At Asheville Fence, we've installed access control systems for commercial properties throughout the region for decades. We understand that effective security doesn't mean creating barriers that slow down legitimate business activities. Instead, modern access control creates a seamless experience for authorized individuals while keeping unauthorized visitors out.
Understanding Commercial Access Control Systems
Access control systems regulate who can enter your property and when they can do so. Unlike traditional lock-and-key setups, these systems provide detailed monitoring, customizable permissions, and real-time updates about activity on your property.
The foundation of any access control system starts with secure perimeter fencing. Without proper fencing, even the most sophisticated access control technology becomes ineffective. Chain link fencing, ornamental steel, or custom solutions create the physical barrier that channels all entry and exit through controlled access points.
Types of Access Control Technologies
Several technologies work together to create comprehensive access control:
Card Readers and Swipe Systems Card readers allow employees and authorized personnel to gain entry by swiping or tapping a programmed card. These systems provide detailed logs of who entered and when, making them valuable for both security and operational tracking.
Wireless Keypads Keypad systems require users to enter a code for access. Codes can be changed regularly and assigned to different individuals or groups, providing flexibility without the need for physical cards or keys.
Remote Control Transmitters Remote transmitters allow authorized vehicles to open gates from a distance, reducing wait times and improving traffic flow at your facility.
Telephone Entry Systems These systems allow visitors to call a designated number from an entry panel. Staff can verify the visitor's identity and grant access remotely, ideal for properties with visitor traffic.
The Security Benefits of Access Control
Commercial properties face security threats ranging from theft and vandalism to unauthorized access that creates liability issues. Access control systems address these concerns systematically.
Real-Time Entry and Departure Monitoring
Modern access control systems track every use of entry points. You'll know exactly who arrived, when they entered, and when they left. This information proves invaluable for:
- Investigating security incidents
- Verifying employee attendance
- Monitoring contractor and vendor access
- Providing records for insurance or legal purposes
- Tracking delivery arrivals and departures
This level of monitoring would be impossible with traditional lock-and-key systems.
Eliminating Unauthorized Access
Bolt cutters can defeat padlocks. Lock picks can compromise standard deadbolts. But automatic gate operators paired with electronic access control create a security barrier requiring specialized electrical knowledge to overcome.
Similar to how a barking guard dog deters burglars, visible access control systems send a clear message that your property takes security seriously. Many would-be intruders simply move on when they see these systems in place.
Customizable Access Levels
Not everyone needs access to every area of your property. Access control systems let you define specific permissions:
- Grant full-time employees 24/7 access
- Limit part-time staff to specific hours
- Provide temporary codes for contractors working on projects
- Create visitor passes that expire automatically
- Restrict certain areas to management only
This granular control enhances security while supporting your operational needs.
Enhanced Employee Safety
Access control doesn't just keep intruders out—it also protects your employees. Automated systems reduce exposure to weather, potentially dangerous individuals, and situations where staff might otherwise need to manually operate gates or verify visitors.
Employees can enter and exit without leaving their vehicles, limiting vulnerability in parking areas or after-dark arrivals. This added safety layer demonstrates your commitment to employee wellbeing.
Balancing Security with Convenience
Security systems that frustrate legitimate users often end up compromised. Employees prop doors open, share access codes, or create workarounds that undermine the entire system. Effective access control prevents this by making authorized access genuinely convenient.
Staying in Your Vehicle
Manual gates force drivers to exit their vehicles in all weather conditions. Automatic gate operators controlled by remotes, key switches, or card readers eliminate this inconvenience. Employees and approved visitors simply activate the system and drive through.
This seemingly small convenience makes a significant difference in daily operations, especially during Western North Carolina's cold winters or rainy seasons.
Reducing Wait Times
Automatic access control systems operate quickly. Rather than waiting for security personnel to verify credentials manually, authorized users experience minimal delay. Gates open smoothly, allowing efficient traffic flow even during peak arrival times.
For properties with significant vehicle traffic—warehouses, distribution centers, or facilities with shift changes—this efficiency prevents bottlenecks at entry points.
Eliminating Lost Key Problems
Traditional lock-and-key systems create headaches when keys go missing. You face security risks from lost keys potentially falling into wrong hands, plus the expense of rekeying locks and distributing new keys to all authorized personnel.
Access control systems solve this problem entirely. When an employee loses their access card or a code is compromised, you simply deactivate that credential in the system and issue a replacement. No need to change locks or worry about copies of physical keys circulating.
Flexible Gate Options
Access control works with various gate configurations to match your property's specific needs:
Sliding Gates Sliding gates work well for properties with limited space along the fence line. These gates slide parallel to the fence rather than swinging inward or outward.
Swing Gates Single or double swing gates provide traditional operation with automated convenience. They create impressive entrances while maintaining security.
