Recent reports indicate the slow but ongoing economic recovery is being sustained with lower unemployment numbers, stronger consumer spending and an upward trend in housing construction. All of this bodes well for owners of small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) who may be looking to implement operational upgrades or add new technology solutions that were put off because of the uncertainty in the marketplace.
Large companies have long prioritized integration, but there are also clear benefits for SMBs. For many of these businesses, it makes good sense to upgrade their physical security with newer network based technologies and solutions to help manage risk and improve efficiencies. The systems have become quite cost effective and affordable, and because they are network capable, it’s easier to seamlessly integrate the various components of a physical security solution into a more cohesive and function-rich system.
As an example, key control and management systems can be integrated into a facility’s networked video surveillance, access control and other security systems. Key control systems that integrate card readers for access can often utilize the access control cards that are already in use, making the system implementation easier and more convenient.
In addition to ease of integration, another benefit of key control and asset management systems for the SMB owner is the capability to automatically record all transaction activity. Each time the cabinet is accessed for key removal or return, the time and the individual’s name are recorded in the file. With this information, the SMB owner/manager can quickly and easily determine the whereabouts of every key and know who took a key and when. And when the system is integrated with an access control system, alerts can inform management if someone tries to leave the building without returning a key.
Regardless of the economic climate, SMBs need to consider every possible source of advantage to ensure growth and profitability. Integrated key control systems offer a convenient and constructive way to help achieve these goals.
