a security system is the best way to start your search for…
Best Security System Setups for Senior Citizens
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of senior citizens want to stay in their homes as they age even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Unfortunately, criminals often target senior citizens as victims. Thieves assume older people will not be able…
Most Common Causes of House Fires
A house fire can be a life-altering event that some may never fully recover from. The best way to protect your home and family from a fire is to educate yourself about the risks and how to prevent them. We all know the essential forms of prevention and protection, like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers,…