As your business grows, the security needs for the business grow as well. The crowd will get bigger, and eventually, more and more people will need to have access to your property. That is when you should instrument a better entry control system that can provide security at every level of the company.

Security guards can help keep your property safe, but if the security practices of your business start from the entry, they will be able to do their part more effectively. You need to implement a system that will grow with your business and won’t get in the way of your work. Here are some steps you can take to keep control of the entry as things change.

Upgrading to Codes

You may want to switch to a coded lock system from regular keys to further control on who has access to your property as your business grows. Key codes provide various advantages over traditional key locks, even if you implement them on certain entries.

The advantages of having upgraded to codes are:

  • You can change codes whenever you want, and it will also cost you much less than changing all the regular keys.
  • You can also design codes for a specific person. This will help you identify which person is using the doors and have a log of the activity.
  • Codes can enhance efficiency as they won’t get left at home, such as a key. And employees won’t have to find the key when they are rushing to get to work.

Using Restricted Keys

When you make keys for your business property, it is vital that you use key blanks that cannot be duplicated. A dishonest person can still copy a key even if the key is marked “Do Not Duplicate”. So, even if you are running a small business and have a few keys, the best solution is to use restricted keys. Only approved locksmiths who contract with the manufacturer can make these kinds of keys.

Implementing a Master Key System

A master key system means specific keys will unlock specific doors and a log of individuals who has those keys. This system allows you to give appropriate access and have better control, unlike having separate keys for every door or one key for all doors. Regarding the supervisors, you may want to grant them access to the offices and doors in their area and not the main entries. Management can have a key that opens all the doors in the facility.

Creating a Log

Once you start handing out multiple keys, you should start writing a log to keep track of them as who has which key and what it can access. A log should have the key number, the identity of the receiver, the date the key was handed out, as well as the date it was returned. This should have the record of both permanently and temporarily given keys.

A designated employee should be given the responsibility of keeping the key log, and he should keep track whenever any employee is terminated because it is very important to make sure the terminated employees have returned their keys promptly before leaving the company. In case you don’t get your keys back, consider changing the locks.

Regularly change the locks

Lastly, regardless of what system you are using to control access, you should change the locks and codes regularly. Many businesses usually tend to rekey every two or three years, but you should consider doing so more often.

There are a number of security breaching events that can take place. If there are any break-ins in the neighborhood or any attempt of a break-in at your property, you may want to change your locks. If you have a displeased employee or are having any domestic issues involving an employee, you should also change the locks as a precaution.

Your business will be protected from many threats if you take these steps to improve security. However, there is still no substitute for a skilled and experienced security guard. They are professionals and trained to recognize threats and de-escalate dangerous circumstances.