Smart buildings are changing expectations for real estate buyers and tenants. They’re no longer looking for properties that just cover the basics, such as safety and aesthetic appeal. They also want to check extra boxes, with features that elevate the building to a new level. For many property owners and organizations, modern access control is high on that list of criteria.
Developers who look at an access control system as just another drain on their project budget are missing out on a prime opportunity. What they may not realize is how the benefits of this technology can improve their properties over the long term, enhancing the tenant experience and making them more attractive to potential buyers.
In this article, we’ll give you a closer look at how access control systems are transforming commercial properties. We’ll also explore why they’re a worthwhile addition to your current and future development projects.
How Smart Access Control Systems Work
Before we dig into the specific upsides of access control, let’s take a moment to break down how it works.
Access control systems rely on a combination of software and hardware, which work together to automate the entry process. Users access the building with credentials, which come in a variety of forms, including:
- Key fobs
- Key cards
- Mobile apps
- QR codes
- Biometrics
You can issue credentials to anyone who needs building access, from visitors and customers to employees or property managers. When they get to the door, they simply hold their credentials in front of or near the reader.
The system sends a signal to confirm they have authorization, and, if they do, it unlocks the door so they can enter. It also logs the access event so you can refer to it later, if needed.
Automating building or room entries in this way means staff and security personnel don’t have to be available to open doors for guests or employees. Instead, users can unlock doors whenever they need access, even if they’re dropping by after everyone else has gone home for the day.
The Value of Commercial Access Control Systems
When you start working on a new development, the goal is to create a property that will stand the test of time—not just structurally but also in terms of features and design. Smart access systems help you build secure, connected, and future-proof properties with unique advantages compared to more traditional buildings.
Increased Security
One of the greatest benefits of access control is how it enhances your building’s overall security. Businesses in Pennsylvania, particularly retail stores, have seen a significant increase in criminal activity in the past few years. Access control is an ideal solution for organizations concerned about theft, property damage, and vandalism because it offers a way to protect your people, assets, and data.
An access control system can deter prospective criminals from trying to steal computers and equipment from the building. Similarly, using readers on internal doors allows you to prevent unauthorized individuals from viewing confidential information.
Installing an access control system in your development also means future building owners and tenants can keep a close eye on what’s happening on site. For example, 2 Krew Security and Surveillance offers advanced solutions with real-time monitoring and alert notifications. If someone attempts to enter the building without authorization, you receive an instant notification, allowing you to respond more quickly and prevent the situation from escalating.
Stronger Evidence and Compliance
Keeping a record of every person who enters your building is tedious work—unless you have an access control system doing the task for you. An automated system will create a comprehensive access log, detailing every person who entered the site and when they arrived.
These logs are critical if a security incident occurs because they offer valuable information about who was on the premises at the time. They give law enforcement and insurance investigators a better understanding of what took place and who might have been responsible. In highly-regulated industries, such as finance and healthcare, these logs offer the bonus of helping you meet compliance requirements.
Integrated Solutions
Access control systems can operate as standalone solutions, but they’re also capable of connecting with other solutions. Integrating access control with other elements of your smart building security system helps you avoid vulnerabilities and simplify management.
One popular pairing is access control and video surveillance. Along with your access logs, you’ll have live video and recorded footage of every person entering the building. Building owners and tenants can use both sources of information to verify access events and follow up on potential security issues.
Improved Efficiency and Tenant Satisfaction
Access control can enhance the overall building experience for everyone involved, from business leaders to visitors to property managers. It streamlines the entry process, allowing people to get through the doors more quickly and preventing long wait times and crowded lobbies.
This type of system also saves people from worrying about physical keys, which are easily lost or stolen. That translates to people having fewer problems gaining access when they need it, plus lower expenses for organizations that no longer have to replace lost keys or change out their locks.
Organizations that use access control systems can also tailor them to their specific needs. For example, they can schedule doors to lock or unlock during specific days or times. Organizations hoping to stay open 24 hours a day can do exactly that without sacrificing building security.
More Flexible Management
Managing an access control system gets tricky if you have to be on-site to update authorizations, review access logs, and run reports. It’s especially problematic in an era when employees, including supervisors and administrators, often work remotely at least part of the day.
A cloud-based access control system like 2 Krew’s allows you to grant and revoke credentials no matter where you are. You can also receive and respond to security alerts and monitor access activity. As long as you have a mobile device or computer with Internet, you can take care of your building’s access control system.
Broader Buyer Pool
For many property developers, all the advantages of an access control system ultimately boil down to one question: will it attract more buyers? While the exact answer depends on the market, location, and other aspects of the building, access control is quickly becoming a must-have for many people thinking about buying a property.
The global access control market value hit $10.4 billion in 2024, and experts project it will reach $15.2 billion in the next few years. That means more buildings than ever will have access control systems. To stay competitive, property developers will need to offer modern technologies that maximize convenience and security.
Make Your Buildings Smarter with 2 Krew Access Control
Smart buildings are dominating commercial property developments, and that’s not likely to change any time soon. Access control is an intelligent and easy upgrade that helps ensure your property will meet the needs of tenants and buyers for years to come.
At 2 Krew Security and Surveillance, we know the importance of looking ahead for developers. That’s why we provide scalable, tailored access control systems for commercial properties throughout Pittsburgh and the Tri-State area.
Ready to future-proof your properties? Contact 2 Krew for a consultation or to learn more about our customized access control systems.
