June 2, 2011. Bill Szydlowski
credit: Alex E. ProimosMany business owners are turning to door entry systems when it comes to securing property and denying access to any unauthorized people. Surveillance door entry and card entry security systems are adequate but users should be aware of the conditions that could render them ineffective.
In some cases, the best course of action may be to install both types.
Many businesses utilize door entry by swipe card systems to secure restricted areas on the property. The cards are similar to an ordinary credit card. The strip located on one side stores information to identify the card holder. Other styles of swipe card door entry systems are equipped with a tiny computer chips instead of magnetic strips.
Key cards are only effective if they stay in the possession of authorized users. Cards can be lost or stolen and fall into the wrong hands. It is possible to reprogram the reader when a card is misplaced but this will be expensive and take time. The services of a qualified professional will be needed to reprogram the device and make new cards. Business owners may also opt to install a video surveillance door entry. An entrance can be covered by a camera that transmits back to a video monitor and recorder.
All activities will be captured to tape and one security guard can keep an eye on multiple entrances at the same time. The system allows for the door lock to be activated remotely. Sometimes poor quality equipment will make it difficult to identify people on sight. There are very expensive models that provide high resolution images.
Installing video surveillance or card entry security systems are popular ways for business to enhance their camera surveillance systems. Installation of both will provide the advantages of both while offering a redundant system for those times when either system is not working, for whatever reason.
Updated June 2, 2011. Published April 28, 2011. Bill Szydlowski
