What Are the Best Practices for Installing an Access Control System in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi businesses are installing access control systems in new offices, warehouses, factories, residences, and other types of secure facilities. Access control replaces manual key systems, empowering organizations to control who has access to which areas, record all access, and nuance control their security protocols.

Designing an access control system goes beyond putting a card reader or biometric device on an entry door. An effective access control system is designed around the needs of the customer, the UAE regulations, the physical layout of the customer’s premises, considering the risks, operational constraints and defined user numbers.

With the specifics known, what are the best practices for installing an access control system in Abu Dhabi?

Start With a Security Assessment

Prior to engaging any access control solution provider, a business should conduct a comprehensive assessment of their premises. The assessment should determine the entry and exit points, areas to be restricted, rooms requiring additional security, the access needs of employees as well as the movement of visitors, and the potential security risk(s) that the premises may pose.

Let’s say an organization has a main office that requires basic access control for entry, yet a more secure access control solution is required for entry to back rooms, the finance department, the server room, the warehouse, etc. Knowing that in advance will help any prospective access control systems integrator select the right combination of access cards, readers, RFID technology, locks, door controllers, and biometric technology as the foundation of the access control solution.

A professional site security assessment may uncover/determine the type of door, the location of the access control hardware, the availability of a network, power, emergency exits, and compatibility of the access control hardware, etc.

Choose the Right Access Control Technology

No access control technology is optimal for every business. Solutions depend on the requirements of the business and the operations of the facility.

An access control system using RFID or a proximity card is the easiest to control and manage, and is therefore most convenient. They are most commonly deployed in an office or a commercial building. They can be easily added, suspended or replaced by officer management systems without the need to change any physical lock.

In areas where identity verification is of more concern, biometric access control integrated with fingerprint or facial recognition is a more secure option. A PIN-based access control system or a mobile access control system can also be appropriate, depending on the needs of the business.

Businesses in Abu Dhabi should focus on getting the balance right between security, convenience, scalability, cost and integration of the solution rather than getting the most advanced solution since it is available.

Create Different Access Zones

An access control system must also define security zones across the premises. Not every employee needs access to every part of the premises. Some employees will not have access to server rooms, management offices, stores, or other restricted areas.

Role-based access controls ensure that employees are granted access only to areas for which they are authorized. Access to certain areas may also be granted to contractors, service employees or vendors on a temporary basis.

It is equally important to regularly review the access permissions. Terminating the contract of an employee, for whatever reason, must be accompanied by revoking your access to the premises. Likewise, access of employees who change departmental affiliation should be also reviewed.

Integrate Access Control With CCTV

Combining access control and CCTV systems helps build a more complete security system. Companies no longer need to keep separate accounts for events access control log and video surveillance.

As an example, if an employee uses an access card to enter a specific room, that access card is correlated with CCTV footage. Security personnel can use this footage to confirm the access.

For businesses in Abu Dhabi looking for access control and CCTV systems, an integrated and automated security system is the better option.

Consider Fire Safety and Emergency Requirements

The safety of occupants during an evacuation should not be compromised by a security system. Access-controlled doors should be designed with fire safety and emergency exit systems.

Depending on the type of structure, access control should be able to integrate with fire alarm systems and other emergency control systems. This should be done by a security systems professional who knows the emergency control systems and the building in which the systems are to be installed.

This is applicable to all types of buildings such as offices, hotels, schools, hospitals, and warehouses.

Implement Role-Based Access Control

A good access control system should incorporate role-based access, whereby users can access a particular system only with a valid need.

An IT admin may need to access the server room, but most employees only need to access the office area. Likewise, some employees may have more access to the area for monitoring and emergency response.

This ease of access helps administrators remove unnecessary access as the organization grows.

Manage Visitors and Contractors

Businesses should also account for how visitors, suppliers, deliveries, and contractors will access the premises.

An access control system integrated with visitor management can help by issuing temporary permissions, time stamping visits, and restricting visitor access to only approved areas. This can be useful for businesses with high visitor volume or frequent contractor involvement.

An electronic visitor management system can provide a better interaction and access record than a manual visitor log.

