For any business in a high-risk industry that relies on top levels of security for the safety and success of its operation, your choice of access management solution is crucial.
On the 24-25th September, Parking Facilities attended the 2024 International Security Expo. During the event, we engaged with high-risk businesses to delve into the core challenges they face with their security access management solutions.
Our survey produced some intriguing results, let’s dive right in.
Our findings
Access management satisfaction
Although 93% of the businesses in our survey reported satisfaction with their current access management solutions, over 50% of them have still experienced break-ins or had to deal with intruders on their premises.
You may believe your premises are as secure as possible; however, with the advanced access management solutions now available, you can greatly enhance your site’s security, ensuring uninterrupted business operations free from the risk of unauthorised access.
While there are many advanced, state-of-the-art security access solutions available, many businesses still depend on basic tools like key cards, visitor logs, or outdated physical barriers that no longer provide adequate protection.
Security challenges of managing access
38% of our survey participants claimed the key challenge they face when it comes to managing access to their premises is checking in and checking out.
In addition to this, we discovered that 65% of businesses rely on physical forms of security as their primary method of managing access.
Relying solely on physical security such as guards, manual barriers or visitor logs may have been effective in the past, it may expose your premises to the risk of human error.
Employees may forget to log out of systems or security guards can inadvertently cause a breach. Couple this with the complexity of managing access for various groups such as employees (including remote and hybrid workers), contractors, visitors and vendors who each require a different level of access, and it’s a recipe for a potential security breach; this is why a combined security approach that utilises advanced biometrics, gate automation and remote access are critical.
Outdated access management systems and audits
24% of organisations we spoke to have been using the same systems for 5-10 years, while some participants were entirely uncertain about the age of their systems.
Many high-risk industries, such as healthcare and finance, must adhere to strict regulations regarding access control, especially when handling sensitive data. Despite this, 32% of businesses are unsure when they last reviewed or audited their access control systems.
This highlights a critical issue: businesses may not be regularly assessing or updating their security systems often, potentially leaving them vulnerable to compliance failures and security breaches.
Ease of use
For 56% of survey participants, ease of use was the most important feature of an access management system.
Integrating biometrics, automated entryways, or QR-based access is essential for streamlining the experience for both employees and visitors, particularly as businesses expand.
Scalable, simple – the perfect combination!
5 ways to improve facility security through access management
Adopt advanced access control technologies
Transition from basic systems like key cards to more sophisticated solutions such as biometric authentication, mobile access control and automated perimeter control.
These technologies offer enhanced security by reducing human error and providing real-time monitoring capabilities. Biometrics also help reduce the chance of someone using a stolen access card or code to gain access.
Conduct regular audits and reviews
Schedule periodic assessments of your access management systems to ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards.
Regular audits can help identify vulnerabilities, outdated processes, and areas for improvement. Staying updated with the latest security technologies and best practices is essential.
Integrate systems
Consider integrating your access control systems with other security measures, such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems.
This helps to create a seamless access management system, one designed to improve premises security and response times across the board.
Stay informed about regulatory changes
Keep up with any changes in regulations that may affect your access management policies. This proactive approach ensures that your systems remain compliant and reduces the risk of penalties or legal issues.
Choose the right access management solutions partner
When it comes to the quality of your access management solutions, there’s no room for compromise. That’s why it’s essential to collaborate with an access management provider that understands your industry’s challenges and requirements.
At Parking Facilities, we offer a comprehensive range of high-quality access management solutions, including security rated gates, barriers, turnstiles and more; all of which can be tailored to your unique security needs.
Rudimentary access management solutions are fine in some industries, but fail to deliver in high-risk sectors.
It’s time to speak to the experts in access management; it’s time to talk to Parking Facilities.
We’ll handle your access management, you focus on growing your business.
Thank you to all of our survey respondents. The data collected from this survey provide us with insights into access management across varying high-risk industries, helping us focus our efforts into manufacturing solutions that better meet the needs of many businesses across the UK.
