Virtual Keys, Real-Life Security: How PSE’s Access Control Can Safeguard Your NYC Business

With more than eight million people living in New York City, businesses should expect to see a lot of foot traffic. While that means a never-ending supply of potential customers, it also means an increased risk of breaking and entering, trespassing, and burglary when people enter areas they aren’t supposed to be. 

Security cameras in sensitive areas, alarm systems when no one’s present, security guards that walk by every 30 minutes or so – all of these things can be extremely helpful in deterring crime in any public or private area, but they’re often not enough to overcome the creativity and resilience of today’s criminals.

So, what is access control? 

Access control is the process of controlling who has access to certain areas of your business or public space – as well as when they have access to that specific area. It’s your way of maintaining order to keep your employees, customers, guests, data, and property protected – after all, that’s what’s most important!

There are two primary types of access control: 

• Physical Access Control refers to controlling who has physical access to a building or area of your property (usually with a keycard, fob, keypad entry, biometrics, or smartphone).  
• Logical Access Control refers to controlling who has digital access to a network, data, file, or any other digital asset (usually with a username and password, or biometric security feature).

In a world where most business is done over the internet, it’s easy to neglect the physical aspect of your business – especially when it comes to access control. At PSE, we’re committed to ensuring business owners in the NYC community have all the tools they need to operate smoothly, safely, and securely. 

PSE’s Access Control System: Your Very Own Digital Security Guard

Traditional access control systems consisted of a security guard, a receptionist (if not the security guard), and some form of a sign-in sheet or authorized personnel list. It’s a method that worked decades ago, but that’s because we didn’t have a better way of doing it. At PSE in NYC, that ‘better way’ has finally arrived. 

This isn’t 1970 anymore. This is 2024 – where modern businesses face modern challenges, and modern challenges require modern solutions. That’s why we’re constantly looking for new and improved ways to combine the digital solutions and technology of today with the traditional values and passion of yesterday.

Our custom-made access control systems are designed with your company’s demands, desires, and needs in mind. We take the time to analyze and observe your business’ weakest points to ensure you’re protected in the most vulnerable of areas – it’s your very own digital security guard, and it’s here to stay!

Key Features of an Effective Access Control System

Since every business is unique in its own way, access control systems must be built with a similar mindset. You know what they say – ‘no two access control systems are alike.’ They’re supposed to be custom-tailored, otherwise they wouldn’t fully satisfy their intended purpose – to protect your business.

Here are some of the most prominent features of an effective access control system: 

• Ability to integrate with video surveillance cameras, HR databases, and other technologies your business relies on
• Ability to oversee and adjust your system on a mobile device
• Ability to change or alter who’s allowed to enter certain areas at any time
• Ability to configure door lock schedules and cardholder privileges on the go
• A variety of credential options (cards, mobile access, fobs, biometrics)
• Multi-factor authentication for greater security, when needed
• Real-time monitoring with frequent reports and other analytics 

Not investing in a proven access control system is like propping the front door of your business open with a brick – like an open invitation (an all-you-can-eat buffet, if you will) to potential intruders. With the proper security protocols in place, you can rescind that invitation and use that brick to build up your business. 

Safety & Convenience: Benefits of Access Control With PSE

Just think about it – a system that lets authorized users in, but keeps intruders out. Doesn’t that sound like something your business could benefit from? Even if your company has never experienced any sort of crime or tragedy, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being too careful – in fact, we recommend it!

Let’s take a look at some of the ways your NYC business could benefit from a custom access control system:

• Increases the ease of access for employees, while decreasing it for intruders
• No more need for traditional keys – revamp your business’s security with up-to-date solutions
• It can be integrated with other technologies (lighting, surveillance cameras, etc.)
• You’ll have a detailed log of who comes and goes throughout the day
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for those that matter most
• Prevent data breaches and deter shoplifters from ruining your day
• Better comply with standards, regulations, and laws in your industry (especially healthcare and government entities)

An access control system is a lot like having a trusty bouncer at your front door and in your business’ most vulnerable areas. It allows your customers, employees, guests, and other patrons to mingle safely, while preventing shady and/or sketchy individuals at the door with a firm, yet friendly ‘thou shall not pass.’

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Access Control System?

Was your home or business the victim of a recent burglary attempt? Have you received several reports of breaking and entering in your area? Are trespassers starting to divide and conquer on your property? Are you ready to take control of your security standards? If so, then don’t panic – PSE is here to save the day.

At PSE AV, we team up with some of the best architects, designers, and builders to open our clients up to an integrated experience personalized to meet the specific demands of your business. To learn more about how our access control systems can improve your security protocols, contact our NYC office today!