Cantilever Gates Cantilever gates hang from a support structure rather than rolling on tracks, making them ideal for areas where ground-level obstacles would interfere with sliding gate operation.
Power Options for Commercial Access Control
Commercial access control systems require reliable power. Two main options serve different property types and priorities.
Electric Automated Gate Systems
Electric systems connect directly to your building's electrical supply. They provide consistent power for heavy-use applications and work with any gate material including vinyl, iron, chain link, or wood.
Electric systems require running conduit from your electrical panel to the gate location. This installation investment pays off in reliability and the ability to integrate with other building systems.
Solar Automatic Gate Systems
Solar systems reduce long-term operating costs and environmental impact. They work well for remote access points far from existing electrical infrastructure or for properties prioritizing sustainability.
Most solar installations use 7-watt or 14-watt panels. While requiring higher upfront investment, solar systems eliminate electrical conduit requirements and reduce ongoing utility costs.
Selecting the Right Fencing for Access Control
Access control systems work best when paired with appropriate perimeter fencing. The right fence material depends on your security requirements, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
Chain Link Fencing for Industrial Properties
Chain link provides cost-effective security for warehouses, storage facilities, and industrial sites. It offers:
- Clear visibility of your property
- Durability with minimal maintenance requirements
- Quick installation compared to other fence types
- Compatibility with barbed wire or razor wire for enhanced security
Chain link gates integrate seamlessly with automatic operators and access control hardware.
For more, read our ultimate guide for choosing the right fence for your property.
Ornamental Fencing for Professional Appearances
Properties where aesthetics matter—office buildings, medical facilities, or customer-facing businesses—benefit from ornamental steel or aluminum fencing. These options provide:
- Professional appearance that enhances property value
- Excellent security with decorative appeal
- Low maintenance requirements
- Customization options to match building architecture
Ornamental gates can be automated while maintaining the sophisticated appearance appropriate for professional environments.
Custom Solutions for Unique Requirements
Some commercial properties need fencing solutions designed specifically for their situation. Custom fencing accommodates irregular terrain, specific security requirements, or architectural considerations while integrating with access control systems.
Considering access control for your residential property? We have you covered there as well!
Maintenance for Long-Term Reliability
Access control systems require regular maintenance to ensure consistent performance. Proper maintenance prevents inconvenient failures and extends system lifespan.
What Maintenance Includes
Professional maintenance services address all system components:
- Inspecting and adjusting gate operators for smooth operation
- Testing access control devices and replacing batteries as needed
- Lubricating moving parts to prevent wear
- Checking safety sensors and emergency systems
- Updating software and security protocols
- Examining fence integrity at gate attachment points
We offer optional annual maintenance agreements to keep your system running reliably year-round.
The Cost of Neglect
Deferred maintenance leads to bigger problems. A minor misalignment left unaddressed causes excessive wear on gate operators. Corroded connections create intermittent failures that frustrate users. Small issues compound into major repairs that could have been prevented through regular service.
Regular maintenance protects your investment and ensures your security system performs when you need it most.
Integrating Access Control with Overall Security
Access control works best as part of comprehensive security planning rather than a standalone solution. Consider how fencing and access control integrate with:
- Surveillance camera coverage of entry points
- Adequate lighting for nighttime security
- Visitor management procedures
- Employee training on security protocols
- Regular security audits
This integrated approach creates security depth that simple barriers alone cannot achieve.
Getting Started with Commercial Access Control
Implementing access control begins with assessing your property's specific needs. Consider:
- How many vehicles need access daily?
- Do you require pedestrian access control in addition to vehicle gates?
- What level of monitoring detail do you need?
- Are there specific hours when access should be restricted?
- How many different access levels do you need for various personnel?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does access control system installation take? Installation timelines vary based on property size and system complexity. Simple single-gate installations may take just a few days, while comprehensive systems for large facilities require longer installation periods. We provide detailed timelines during the estimate process.
Can access control systems work in Western North Carolina's winter weather? Yes. Quality access control systems and gate operators function reliably in cold temperatures and snow. We select equipment rated for our regional climate and can add heating elements if needed for extreme conditions.
What happens during power outages? Most systems include battery backup for temporary power loss. Solar systems naturally provide independence from grid power. For critical facilities, we can design systems with redundant power supplies.
How many access credentials can the system manage? Modern access control systems handle hundreds or even thousands of individual credentials. The exact capacity depends on the specific system you select.
Can I monitor the system remotely? Many current systems offer remote monitoring capabilities through internet connectivity. You can receive alerts about access events and even grant temporary access from your phone or computer.
Conclusion
Effective commercial property security doesn't force you to choose between protection and convenience. Modern access control systems paired with quality fencing provide both. Your authorized personnel enjoy quick, easy access while unauthorized visitors face genuine barriers.
Contact us for a free estimate on commercial access control and fencing systems. Our professional estimators will assess your property and recommend solutions that balance security with the convenience your business requires.