How to Maximize the Access Control System Potential

To determine if you’re getting the most out of your access control system, evaluate its performance across several key areas: security, efficiency, integration, user management, and reporting. You should also consider whether you are using your current system’s features and need to upgrade it to meet new requirements.

This article reviews some essential features and provides a checklist to help you audit your current system.

Check Security Effectiveness

Check if you are using all the features of your access control system.

Granular Access Control:

Have you set up the permissions based on roles, times, and locations? Many systems allow you to determine who can access an area based on their role in the organization. For example, you can control who can enter the tool room or IT department.
Real-Time Monitoring:

Does your system provide real-time alerts? Some systems offer if-then alerts, such as detecting someone trying to enter using an old pass key credential. You can set up the system to send the alert to a security station or mobile phone. Instant alerts enhance security by notifying security of unauthorized access attempts.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Additional security layers, such as keycards plus PIN or biometrics, increase the organization’s safety and minimize the problem of lost credentials being used.

Integrations with IP Camera Systems

Does your system integrate with an IP Camera System? An IP camera system can record people entering and prevent piggybacking, where someone enters behind a permitted person.

Audit Trails:

Are you using the audit trails? It’s essential to maintain a clear, accessible log of who entered, where, and when. The log can tell you who is in the building or when they left.

Integration with Visitor Management System

Are you using a visitor management module? These systems help to control who has entered, when, and where they are going in the facility.

Next Steps to Maximize Your Access Control System

Conduct an audit and use the following checklist to ensure the effectiveness of the access control system is maximized.

Conduct a Security Audit:

Review access logs and test the system for vulnerabilities.

Are you using unused features such as multi-factor authentication, area lockdowns, or visitor tracking?

Provide Regular Training: Ensure staff understand how to use the system effectively.

Review and Update Access Permissions: Periodically remove unnecessary or outdated permissions.

Here is a detailed Access Control System Audit Checklist you can use to evaluate and optimize your system’s performance:

ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AUDIT CHECKLIST

System Overview

✅ Document System Details:

• System provider and version: __________________________
• Number of access points: __________________________
• Primary access methods (keycards, biometrics, mobile): __________________________

✅ System Maintenance:

• Is the system software up to date? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Are all access control devices (readers, locks) functioning correctly? [ ] Yes [ ] No

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Security Controls

✅ Access Permissions:

• Are user roles and permissions clearly defined and up-to-date? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Is multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled for sensitive areas? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Are access levels reviewed periodically? [ ] Yes [ ] No

✅ Monitoring and Alerts:

• Are real-time alerts enabled for unauthorized access attempts? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Are security cameras integrated with the access control system? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Are high-security areas equipped with biometric controls? [ ] Yes [ ] No

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User Management

✅ Onboarding and Offboarding:

• Is there an automated process for granting access to new employees? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Is there an immediate revocation process for terminated employees? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Are temporary access permissions (e.g., for contractors) reviewed and revoked promptly? [ ] Yes [ ] No

✅ Credential Management:

• Are all keycards or credentials encrypted? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Are you using the latest biometric door readers?  [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Is there a policy for replacing lost or stolen access cards immediately? [ ] Yes [ ] No

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System Integration

✅ Integration with Other Systems:

• Is the access control system integrated with CCTV for visual verification? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Is there integration with IP Paging alarm systems for breach detection? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Does the system sync with HR software for automated access management? [ ] Yes [ ] No

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Reporting and Compliance

✅ Audit Logs:

• Are all access attempts logged and stored securely? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Are logs regularly reviewed for suspicious activity? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Is there a clear policy for log retention and deletion? [ ] Yes [ ] No

✅ Reports and Analytics:

• Are usage reports generated and reviewed regularly? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Are access anomalies (e.g., after-hours access) flagged for investigation? [ ] Yes [ ] No
• Can you generate reports to meet compliance standards (e.g., HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001)? [ ] Yes [ ] No

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Summary of Door Access Control System Optimization

It’s always a good idea to review your door access control system. By ensuring that you are using all the features and reviewing the system, you can provide the highest level of security. You can determine if your system meets all your requirements using an audit checklist.

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If you need help selecting the best Access Control System, please call us at 1-800-431-1658 in the USA or 914-944-3425 worldwide or use our contact form.