As smart building technology becomes more prevalent in today’s infrastructure, businesses are realizing that it comes with significant benefits: reduced operational costs, more comfortable environments for occupants, and increased property values. However, one of the most valuable advantages of smart technology comes from integrating it with building access control systems.
Bringing these two systems together can make your building more secure and efficient. For government facilities, integrating smart technologies with access control systems can also ensure compliance with high-security standards.
Learn more about the benefits of integrating these vital systems, how they work together, and how you can successfully integrate them in your high-security facility.
How Building Access Control Systems Work in Smart Buildings
Building access control systems and smart building technology are very different systems within a facility. Smart building technology uses the Internet of Things (IoT) to connect devices and systems within the building. All this technology works together to create an interconnected, responsive environment, automating and managing tools like:
- Sensors that track temperature, humidity, occupancy, and energy consumption
- HVAC systems that make a space more comfortable and energy efficient
- Lighting that adjusts automatically depending on occupancy and ambient light
A building access control system regulates and monitors physical access to the facility and prevents unauthorized entry. These systems can integrate with the rest of the building’s technology to create a more secure environment and more convenient occupant experience.
For example, once an authorized person scans their credentials at the entry point, the access control system can communicate with smart building technology to trigger the lighting and HVAC systems in certain areas where that person will be working. It could also automatically coordinate security cameras and alarms, focusing cameras on specific regions to record events. If someone attempts to access an unauthorized area, the system could trigger an automatic lockdown and notify security teams.
Benefits of Integrating Access Control & Smart Building Tech
Enhanced security is the most significant and obvious benefit of integrating these systems. When your access control system can work with the rest of the technology in your building, it can create a more comprehensive, secure infrastructure for your facility.
But improved security isn’t the only benefit. Integration can also provide:
Real-Time Data
Access control systems can use real-time data from sensors in the building to understand what’s happening throughout the facility. For example, if a sensor detects a fire, the access control system can unlock doors to allow personnel to leave quickly or lock down affected areas.
Cost Efficiency
Integration can help lower operational costs and better allocate resources. Access control systems can work with building tech to turn off lights in empty rooms or keep temperatures low during periods of low occupancy.
Faster Response Times
Integration can improve response time to potential security threats. The building can automatically trigger alarms, lock certain areas, and notify security teams if unauthorized access is detected. The value of these systems is incalculable in facilities where response times are crucial.
How to Integrate These Systems Successfully
Most building access control systems are designed to work with smart building technology. Even so, integration will require careful planning. You’ll want to:
- Assess your existing systems. Determine if they are compatible or if you’ll need to make upgrades.
- Choose the right technology. You’ll want to choose tech that can scale with your facility, adapting to changing needs.
- Implement and test everything. Create a detailed integration plan before installing and configuring the systems.
Once your systems are integrated, you’ll want to conduct rigorous testing to ensure everything is working together seamlessly and that your system does not have unexpected vulnerabilities.
It’s unlikely you’ll do this integration on your own. High-security facilities will want to work with trusted contractors like Ariel Secure Technologies who understand your facility’s unique needs and compliance requirements and have extensive experience working with government facilities like yours.
We Can Make Your Building Smarter and Safer
Integrating building access control and smart building solutions can make a facility more secure, efficient, and responsive. You can automate essential functions and gain access to valuable real-time data. Not only will this make your facility more secure, but it can help reduce energy usage and make working in the building a better experience for personnel. You’ll optimize how your building responds, adapts, and protects itself.
Contact the experts at Ariel Secure Technologies if you want to integrate access control and smart building technology. We will work with you to develop a tailored solution that meets your facility’s specific needs with state-of-the-art compliant systems. Let’s future-proof your building with the best security solutions possible.
