In today’s world, controlling access to your premises is more important than ever. With over 40 years experience, WLS has been instrumental in providing advanced access control solutions to businesses throughout the UK.
No matter whether you run a growing SME with multiple access points or a big corporation that need multiple sites access security, this guide will help you understand what you should look for in professional access control installations.
Types of access control systems for UK businesses
There are a number of options to consider when looking at access control systems. Some are more basic, with entry level functionality, which are perfect for smaller businesses. Others have advanced features that provide the latest in security technology, like biometrics. The main access control options available are:
Door access control systems
A door access control system is the first line of defence for premises and controls entry as per the pre-specified methods of authentication. You can use everything starting from keycards and fobs to higher-end solutions that integrate with your existing building management system. This can also be integrated into gate entry systems. Paxton access is a great brand to consider for this.
Biometric access control options
For ultra strict security, biometric security solutions authenticate users through their unique physical features. Using fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scanning technology, they can provide very strong security that’s almost impregnable to sensitive areas of your organisation. This is the kind of high-end security system that brands like Genetec offer.
Commercial access control for multi-site operations
Enterprise-level access control systems enable management of multiple sites with consistent security across your entire organisation from a single point of control, no matter how far apart. Again, this type of access control system is offered by the likes of Genetec and Paxton.
Brand-specific expertise
Our expert team of certified access control installers utilise advanced Paxton and Genetec systems to suit your business needs and maximise performance. We have many existing customers who we support across multiple sites.
Understanding the latest tech that is available from the leading brands is key when designing access control systems. There is no point investing money in security technologies that do not suit the needs of your business. There is also no point installing a system where 80% of the features are never used.
A reputable access control installer should fully tailor a system around the needs of your organisation and be able to justify why one system is more suitable than another. Transparency is key.
Why you should choose a proven access control installer
There are many security companies on the market that claim to offer access control installation. While they do to some degree, many do not have the in-house expertise or understanding of real-world threats that could potentially damage a large organisation. This could leave your assets, people and brand at risk.
A professional access control installer with proven expertise across many industries will not only bring technical specialism but also additional knowledge related to:
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- Potential threats – like bad actor behaviour and possible areas of weakness
- Integration with existing systems – Like business fire alarms, CCTV surveillance, smart automation, and BMS (Building Management Systems).
- Training – Staff need to be trained to set up, configure, use and maintain your access control system
- Support – Threats never stop, and neither does the development of technology. Access control systems require constant monitoring and support. Your business needs a trusted partner.
- Scalability – Is the system suitable for the growth of the business?
- Future developments – What potential threats could there be further down the line? Are different people going to require specific access?
- System reliability and longevity – Having your system installed professionally, using enterprise-grade hardware, and engineered properly helps eliminate system failures, downtime and security vulnerability common with amateurs.
- Compliance with UK access control installation standards.
To keep your building safe, it is vital that all security systems are installed in compliance with British Standards (BS EN 60839) and fire protection measures (BS 7273).
This is why WLS carries out an interview and initial security assessment of your organisation before starting any access control project. We leave no stone unturned, so we understand your business inside out, ensuring the highest level of security. We also guarantee your system complies with legal and insurance standards.
Integration with existing security and safety systems
A major benefit of enlisting the help of an experienced access control installer like WLS is the ability to create compatible, integrated security systems. We regularly integrate with the following systems:
CCTV integration
Access control and video surveillance systems should create a powerful security line of defence within your business. When someone enters using their credentials, the video tagging should happen automatically, making it very easy and quick to identify and investigate incidents.
Intruder alarm system coordination
The integration with intrusion detection systems means your business can quickly react and be on the front foot if a breach occurs. If integrated correctly, it will reduce false alarms by detecting what is normal entry and only triggering them when there really is a breach.
Fire safety system integration
Fire safety remains paramount in any security implementation. WLS designs access control systems that automatically interface with commercial fire alarm systems to allow unlocking of emergency exit routes as soon as the alarm goes off. This ensures compliance with British fire safety regulations.
Building Management System connectivity
For bigger businesses, access control solutions can connect with your Business Management Systems (BMS). BMS solutions bring greater efficiencies throughout a business, like automatically adjusting your heating, ventilation and air conditioning based on occupancy, or turning off lights in empty areas to enhance security and energy consumption.
The WLS bespoke installation process
Our seasoned experts have installed access control in large commercial offices, banks, schools, warehouses, medical facilities, museums, art galleries and more.
Our security assessment and installation process has been refined over the past 40 years and includes:
Initial security assessment
Our security consultants, knowledgeable about your industry, will assess your site and review current security measures and vulnerabilities.
System design and equipment selection
Based on what we find, we make detailed system specifications made just for your organisation. This selection includes the hardware and software that is most appropriate for your needs on security and operation.
Professional installation
Our qualified engineers will take care of the entire installation with minimum disruption to your business, ensuring clean and secure cabling and a professional finish that maintains your premises’ appearance.
Commissioning and testing
We test every installation to check that it works under power failures, emergencies and attempts to break security.
Comprehensive training
Our training programme for your staff, including system administrator and day-to-day users, will ensure that everyone is able to effectively use the new security measures.
WLS custom solutions: designed specifically for your business
What really makes WLS different to other access control installation companies is our ability to create custom solutions.
In-house development expertise
Many providers install off-the-shelf systems. WLS is different. We have a team of dedicated security engineers who create custom solutions for unique threats.
Hardware customisation
We can modify standard hardware or create custom mounts for special applications or unusual environments that require us to accommodate architectural features or survive harsh operating conditions.
Regulatory compliance solutions
We are specialists in building access control systems that have specific compliance requirements in regulated industries in areas of critical national infrastructure. For example, healthcare must align with the NHS Digital Security and Protection and financial services must align with the FCA.
How much does an access control system cost?
Though price will naturally vary depending on system complexity and scope, it is good to know the cost structure in order to budget accordingly.
Initial investment factors
The price of a system is usually dependent on the amount of access points, credential technology selected, integration required and software sophistication.
Enterprise vs. SME considerations
Enterprise solutions may cost more initially but have much lower per-door costs for large installations, across multiple locations.
Ongoing support and maintenance
To ensure reliable system performance, regular maintenance is crucial. At WLS, we provide comprehensive service agreements to help you keep your system up-to-date and configured against the latest threats.
Return on security investment
Professional access control is not just about stopping people you don’t want on your site (an important part!) but may also save you money on your commercial insurance premiums. It can help you with the paperwork for compliance and opens the door to valuable business intelligence as it captures occupancy and other movement data.
Choose WLS for your access control installation
As security threats become more sophisticated, it is beneficial to work with specialists for access control installations. WLS gets involved in knowing your system and crafting a comprehensive solution by bringing on all the right technology and expertise.
Our team is ready to discuss your organisation’s security needs and develop a proper access control solution that effectively protects while allowing for the smooth running of your business.
Contact WLS by email at [email protected] or phone +44 8 676 4300 to arrange your initial consultation and take the first step toward transforming your access security.
The WLS Guarantee – Creating Safe Spaces
* First Time Fix or Solution Provided Every Time *
We strive to be the World’s Leading Security Company, with an uncompromising focus on customers and the solutions we deliver. Our WLS team knows how important it is to create safe spaces you can trust, whether for your family home or business.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our expert team have closely followed the latest trends and developments in security technology. From our first installation to where we are now, our customers have always been our focus – providing an effective and high-quality result consistently. We’re proud to offer our unrivalled WLS guarantee to each of our customers.
