ACCESS CONTROL

Depending on the system, doors can be accessed using a key fob, card, code, mobile credential, or other electronic credential. Access can be added or removed without having to rekey the entire building every time an employee leaves or a credential is lost.

From a single controlled entrance to multiple doors throughout a facility, we can help design a system around the way your property actually operates.

Call (360) 661-8298 to schedule an access control consultation.

 

What Is an Access Control System?

An access control system replaces or supplements traditional key-operated entry with electronically controlled door hardware.

Instead of issuing every employee a physical key, authorized users can be assigned an electronic credential.

Depending on the system selected, credentials may include:

• Key fobs

• Access cards

• PIN codes

• Mobile credentials

• Smartphone access

When someone presents an authorized credential, the system communicates with the door hardware and allows entry.

This provides businesses with significantly more control over building access than a traditional key alone.

 

Key Fob & Card Access Systems

Key fobs and access cards are a convenient option for businesses with multiple employees.

Each employee can receive their own credential rather than sharing keys.

If a credential is lost or an employee leaves the company, that individual credential can typically be removed from the system without changing everyone else's access.

Depending on the system, administrators may also be able to determine which users can access particular doors.

 

Manage Employee Access

Not every employee needs access to every part of a building.

An access control system can allow different credentials to have different permissions.

For example:

• Employees may access the main entrance

• Managers may access additional offices

• Maintenance personnel may access utility areas

• Certain employees may access inventory or storage rooms

• Owners or administrators may have broader building access

Available permission options depend on the access control system installed.

 

Door Schedules & Automatic Locking

Certain access control systems allow doors to follow predetermined schedules.

For example, a business entrance may be configured to remain accessible during business hours and secured outside of those hours.

Access schedules can also potentially be assigned to individual users or groups.

This can be useful for businesses with employees, contractors, cleaning crews, or other users who should only have access during specific periods.

 

Access Event History

One major advantage of electronic access control is the ability of compatible systems to maintain an access-event history.

Depending on the system, administrators may be able to review information such as:

• Which credential was used

• Which controlled door was accessed

• Date and time of the event

• Accepted access attempts

• Denied access attempts

• Certain door or system events

This provides a level of visibility that isn't possible with a traditional mechanical key.

 

Remote Access Management

Compatible network-connected systems may allow authorized administrators to manage access remotely.

Depending on the equipment and system configuration, remote management may allow you to:

• Add users

• Remove users

• Disable lost credentials

• Change access permissions

• Manage door schedules

• Review access events

• Manage multiple controlled doors

Remote functionality depends on the selected access control platform, network configuration, and available internet connectivity.

 

Electric Locking Hardware

Electronic access control requires the credential system and physical door hardware to work together.

Depending on the door and application, an access control installation may use hardware such as:

• Electric strikes

• Electrified locks

• Electrified deadlatches

• Request-to-exit devices

• Door controllers

• Credential readers

• Commercial locking hardware

• Mechanical key override cylinders

• Other compatible access-control components

The correct hardware depends heavily on the type of door and how it needs to operate.

 

Storefront Door Access Control

Aluminum storefront doors are common throughout retail, office, and commercial properties and often require specialized narrow-stile hardware.

NorthWest Lock & Key can evaluate existing storefront doors for access-control applications and determine what locking hardware may be appropriate.

Depending on the existing door, a conversion may involve components such as a commercial deadlatch, electric strike, exterior credential reader, interior exit hardware, and mechanical key override.

Proper hardware selection and door alignment are especially important for reliable operation.

 

Access Control for Existing Commercial Doors

You don't necessarily need new doors to add electronic access.

Many existing commercial doors can be adapted for access control using compatible locking hardware.

We'll evaluate factors including:

• Door construction

• Existing lock hardware

• Door and frame condition

• Required entry method

• Required exit operation

• Number of controlled doors

• Existing network availability

• Desired management features

• Mechanical key override requirements

From there, we can determine what equipment and door modifications may be necessary.

 

Standalone Keypad or Full Access Control?

Not every business needs a networked access control system.

For a single office or employee entrance, a standalone commercial keypad lock may provide everything you need.

For properties with multiple employees, several doors, changing access permissions, or a need for centralized management, a dedicated access control system may make more sense.

NorthWest Lock & Key can help determine which approach is appropriate rather than installing a more complicated system than your business actually needs.

 

Access Control vs. Traditional Keys

Traditional locks aren't going away.

Mechanical keys remain a reliable and cost-effective solution for many doors. Access control becomes particularly useful when a business needs greater control over who has access, where they have access, and when they have access.

With traditional keys, losing control of a key may require rekeying locks and distributing new keys.

With an electronic access control system, a lost credential can typically be disabled and replaced without changing every other user's credential.

Many systems can also retain a mechanical key override for authorized use when appropriate.

 

Access Control for Businesses & Commercial Properties

Electronic access control can be useful for many types of properties, including:

• Offices

• Retail stores

• Warehouses

• Medical and professional offices

• Assisted living facilities

• Apartment and multi-tenant properties

• Commercial buildings

• Storage and inventory areas

• Employee entrances

• Property management facilities

• Restricted rooms

• Community buildings

Every property is different, so the system should be designed around the building and the people who actually use it.

 

Upgrading From Mechanical Locks

If your business currently relies entirely on mechanical locks and keys, NorthWest Lock & Key can evaluate your existing hardware and discuss options for transitioning selected doors to electronic access.

You don't necessarily have to convert every door.

Many businesses begin with important entrances or restricted areas and continue using traditional locks on doors where electronic access isn't necessary.

This allows the system to be designed around your priorities and budget.

 

Commercial Locksmith & Door Security Services

NorthWest Lock & Key provides commercial security services including:

• Access control systems

• Key fob and card access

• Commercial keypad locks

• Electronic locking hardware

• Electric strike installation

• Commercial lock installation

• Commercial lock repair

• Commercial lock rekeying

• Storefront lock service

• Master key systems

• High-security locks

• Restricted key systems

• Commercial door hardware

Combining electronic access control with properly installed mechanical door hardware can provide a more complete access solution for your property.

 

Access Control Installation in Skagit County and Surrounding Areas

NorthWest Lock & Key provides commercial locksmith and access control services throughout Skagit County and surrounding communities, including Mount Vernon, Burlington, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, La Conner, Samish Island, Stanwood, Camano Island, Arlington, Marysville, and surrounding areas.

We can meet you at the property, inspect the doors and existing hardware, discuss how you want access to work, and determine what type of system is appropriate.

 

Schedule an Access Control Consultation

Whether you want key fob access on one entrance or need an electronic access system for multiple commercial doors, NorthWest Lock & Key can help you determine the right approach.

We'll evaluate your existing doors, locking hardware, access requirements, and management needs before recommending a system.

NorthWest Lock & Key
Call: (360) 661-8298

Professional commercial access control and locksmith services throughout Skagit County and surrounding areas.