Running a business means juggling dozens of responsibilities. But keeping your premises secure and your people safe should always be near the top of that list. Commercial door access control systems give you that security without the hassle of managing keys or worrying about who has access to what.
Gone are the days when a big bunch of keys meant authority. Modern access control uses key cards, fobs, PIN codes, or even biometric data to manage who enters your building. The result? Better security, easier management, and peace of mind for you as the business owner.
Commercial door access control is an electronic security system that manages entry to your building or specific areas within it. Instead of traditional locks and keys, these systems use electronic credentials to grant or deny access.
The basic components include:
The real power lies in the control you gain. You decide exactly who can access which areas and when. Need to restrict the stockroom to senior staff only? Done. Want to prevent anyone from entering before 7 am? Easy. Lost a key card? Cancel it instantly without changing a single lock.
Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is changing how UK businesses approach security. Named after Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, this legislation places new duties on premises owners and operators.
The law applies to qualifying public premises and events across the UK. If your business falls within scope, you will need to take steps to protect people from terrorism and reduce harm if an attack occurs.
For standard duty premises (typically those with a capacity of 200-799 people), requirements include:
For enhanced duty premises (capacity of 800 or more), additional requirements apply, including a formal security plan and measures to reduce vulnerability to attack.
Access control plays a crucial role in meeting these obligations. By controlling who enters your premises and monitoring movement within the building, you demonstrate a proactive approach to security that regulators will expect to see.
Choosing the right system depends on your premises, your budget, and how much control you need. Here are the main options available to UK businesses.
Proximity cards and swipe cards remain popular choices for many businesses. Staff simply hold their card near a reader or swipe it through a slot. Cards can be programmed with different access levels and easily cancelled if lost or when an employee leaves.
Similar to card systems but using small fobs that attach to keyrings. Many people find these more convenient to carry than cards. They work well in environments where staff need quick, hands-free access.
Keypads require users to enter a numerical code. While simple to use, codes can be shared or observed, making them less secure for high-risk areas. They work best when combined with another method, such as a card plus PIN.
Fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, and iris scanners offer the highest level of security. Biometric data cannot be lost, stolen, or shared like cards and codes. These systems suit businesses handling sensitive information or valuable stock.
Smartphone-based access control is growing rapidly. Staff use an app on their phone to unlock doors. This eliminates the need for physical credentials entirely and makes remote management straightforward.
Investing in access control delivers returns far beyond basic security. Here is what you can expect.
Traditional keys create ongoing vulnerabilities. They get lost, copied, or are kept by former employees. With electronic access control, you revoke credentials instantly. No locksmith visits, no security gaps.
The system also creates a detailed audit trail. You know exactly who entered which door and when. If an incident occurs, you have evidence to support any investigation.
Different staff members need different levels of access. A warehouse operative does not need entry to the finance office. A cleaner needs access early in the morning when the building is otherwise empty.
Modern access control handles all of this. You set permissions based on roles, departments, or individuals. You define time restrictions so people can only access areas during their working hours. Changes take seconds to implement across your entire system.
Access control does not have to work in isolation. It can integrate with your fire alarm system to automatically unlock doors during an evacuation. It can connect to your CCTV cameras to record footage whenever a door opens.
Time and attendance integration means the system automatically logs working hours. Payroll becomes simpler, and disputes about hours worked become easier to resolve.
In an emergency, knowing who is in your building could save lives. Access control systems produce instant reports showing everyone currently on site. Fire wardens get accurate information immediately, rather than relying on paper signing-in books that people often forget to use.
First impressions matter. A visitor arriving at a business with proper access control sees an organisation that takes security seriously. It demonstrates professionalism and suggests the same attention to detail in everything you do.
When Chalkwell Hall Junior School in Essex needed to address security concerns, Blake Fire & Security Systems designed an access control system that solved all their issues and made life considerably easier for the reception staff. The system gave them complete control over entry to the entire building.
This kind of result is typical when access control is properly designed and installed. The key is working with an experienced, accredited installer who takes time to understand your specific requirements rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
Selecting an access control system requires careful thought about your current needs and future plans. Consider these factors.
A small office with one entrance has different needs to a warehouse with multiple loading bays and staff entrances. Think about every door that needs controlling, including internal doors to sensitive areas.
Systems are priced partly based on capacity. Make sure you choose one that handles your current staff numbers with room for growth. Adding capacity later often costs more than getting it right from the start.
Consider what other systems you want to connect. Fire alarms, CCTV, intruder alarms, and building management systems can all work together with access control. Planning these integrations early saves money and complexity.
Your business will change. Perhaps you will expand to additional sites or add new buildings. Choose a system that grows with you without requiring complete replacement.
Access control systems range from basic standalone solutions to enterprise-grade networked systems. Be realistic about what you need now while allowing for future development. A good installer will help you find the right balance.
Professional installation typically follows a clear process.
First comes the site survey. An experienced security professional visits your premises to assess your requirements. They examine door types, building layout, existing security measures, and discuss your operational needs. This survey should be thorough and free of charge.
Next comes system design. Based on the survey, you receive a proposal detailing the recommended equipment, installation work required, and costs. A reputable company explains their recommendations clearly and answers your questions without pressure.
Installation itself varies in duration depending on system complexity. A simple system for a small office might take a day. A comprehensive system for a large building could take a week or more. Good installers minimise disruption to your business operations.
Finally, the installer commissions the system, tests everything thoroughly, and trains your staff on its use. You should receive full documentation, including user guides and emergency procedures.
Like any security system, access control requires regular maintenance to remain reliable. Annual servicing by qualified engineers keeps everything working correctly and identifies potential problems before they cause failures.
Maintenance contracts typically include:
Choosing an installer who also provides ongoing maintenance means one point of contact for everything related to your system. It also means engineers who know your installation intimately.
When choosing an access control installer, accreditation provides important reassurance. Look for companies approved by bodies such as the NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board).
These accreditations mean the company has been independently assessed for technical competence, business practices, and customer service. Their work meets defined quality standards and is subject to regular audit.
Insurance companies often require security systems to be installed by accredited companies. Police response to monitored systems typically requires accredited installation. Choosing an accredited installer protects your investment and ensures your system performs when it matters.
Blake Fire & Security Systems holds both NSI Gold and SSAIB approval, demonstrating commitment to the highest industry standards. As a family-run business with over 40 years of experience across Essex, London, and the South East, we combine professional expertise with a personal service that larger companies cannot match.
Commercial door access control represents a significant upgrade to your business security. It protects your people, your property, and your data while making day-to-day operations smoother.
With Martyn's Law placing new responsibilities on business owners, now is the time to review your security arrangements. Access control forms a key part of any comprehensive security plan.
The right system for your business depends on your specific circumstances. A free site survey by an experienced security professional helps you understand your options without obligation.
To discuss your access control requirements or arrange a free survey of your premises, contact Blake Fire & Security Systems on 01702 447800 or visit our access control systems page to learn more about how we can help protect your business.
