3 Ways to Enhance Access Control
The self-storage industry is becoming increasingly more competitive. One way to position your company as the premier self-storage solution is to invest in sophisticated access control solutions that protect you and your tenants’ assets. But there are so many options available that it can be difficult to determine how to start enhancing your site’s access control solutions. Here are 3 ways to enhance your access control infrastructure today.
1. Cloud-Based Software
The first way to enhance your access control is to migrate to a cloud-based access control management system. Cloud technology is the backbone of the most advanced security systems. The cloud can interconnect your gates, keypads, door alarms, and other devices so you can effectively monitor and control access points. Cloud-based software enables site owners and operators to get notifications about site security in real-time. It also allows secure remote monitoring, increasing human resource and operations efficiency. It improves a site’s data management because each security device remains interconnected, and site operators can customize the software to fit the company’s needs. Cloud technology can also automate the update process, further increasing efficiency and ensuring self-storage operations security software does not fall behind on updates. Having cloud-based access control software equips your facility with state-of-the-art security solutions.
2. Open-Supervised Device Protocol
Next, you need to make sure your systems follow up-to-date security protocols. Although many self-storage owners and operators still follow the Weigand protocol, the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is the Security Industry Association’s accepted security device communication standard as of 2020.
Encrypted Data
OSDP is a massive improvement compared to the previously accepted Weigand protocol. The biggest weakness of the Weigand standard is that the system is incredibly easy to hack because it lacks encrypted software. The OSDP, however, is heavily encrypted, making it extremely difficult for cybercriminals to access your tenants’ access codes.
Expanded Communication
OSDP also allows self-storage operators to communicate with more devices than Weigand. Since OSPD supports a wiring method called daisy chaining, meaning all the devices are wired in a series. Technicians can connect multiple access control devices within 4,000 feet of the controller compared to only 500 feet under Weigand. This feature allows for greater site expansion than the Weigand communication system.
3. Mobile Monitoring
Thirdly, incorporating mobile apps into your business operations will enhance your access control solutions. There are tenant-facing and operator-facing mobile apps available for self-storage business owners. Mobile app access emphasizes security and convenience simultaneously. For example, many tenant-facing apps can open gates and doors with the click of a button but will not open anything if the tenant is off-site, thanks to geo-fencing technology. Mobile apps provide a simple way for site owners and tenants to track site activity. They can notify users of potential security breaches instantly. Mobile apps can also provide a simple way for customers to track and pay for their units, lowing the chances of payment delinquency.
Conclusion
Self-storage owners and operators must make site access control their top priority. Technology is advancing quickly, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest advancements in the industry. However, these three security improvements – cloud-based software, OSDP, and mobile apps will set your business up for success and help you stand apart from your competitors.
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