Protect Access Credentials and System Data

A modern access control system is a networked system and is therefore a vulnerable network and software access control integration.

Access logs and user data should be protected so administrators of the system cannot access the system unnecessarily.

Server infrastructure, networked access control controllers, unified management software, and administration accounts should be protected. This can prevent changes to access control permissions.

Maintain Accurate Access Logs

Electronic access control can help maintain access logs.

This system captures the user, door, time, date, and result of the access request. Records of access can aid security personnel in their incident investigations and help determine how access is used atypically.

Access logs can assist businesses in identifying access requests that occur during non-working hours and increased, repeated access attempts.

Plan for Power and Network Failures

As with most other systems, access control systems that rely on networks and/or electricity are also vulnerable to power and network outages. Businesses should consider the implications caused by such outages.

Based on the building and door configurations, backup power, UPS systems, network redundancy, emergency operating procedures, and other safety measures may need to be employed. The failure scenarios should be simulated so that safety concerns and emergency access remain intact.

This is especially applicable to data centers, warehouses, industrial facilities, and large commercial buildings in Abu Dhabi.

Work With an Experienced Access Control Company

Access control systems rely heavily on good installation. Therefore, an established access control provider in Abu Dhabi will be able to design the system, install hardware, configure the system, integrate it, test it, and maintain it post-installation.

Businesses should also consider the fairest pricing for a quality access control system and not focus on the lowest price. The technical expertise of the installer and the quality of their work should be evaluated based on previous work, warranties, and post-installation support and services.

The installer should also understand the applicable local regulations and security needs, and any approval processes.

Test the System After Installation

Installation for a system should always be followed by a complete test of all components before the system is ready for regular operation. Testing should be done for the card and biometric readers, locks, exit devices, access permissions, visitor credentials, access logs, CCTV integration, backup power, and emergency operation systems.

Various test scenarios should be done to verify system configurations and ensure that only authorized users can access the system, while unauthorized users are not able to.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

An access control system should be viewed as a long term investment that requires periodic maintenance to retain its effectiveness.

Over time, biometric devices and other hardware may fail. User permissions may also become obsolete over time when an employee switches position or leaves the company. Components may also become obsolete or fail over time.

A preventive maintenance program or Annual maintenance contract (AMC) can be used to keep a company’s access control security systems functioning in a reliable and efficient manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an access control system?

An access control system is an electronic security solution which enables the controlling of access to a building, room, or restricted area. Access control systems can obtain the necessary access control for a particular user via access cards, RFID, pin numbers, biometrics, or facial or fingerprint recognition.

Which access control system is best for businesses in Abu Dhabi?

The best system is dependent upon the size of the property, the security requirements, the number of users, and the restrictions. Smaller, less secure offices may require card based systems, while higher security areas may require biometrics, or multiple factor authentication.

Can CCTV and access control be integrated?

CCTV integration with access control means associating events with control access footage. This integration streamlines monitoring and helps with the investigation of incidents.

Is biometric access control suitable for offices?

An access control system based on biometrics can function in an office environment as well as in other segments of the commercial services industry wherein a control of access is required. Biometrics can be particularly useful for controlling access to restricted areas, such as server rooms, document control rooms, etc.

How often should an access control system be maintained?

There is no set answer to this question, but equipment use and environment, with the manufacturer's recommendations, are major factors.

Can access control systems manage visitors?

It is possible. Access control systems are able to combine systems that issue visitor access credentials, control visitor movement, and maintain visitor logs.

Conclusion

Installing an access control system in Abu Dhabi may involve more than installation of electronic locks and wall readers. There are multiple elements that must come together to form an effective access control infrastructure, such as access zoning, risk assessment, incorporation of CCTV systems, visitor management, cyber safety, preparedness planning for emergencies, and a consistent maintenance schedule.

A properly implemented access control system provides multiple benefits to an organization, including improved building security, control of access to business premises, monitoring access, protection of specialized areas, and increased visibility of building occupants.

Because access control systems are highly specialized, partnering with an experienced access control system contractor is of the utmost importance for businesses in Abu Dhabi.