Once, building lobbies were just a welcoming place. They were small and plain afterthoughts that served as a pit stop for people waiting for the elevator. Today, however, both residential and commercial building lobbies are social spaces and vendor sites that boast elaborate finishes and other amenities. While these lobbies serve the essential functions of a reception area, they are also a key element of the security plan for the building. Lobbies have evolved from a simple welcome area to an essential access control solution. Today, the security of a building begins with the parking garage and goes all the way to the front door of the office or the residence. More than just an expectation, security and access control has become an important amenity for tenants.
Property managers have the responsibility of ensuring the safety and integrity of their buildings. With so many tenants and numerous properties, this task might seem a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, new technology provides stronger access control methods and the ability to keep buildings and tenants even safer. From user credentials, access rights, and authentication processes, access control protocols are providing some of the best security features for buildings today. No matter if the building is commercial or residential, let’s take a look at why access control is an important tenant amenity.
What is access control?
From the parking garage to individual offices or residences, access control ensures that only people with authorized credentials are allowed to gain entry to the building and specific areas within it. Simply put, access control is the method for unlocking the doors for the people who are supposed to be there. This can be done through key fobs, credentials, passcodes, and other entry protocols.
Access control uses various methods to identify an individual, authenticate them, and then grant access to a door or area. Buildings are becoming smarter in terms of access. Most of these controls begin in the parking garage with some kind of ID or passcode. Once at the door, a person or system will usually authenticate the individual again before allowing them access to the lobby. Some access control protocols also extend to the elevator or stairway entry door for another layer of access level control. Access control methods create a central authority for granting access to a building.
Security as an Amenity
With access control, property managers can designate building complex access rules. Implementing a strong access control policy will be a selling point for your building with prospective tenants. For your current tenants, a strong access control system will be an amenity that gives them peace of mind. As many buildings offer upgraded parking, swimming facilities, fitness rooms, and other common areas, it’s important that only authorized users are allowed into these places. Your access control system will be the amenity that keeps all of your other amenities secure. Along with your promoted amenities of recreation and common areas, you should also include your access control plan to showcase your building security as an amenity.
Integrated Technology for Added Security
Access control can provide even more security for your tenants when it’s paired with other technologies. A selling point for your building could be additional security amenities. Utilizing technologies such as video surveillance cameras could work with your access control protocols for an additional layer of protection for your tenants and their guests. As an example, with integrated systems, property managers or receptionists can verify that those granted access are the authorized users by comparing entry log data with video surveillance footage.
Large residential and commercial buildings today boast an increasing number of amenities tailored to tenants’ needs and comforts. Included in the list of available amenities should be the building’s comprehensive access control protocols that provide safety and security for the tenants and the building. Strong security features will prove to be an invaluable amenity, as they will offer peace of mind and a sense of security around your building.
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