An access control system is just like your car: if you don’t want to be left stranded, you better perform regular maintenance. Maintenance is the only way to ensure your system will work properly for the long haul. Just like changing your car’s oil, maintaining your access control system will ensure the proper function and longevity of your system. Here are a few ways you can maintain your access control system.
Visual Inspection
The first step of access control maintenance is to simply look at your system’s mechanisms. That doesn’t just mean take a quick peek at your access control entry devices as you use them. Take your time to actually inspect the devices and make sure there aren’t any frayed or exposed wires; debris in the locks; buildup on screens, keypads, card readers, etc.; or anything else that could hinder the system’s performance.
It helps to make a checklist of all points of access in your building and inspect them according to the list. That way, you’re sure not to miss anything. Also, keep a maintenance schedule. It should be a regular activity and not a “whenever you think about it” kind of thing.
Cleaning Components
Everything in life needs a good cleaning occasionally: your house, your car, and your access control system. Debris can build up on the circuits and mechanisms and hinder performance, grease can damage touchscreens and keypads, and dust and smudges can ruin your cameras’ clarity. To make sure everything is working properly, remember to give your system a good cleaning.
Dust and debris can also hinder the operation of your entry devices. Every time you clean your access control system, remember to oil your door locks. Otherwise, they could operate more slowly or even become stuck and cease to function altogether.
Check Power
During your inspections, make sure that all entry devices have power. For wired access control systems, that means checking that all power connections and tight and secure and that your main power supply is functioning properly. If your system is equipped with a battery backup, don’t forget to check that as well.
If you have a wireless access control system, check that the batteries on all entry devices are adequately charged and change any that are low. Without power, your access control system is nothing but wall decoration.
Software Maintenance
Hardware is only one piece of the access control puzzle. When performing maintenance on your system, don’t forget to clean up your access control software as well. If your system is managed in-house — meaning not cloud-based — make sure that all software is up to date. Most access control software is set to automatically update when updates are available, but it’s always good to check.
Even if you use a cloud-based access control system, that doesn’t mean you can forget about software maintenance. All access control systems go through frequent changes. Employees might leave the company, new employees are hired, and existing employees are promoted. With all the constantly changing user permissions, it’s easy for access control software to get outdated and disorganized. During your regularly scheduled access control maintenance, go through your system’s software and double check that all users have the appropriate permissions. Forgetting to remove users’ access control permissions is a quick way to make your system vulnerable to attack.
Professional Inspections
No matter how thorough you are, it’s always helpful to have a professional look over your system. It’s suggested that you get a professional access control system inspection at least once per year to make sure that everything is functioning properly. A security professional will be able to dive deeper into the maintenance of your system and repair problems that you might not have caught. The best way to prevent minor problems from becoming major failures (expenses) later is by getting regular professional inspections.
Access Control System Maintenance with Four Walls Security
You wouldn’t trust a car that has never gotten an oil change; why would you trust an access control system that hasn’t been maintained? Regular maintenance of your access control system will ensure effective operation and longevity of your system. Even with regular maintenance, it’s a good idea to get a professional inspection at least once per year.
If you need help properly maintaining your system or are looking for a professional inspection, contact the experts at Four Walls Security. Our goal is to give you peace of mind knowing that your property is secure. We have years of experience working with Brisbane area businesses and homes and can help with all things security, ranging from consultations and inspections, to sales, installation and support of your systems. For all your access control needs, trust Four Walls Security.
