Basics

The Physical Access Control Project Planner

A well planned access control project provides appropriate protection at a reasonable cost with minimum disruption. And if it's poorly run? Expect cost overruns, permitting delays, and a very, very annoyed workforce. An experienced system designer's guide to avoiding common access control errors.

By Jason Cowling

4. Get a dedicated computer. If you are planning on pulling that computer out of the closet to run your access control software, you might be unhappy with the results. A computer that meets the minimum specifications of your access control software may still function poorly. While it will seem overpriced, most access control platforms offer preconfigured computers. The advantage of preconfigured systems is that the computer's operating system is set-up in an ideal state for the access control software to properly function. Also, the physical parts of the system are usually uniform, so repair and replacement is more reliable. And finally, a preconfigured system allows the installing company to preload your ACDB, as mentioned above.

Utilizing the pointers and questions of the above access control project stages will enable you to minimize many common issues, reducing project time and cost. Thinking about and planning for the often unexpected aspects of implementing an access control system benefits your organization directly to the bottom line, maximizing the return on your security investment and increasing resiliency, protecting your employees, data, and assets. ##

Jason Cowling has designed and implemented converged security systems for a wide variety of government and private-sector organizations, and has designed enterprise-level access control systems, biometrics, Matrixed CCTV systems, video servers and video analytics, burglar alarm, fire alarm, barrier gates, turnstiles, metal detection, safes and vaults, and building management systems. Send feedback to Editor Derek Slater at dslater@cxo.com.

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