Secure building access systems have evolved far beyond traditional locks, becoming digital gatekeepers that protect your most valuable assets. A modern approach combines multiple authentication methods, centralised software, and integration with existing security to create layered protection. These systems offer real-time monitoring, detailed audit trails, and instant access revocation from a single dashboard, deterring threats and enabling rapid incident response.
Key Components of Modern Secure Building Access:
I'm Dave Symons, and for 16 years at DASH Symons Group, I've designed secure building access solutions for diverse clients, from large residential complexes to high-security venues. My experience has shown that properly integrated systems don't just keep people out—they create seamless, intelligent environments where authorised users move freely while threats are systematically stopped.
A secure building access system is a digital fortress for your business, an interconnected network of security elements that controls who goes where and when.
Every system performs three fundamental jobs: identification (who are you?), authentication (prove it), and authorisation (what are you allowed to do?). These pillars work together as credentials communicate with readers, which signal controllers, all managed by central software. This creates a digital security team that works 24/7, providing:
Getting the hardware right is critical for any secure building access system, as these are the components your team interacts with daily.
Credentials: These are your digital keys. While key cards and fobs are common, older 125 kHz cards are insecure. We recommend upgrading to 13.56 MHz NFC cards. Mobile credentials turn smartphones into keys using NFC or Bluetooth, often adding built-in biometrics for multi-factor authentication. Biometrics like fingerprint or facial scanners offer top-tier security. PIN codes serve as a reliable secondary layer.
Door Readers and Controllers: Readers scan credentials and send data to controllers—the system's brain. Controllers verify permissions and operate the locks. Modern readers handle multiple credential types, offering future flexibility.
Locking Hardware: Options include electromagnetic locks (maglocks), which require power to lock, and door strikes, which work with existing locksets. A critical safety choice is between fail-safe doors (open up on power loss, e.g. for fire exits) and fail-secure doors (remain locked, e.g. for server rooms).
At DASH Symons Group, our Access Control Systems integrate these components to create reliable and secure entry points.
Deciding where your secure building access system is managed—on-premise or in the cloud—is a key strategic choice.
On-premise systems run on your local servers, giving you complete control over data and hardware. This is ideal for organisations with strict data sovereignty rules but requires significant IT resources for maintenance, updates, and security.
Cloud-based access control is the preferred choice for most businesses due to its flexibility and scalability. You can manage the system from anywhere, scale easily, and benefit from predictable subscription costs. While it requires reliable internet, your data is managed by security experts.
Hybrid solutions offer the best of both worlds. Local hardware ensures reliability even if the internet fails, while cloud management provides remote access and scalability. This is often the sweet spot for commercial applications.
For most businesses, cloud or hybrid solutions deliver the best operational efficiency, enabling centralised management and real-time insights.
Behind every secure building access system is a policy that defines who can access what, based on the principle of least privilege—granting access only to what is essential for a person's job.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): This is the most common and efficient model. You create roles (e.g., "Employee," "Manager") with specific permissions, then assign people to those roles. When a person's job changes or they leave, you simply update their role or remove them, and access rights adjust automatically.
Discretionary Access Control (DAC): Here, resource owners decide who gets access. It's flexible but can become inconsistent and insecure in larger organisations.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC): This is a high-security model used in government or military settings, where a central authority manages all access based on security labels and clearance levels.
The access control process includes authorisation, authentication, access decisions, ongoing management, and auditing. These audit trails are vital for investigations and compliance, as detailed in resources covering access control models. By implementing granular permissions, you gain precise control over your facility.
Implementing a secure building access system requires solid planning, skilled installation, and a long-term maintenance strategy. A successful implementation is about more than just hardware; it involves understanding your unique needs, planning for growth, and creating policies that work for your team.
The right system should feel intuitive, not like another hurdle for employees. This is where an experienced partner makes all the difference. 👉 At DASH Symons Group, our consulting services guide you through every step, ensuring your system is a perfect fit, not an expensive afterthought.
Choosing the right secure building access system can be complex. This checklist distills our 16 years of experience to help you focus on what truly matters.
Finally, research your vendor's reputation. A true partner will ask thoughtful questions to understand your needs, not just push a product. They will also hold all the necessary licences, certifications and insurances to work in the Security Industry.
A standalone secure building access system is good, but an integrated one is exponentially more powerful. When your access control, cameras, and alarms work together, you create intelligent, proactive security.
Imagine a forced entry attempt at 2 AM. An integrated system doesn't just sound an alarm—it activates nearby cameras, sends live video alerts to security, and can automatically lock down sensitive areas.
CCTV Integration: Link access events (successful or failed) to video footage for real-time verification and easier investigations. Our CCTV Systems are designed for this.
Alarm System Connectivity: Trigger immediate alerts for forced doors or unusual access patterns. Our Alarm Systems work hand-in-hand with access control.
Intercom Integration: Allow staff to see and speak with visitors before granting entry, often from a mobile device. Explore our Intercom Systems to improve visitor management.
Fire and HR System Integration: Ensure life safety by automatically opening up escape routes during a fire alarm.
Integration creates complete situational awareness, helping you make better security decisions faster.
Installing a great secure building access system is only the first step; ongoing maintenance is crucial to keep it performing at its peak.
Programmed Maintenance: Regular checks on readers, locks, and network connections prevent small issues from becoming major failures. Our Programmed Maintenance services catch problems early.
Regular Audits and Updates: Quarterly reviews of user permissions and annual security assessments keep your system aligned with your needs. Regular firmware updates are critical to patch security vulnerabilities.
User Access Reviews: Immediately update permissions when an employee's role changes or they leave the company. An active credential in the hands of a former employee is a significant risk.
Employee Training: A security conscious team that understands security policies is your first line of defense.
Cybersecurity Measures: Protect your system with strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and secure network configurations.
DASH Symons Group, based on the Gold Coast to service South East Queensland and beyond, are the long-term partner you can count on. We combine technical expertise with real-world experience to deliver solutions that work.
Secure your Body Corporate property today with systems designed for residential and commercial challenges. Learn more about our solutions for Body Corporates and improve both security and resident satisfaction.
