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A lot of the time, physical security is automatically of their experience with your brand. So why on earth
bundled with IT security as one cost center for are we shoving our access control needs into a deep
security budget. And in my experience, I’ve seen dark basement never to be given attention to again?
upwards of 95% of that one budget going to IT Isn’t it time to bring in an expert and get the most
security. This means that physical security leaders are value out of your system?
having to fight for that remaining 5% (which can feel
like pennies). Integrations is how you breathe life into access
control systems
It’s time to change (more than) the narrative In its simplest form, access control is nothing more
For too long, there’s been a reluctance to invest in than ‘present a credential (Card, Biometric, Key fob,
physical security. This can lead to problems that etc.) and a door opens. That’s it, and many platforms
increase the organisational risk landscape. The are designed for this simplicity. For smaller installations
results of this under-investment are only felt after this works perfectly fine but when we look at the ever
incidents occur, and by then the damage has possibly shifting landscape of medium to large enterprise
been done in multiple ways—to your people, your organisations we quickly realise that there is a lot more
property, and to your brand’s reputation. potential to create value within the organisation using
So, if you can show clearly how access control can access control events as a data point.
bring more value to the business, before there’s an
incident, then it helps you validate more budget. If This is where the ability to integrate and the
there’s a way to present access control as a business functionality of a best-of-breed integration become
enabler, you can help change the view that security is invaluable. Below are a few common integration
merely an expenditure. Because a properly designed examples:
PACS can have an extensive reach to other parts of • Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM)
your organisation. • Video Surveillance Systems
• Time and Attendance Systems
Bringing together various departments, and allowing • Building Management Systems
these parties to utilise and benefit from the control • Human Resource Management Systems
and data being provided, becomes the keystone in • Fire Alarm Systems
bringing physical security to the forefront of worthy
company investments. As technology continues to advance, it’s important for
organisations to take advantage of these integrations
Your access control system should have the ability to stay ahead of the curve and ensure their facilities
to integrate, influence, and change the way people are secure, efficient, and well-protected.
interact with your organisation. Through Integrations,
a well-designed access control system can become I”n an uncertain and rapidly changing threat landscape,
an asset that allows for insights into how your organisations can protect themselves with integrated
business runs on a day to day level. From integrations security strategies.”
with HR systems to building management systems,
and knowing where, when, how and who authorised With the right integration, organisations can benefit
a person’s access, becomes a key feature into a from streamlined processes, enhanced data tracking,
complete facilities management solution. and improved incident management, leading to a safer
and more secure work environment for employees
“When it comes to all the different systems you use and visitors alike. It’s why we, at Nedap Security
to mitigate security risks, they should not be used as Management, consider our Technology Partner
standalone systems but to be integrated as one security Programme, the key to future-proof access control.
platform.”— Marc Moris, Director Corporate Prevention
and Protection at Proximus Be sure to sign yourself up for our monthly newsletter
(below), so you can be notified of new content about
Unless your business is purely digital/online, you will access control integrations and their specific added
inevitably deal with people in the physical realm. How value to your business.
they interact, are welcomed, and kept safe are a part By Michael Lee

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