Violence and lack of public safety are worrying problems in Brazil. These alarming numbers are leading more and more people to opt for systems capable of minimizing risks. Among these, access control for condominiums plays a fundamental role. In fact, this is one of the main attractions for living or setting up a business in a building.
Through access control technologies, all visitors are registered, and only those authorized by the condominium owners are allowed in. This increases the security of property and everyone who passes through the premises, and the condominium is less vulnerable to criminal activity.
However, no matter how sophisticated the systems are, if they are not properly planned and lack effective supervision, breaches can arise that compromise security . Continue reading our post to better understand how to implement access control in business condominiums.
How important is access control?
How many times have you arrived at a condominium and had to provide a series of documents to be allowed in? In some locations, fingerprints or a photograph may also be required.
All of this is necessary to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the property, putting residents and other visitors at risk. Access control, in fact, should begin with the residents themselves and their employees, through password registration or other technologies.
This allows, for example, a panic button to prevent a criminal from entering the condominium with an authorized person. The development of technologies that can block access is essential to deter criminals.
For this reason, it’s crucial that the control system be planned and monitored effectively. Otherwise, vulnerability increases, and everyone is exposed to risks—which, unfortunately, are not few in Brazil.
According to data from the 2019 Atlas of Violence , published by the Institute of Applied Economic Research (Ipea), in 2017 there were 65,602 homicides in the country, representing a rate of 31.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. 72.4% of the crimes were committed with firearms.
Therefore, it’s clear that investing in innovative technologies that can provide greater security is crucial. After all, this is one of the biggest challenges facing condominium managers.
What are the main access control systems for condominiums?
In addition to promoting greater security, access control systems must offer a good user experience, with simplified use and good cost-benefit. Check out the most commonly used technologies below.
1. Password, access card or biometrics
These three options are typically intended for condominium owners and their employees. In the case of passwords, each employee registers a numerical sequence, essential for gaining entry. For biometrics, each user must register their fingerprints.
The magnetic card also stores user information, and to gain access, simply swipe it at a turnstile. In this case, the same technique can be used for visitors, who must register at the gate to receive a card with their information stored.
2. Remote concierge
This is a more sophisticated technology, with a remote concierge that uses digital tools to grant access. In this case, residents receive a specific control for entry, and visitors must be authorized by the remote concierge to be allowed entry.
The advantage of the system over a physical concierge is that, in the second case, in addition to the risk of human error, the concierges can be overpowered by criminals, which does not occur when such professionals work remotely.
3. Presence sensors
These devices are programmed to detect movement or temperature changes in environments where circulation must be restricted. Thus, if an unauthorized person enters the premises, the sensors issue an alert, prompting condominium managers to take appropriate action.
4. Radiofrequency
Radio frequency identification (RFID) access control systems rely on communication between a tag and a receiving device. Like access cards, tags must be issued after the user has been identified, upon presentation of documents, and access authorization by the resident.
5. Facial recognition
This is one of the most accurate methods, as it’s difficult to cheat. User registration is based on measurements of certain facial features, such as the distance between the eyes, the jawline, and the width of the nose, among others.
The device’s facial recognition software allows users to be identified regardless of whether they are wearing glasses, have a haircut, or have other details such as makeup or a beard.
6. Vehicle access control
In this case, entry is granted by remote control or by a tag installed in the vehicle, which is integrated with a long-distance reader.
In both the case of the tag and the control, it is interesting that the device is integrated with another system that allows a panic code, to reduce the risk of unauthorized people surrendering the condominium and, therefore, bypassing access control.
How to make entry control more efficient?
It’s possible to integrate and use multiple systems together to increase the condominium’s security level. Therefore, investing in efficient selection and training processes is essential.
Doormen, receptionists, and other professionals who handle entry release systems must follow the condominium’s security standards and implement strict access control procedures. Document verification, photo checks, and other details are essential.
One solution is to hire a specialized company to manage access control for condominiums. With the use of automation, the level of security increases, and all users are less exposed to risks.
How is access control handled in your condominium? Do you have any questions or would you like to learn more about this topic? Leave a comment below!
