Why Nextra for your Access Control project?
Trust the experts who truly appreciate the unique challenges of modern access control systems.
A properly engineered and installed modern access control system bridges the gap between two, traditionally, exclusive specialties:
The first of which, falls under Construction Specialties Institute (CSI) Division 8, reserved for the skilled trade of door installer.
The second, falls under CSI Division 28, defining, among other things, the details of access control. This section encapsulates the technical, electronic, and programming aspects of access control.
Historically, these two disciplines have not always played nicely together. At Nextra, we mitigate these challenges by employing, trained technicians who specialize in both the electronic and physical portions of this field.
Why do I need Access Control?
While traditional mechanical locking hardware provides a marginal level of security, it’s not always cost effective or efficient. If tenants or employees leave, locks have to be re-keyed, and new keys must be distributed. (A locksmith can charge up to $250 to rekey a double door and provide 50 replacement keys.)
One of the biggest benefits of electronic access control is the fact that it eliminates the need for keys, and allows customization down to a very granular level. Doors can be programmed to remain automatically unlocked during business hours, which negates the need for someone to unlock doors at the start of the business day and relock them at the close of business. When any employee quits or is terminated, access can immediately be revoked at no cost. Access can be granted to employees based upon a schedule and can vary based upon credential level. Certain employees may only have access to certain doors, while security may have access to all doors, for example. Cleaning personnel can be granted access from 5pm to 10pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
In addition to employee badging, many buildings also use the access control system for visitor logging. In the case of a building with a reception desk, the access control system can be used to log visitors by scanning a license or business card and then printing a disposable badge. This type of system eliminates paper sign-in sheets and maintains a simple-to-search log of visitors.
Most access control systems integrate easily with security systems, and the very same card that is used to allow access can be programmed to arm and disarm the security with the same card used to unlock the door. Systems can also be used to alert the receptionist of a visitor who isn’t approved to enter the building.
In short, a modern access control system provides:
Convenient building access via a card vs. fumbling with keys.
Can be used with cell phones, cards or keychain fobs.
High levels of security by tracking and controlling who has access (and when).
Provides a log of valid and attempted entries through controlled access doors.
Mitigates the need for re-keying (a user’s access privileges can simply be turned off).
Saves the cost of rekeying doors and the inconvenience of distributing new keys.
Allows buildings to be locked and unlocked on a timed program.
Supports photo ID badges that also function as the access credential.
Supports visitor logging function and printing visitor badges.
Offers security or building automation alarm monitoring and automatic notification of events through e-mail and other tools.