Tips For Maintaining An Access Control System
Your access control system serves a number of functions, including controlling who has access to various parts of your business. The system requires regular maintenance to properly function. To help ensure that your system is operating at its best, here are some maintenance tips.
Update Your Database
As employees are hired, promoted, and terminated, or if they quit, the access they have to your business changes. It is imperative that you are regularly updating your database to ensure that only authorized employees have access to the proper areas.
It is especially important to update your database if you have employees who are no longer with your company that still have their access cards or fobs. To ensure the database is always updated, make it part of your routine whenever an employee separates from the company.
Install Software Updates
Access control systems require periodic updates to their software. Without the updates, the systems can start to malfunction. Updates also provide your systems with new features and patches for problems that were detected by the manufacturer.
If you are unsure whether or not there is an update available, contact your security provider. You can learn about how to determine if an update is available and how to install it yourself.
Backup Your Data
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to fail to backup your access control system data. The data not only includes updates or changes made to the system's software, but also the login information and user codes for everyone who has access to your building. If you fail to backup the data, you could be forced to manually re-enter all of the data.
Ideally, you should backup your data at least once a month. However, if you have a large business with many employees, backing up the data more frequently might be a better option.
Check the Batteries
Your access control system most likely has batteries as a backup to help protect your security data. In the event there is a power outage, the batteries ensure that data is not lost. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget about the batteries until there is a power outage.
Make a point of checking your batteries on an annual basis to ensure they are still good. If not, change the batteries. How long the batteries typically last can vary based on the manufacturer and how often the batteries were relied upon throughout the year.
Consult with your security professional to learn other ways you can maintain your access control system. If you're interested in having an access control system installed, contact a company like Midwest Lock & Security for additional information.