Stopping Door Propping Using Modern Access Control Systems
Building security is more than just burglar alarm systems and IP video surveillance systems. Modern Access Control systems offer users better control over their building’s overall security. A recurring problem that we are often asked to solve in New York City is the issue of employees propping open building doors. Smoke breaks, impromptu ventilation, deliveries, there are many reasons an employee will stick an object in the doorway to prevent the door from closing. They are probably thinking of just closing the door at the end of their shift but instead, they forget, and so the door remains open all night.
Modern Electronic Access Control systems, such as those manufactured by S2 (www.s2sys.com), have the ability to notify management that a door has been propped, allowing them to take action. Alerts can be configured only to be sent if the door is propped for a specific duration, so deliveries taking up to 10 minutes, for example, will not cause an alarm condition. Even doors that do not have a full electronic lock installation can be set up for this by simply running a wire to the door and adding the proper door sensor which can save money.
Alarm systems have the ability to tell you if a zone is faulted but often users just bypass the zone out of habit and the door remains unsecured. Getting an email from the Access Control system to one or more members of your management team is the most reliable means of making sure all your doors are properly closed.
Additionally, any door set up for door prop alarms can also be configured to send an email every time the door is opened. Further reporting can be added letting you know if the door was opened from the inside or the outside. If for example you have an exterior door that should never be used for entry, a ‘door forced’ event may be configured to alert you if someone came in from the outside.
Building lockdowns can also be initiated from your Access Control system and the system can show you a map of any doors that are not currently closed. Even your HVAC system will run more efficiently when all doors remain closed.
Save money and keep your staff properly protected by ensuring that all doors in your facility are adequately secured.
Digital Provisions specializes in upgrading legacy EAC systems to the latest state of the art IP based systems. We are also your choice for installing new Electronic Access Control systems, all with little or no disruption to your business. Contact us for further information at 631-209-2600.