5 Ways Access Control can Transform Business Operations
How Visitor Management Systems can ……
Companies are experiencing a seismic shift in their operations, as they adjust to external pressures from the 2020 pandemic and longer term trends. These include reducing carbon emissions, managing remote teams, and adapting to digital-first business models. This transformation is essential for businesses of all sizes in order to stay competitive in today’s ever-changing landscape.
These pressures are now making it vital for organisations operate more safely, more hygienically and less wastefully than in the past.
But as well as external pressures there are also opportunities emerging that are positive drivers to change. One of the most interesting, and perhaps less well understood, is the role being played by access control technology that is addressing challenges and inefficient processes many businesses have ignored or struggled along with for decades.
Smart businesses are now leveraging the latest access control and visitor management solutions to affordably resolve common challenges while simultaneously enjoying essential benefits and notable savings. Let’s explore the top five ways they’re capitalizing on this innovation.
Allowing Buildings to be Used in Totally New Ways
As businesses are looking for financially-savvy methods for using their facilities, space optimization is becoming an increasingly critical priority. Gartner’s recent survey revealed that CFOs consider implementing permanent remote working as a top priority in order to reduce expenses; this includes reworked workspaces that can guarantee safe and hygienic environments, shrinking physical footprints while still maintaining productivity levels.
To ensure successful mobility, staff must be able to move between locations and work from home with ease. Fortunately, in the most recent developments access control solutions have been integrated into Active Directory, Outlook and popular scheduling apps which make the process simple. In addition, these systems are linked directly to personnel databases for precise rostering & calendar management.
Ensuring a Positive Employee Experience
It’s crucial to not underestimate the importance of a positive employee experience. For many companies, one of the greatest advantages that they can gain from modern access solutions is improved workforce wellbeing. A YouGov survey conducted by ThisWeekinFM discovered that 44% of office workers are concerned about hygiene, cleaning practices and social distancing protocols; furthering flexible working patterns and healthy lifestyles result in heightened staff engagement and retention according to research by the Families & Work Institute in USA.
Companies thrive on their personnel, and by constantly shifting operational models, it’s increasingly essential to foster a positive corporate culture. Team members may be working from home or travelling between sites more regularly than ever before, which makes it all the more important that when they come together physically at one location, the experience leaves them feeling uplifted and inspired.
Modern access systems provide staff with a secure and more convenient way to gain entry into certain areas. Instead of having to carry physical key card or fob, personnel can receive one-time QR codes via email or through mobile applications that use two-factor authentication for additional security.
It doesn’t matter if they’ve never been to a particular location before, they don’t need to feel out of place. They can receive everything the need before they arrive, including site health & safety instructions and any information they need to make their visit smooth and hassle-free. So, they can expect complete, or part-frictionless, access through main entrances and gates – from car parks with allocated parking space, through to elevators and meeting rooms.
Reducing Physical and Data Security Risks
The growth of mobile and transient staffing amplifies risks to both digital and physical assets. As the faces in an organization change constantly, it becomes difficult for security personnel to recognize potentially hazardous behavior. Access control solutions help mitigate this threat by allocating authorizations that are tailored to each employee’s role, location, working hours and permissions – not only granting or denying access to physical spaces but also enforcing restrictions on digital infrastructure.
Cutting Waste and Improving Productivity
Businesses today are recognizing that access control systems can greatly improve the efficiency of their operations. From reducing the workload on reception and security personnel to preventing confusion between who is using which meeting room, improving inefficiencies will save businesses time and money as well as enable them to offer employees quicker access to resources such as data systems, tools, equipment, or simply getting people where they need to go with ease. Modern access control solutions automate streams so processes run smoothly – something every business should take advantage of.
No more wasting time and energy collecting physical access cards, storing them or replacing lost ones – the newest access solutions are here to save you time! Visitors don’t have to wait in line any longer for sign-in when they arrive at a site. You can deploy hardware options like tablets and kiosks around your reception area that allow contactless check-ins, provide directions/instructions, or even alert hosting staff when guests are ready to be escorted.
Operational Flexibility Built-In
According to recent articles in Australian newspapers, trade unions are advocating for increased flexibility in working hours and roles to enhance the mental health and work-life balance of employees. A few large public organisations have already adopted this idea but it’s difficult for businesses to predict how much they’ll need to change even over the short or medium term. Herein lies a solution: today’s access control systems are consistently providing companies with greater opportunities for adaptability.
For instance, with remote self-enrollment eliminating the necessity for staff to appear physically in security offices for ID and access badges, it has become plausible to adjust work hours, locations regularly, and adapt processes as new operational objectives arise. In fact, access control is now an enabler of change.
Access control technology is no longer limited to just a few functions; it’s developed into an advanced platform that can unite access, security, visitor management, safety and other operational services. Furthermore, when integrated with Active Directory, these platforms become essential business systems that form an integral part of everyday operations, enabling companies to maintain better workforce responsiveness and efficiency in secure environments.
Combined with network devices such as door controllers, surveillance cameras and other components, recent developments in access control integration provide exceptional levels of operational sophistication and control.
Call us on 1300 556 334 or email [email protected] to learn more.
Customers in New Zealand call 0800 345 677 or email [email protected].
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