Can access control reduce costs?

In an economic climate where capex is often restricted and with many businesses still operating on low margins, building owners and facilities managers want a security solution that is convenient and cost-effective. Here, Damian Marsh draws on his experience with Access Control, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, the global leader in door opening solutions, to offer an insight into how access control systems can both improve security and reduce costs.

All public and private facilities present unique security challenges. Not only does it mean controlling physical access to buildings, but also includes logical access to networks and sensitive information. While trying to control operational costs and serve the diverse needs of establishments.

Finance constraints have a big impact on security purchasing decisions. If an organisation is looking to overhaul, renew or extend an existing security system, the investment is competing with many other priorities. However, facilities managers would be unwise to ignore the financial impact that would be inevitable in the case of a serious security breach.

To find a suitable access control solution, Access Control would recommend going back to basics in security, to understand the initial security requirements. Then work to create a scaleable solution that can be installed in a rolling works programme, to accommodate budgets and limit disruption to the day-to-day operations of buildings.

One way to choose between the different access control options available is to use one simple planning tool in business, the ‘hurdle rate’. This is where specifiers and estate managers work together to answer a series of questions. How many hurdles or barriers do you need to erect to deter or prevent a risk to security? How long do you need each hurdle to deter? What is the likelihood of detection and what is the response time on alarm? What are the consequences of failure?

Answering these questions determines critical areas, where it is appropriate to invest in several barriers to entry and identifies other zones that will not require anywhere near the same hurdle rate to provide an adequate balance between security, risk and cost.

By taking this approach when assessing security requirements, the need to purchase additional security systems can be justified as necessary. At a time when every expense must result in a Return On Investment this can be a particularly valuable method of specification.

Effective access control systems can improve costs in a number of ways. Unauthorised copies of keys and an unknown number of keys distributed to people, both within and outside organisations, are common problems for organisations with large numbers of personnel and a high staff turnover.

A copied or lost key is an immediate security threat, and replacing lock cylinders and keys combined with administrative work can be highly resource-intensive, as well as expensive.

Access Control would recommend a combined solution such as Aperio® wireless locking technology. Aperio ® enables mechanical locks to be wireless linked to a new or existing access control system, without any need to modify the door.

Cost effective and easy to install and operate, Aperio® can update room access authorisations online and in real time. It thus creates an intelligent access control solution, which can discreetly monitor employees’ attendance without the need to encroach on civil liberties or freedom of movement.

Systems like this allow organisations to update authorisations, quickly, without having to be concerned about the cost of an organisation being disrupted, if physical lock changes had to take place.

For facilities managers and building owners it is necessary to strike a balance between creating a welcoming environment, and a secure environment – all the while factoring in budgeting restrictions. Security planning is concerned with protecting three things: people, assets and data. Access control can deliver this in a cost effective manner, while addressing the specific security requirements of building owners or managers.

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions

Digitalising access and optimising workflows

Digitalization is high on the agenda, or well under-way, in all kinds of commercial environments. As part of this process…
TDSi

TDSi Launches UK GARDiS Installer Training

Integrated Access Control and Security manufacturer TDSi announces that it is offering a free Training Kit to individuals taking part…
OneLink

Product Spotlight – Gallagher’s OneLink

Gallagher Security presents, OneLink – the product that is elevating remote security through the power of the cloud 
Stephen Tickle

Comelit-PAC Appoints Stephen Tickle as Regional Sales Manager

Comelit-PAC has appointed Stephen Tickle as its new Regional Sales Manager.  Stephen will focus on supporting PAC’s access control…
Doorbird Carousel

Product Spotlight – Door Communication for the “Neue Wallufer”

 A customised solution case study for a residential complex is presented by DoorBird and CompuNet Systems GmbH 
suprema

Suprema Achieves EN 60839 Certification

Suprema, a global provider of AI-powered access control and security solutions, has achieved EN 60839-11-1:2013 Grade 3 certification
Gallagher

Gallagher Security cultivates key partnerships in Riyadh

Organised in partnership with the New Zealand Embassy, Gallagher Security hosted an event in Riyadh to explore business…
ASSA ABLOY

Electric locks are a vital component in digital access

To protect the important openings in their buildings, organizations need locks they can trust. This means more than just strength…
Tecnosicurezza

Tecnosicurezza Launches AmpliSec

Tecnosicurezza has launched AmpliSec – its first connected high-security electronic locking system designed specifically for safes…
Paxton

Paxton Employees Fundraising for Air Ambulance

Employees at the Brighton based security technology manufacturer Paxton have voted for their charity of the year
Scroll to Top