As the holiday season approaches, businesses experience changes in schedules, increased foot traffic, and sometimes temporary closures. These shifts make it essential to ensure your access control system is set up for the season. Whether your organization uses proximity cards, card readers, or mobile credentials, following best practices ensures smooth operations and heightened security. Here are some tips to help you optimize your access control system during the holidays.
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Update Holiday Schedules in Your System
Many access control systems allow you to program holiday-specific schedules. As an access control manufacturer, we recommend reviewing and updating these schedules ahead of time to prevent unauthorized access during holiday closures or modified hours. Start by identifying any upcoming dates where your business hours or staffing levels will change. Program these dates into your system, ensuring that access permissions align with your holiday plans. For instance, if your office is closed on a specific day, restrict access for all but essential personnel. Similarly, adjust shift-specific access for departments that may operate on reduced hours. Clear and precise scheduling not only safeguards your premises but also eliminates confusion among employees and visitors.
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Verify User Permissions
Take this opportunity to audit user permissions. Remove access for former employees or temporary staff whose credentials may still be active. Proximity cards, which are often used for access, should be deactivated for individuals no longer associated with your organization. This step minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.
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Test Card Readers and Access Points
Before the holiday rush, test all card readers and access points to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Faulty card readers can disrupt operations and compromise security. Schedule maintenance or repairs as needed to ensure seamless access throughout the holiday period.
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Educate Staff on Best Practices
Employees should be reminded of access control policies, including proper handling of proximity cards and adherence to security protocols. Encourage them to report lost or stolen cards immediately so you can deactivate them and issue replacements without delay.
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Monitor Activity Logs
Your access control system’s activity logs provide valuable insights into who is accessing your facility and when. During the holiday season, keep a closer eye on these logs to identify unusual patterns or unauthorized attempts. Many advanced systems allow you to configure email notifications for specific events, such as failed access attempts or access outside of scheduled hours. Setting up these notifications ensures you are promptly alerted to potential security issues, allowing for quicker responses.
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Coordinate with visitors
If your organization expects deliveries or visitors during the holidays, ensure their access is pre-approved and scheduled. Temporary proximity cards or visitor passes can be issued with limited permissions, providing convenience without compromising security.
Conclusion
The holiday season brings unique challenges, but with careful preparation, your access control system can handle them seamlessly. By updating schedules, verifying permissions, maintaining hardware, and setting up email notifications, you can ensure your facility remains secure and operational. Take the time to review your system and implement these best practices—a little preparation goes a long way in safeguarding your business during the holidays.
CDVI, a trusted access control manufacturer, provides innovative products. With the ATRIUM system, easily manage holiday schedules, configure email notifications, and streamline your access control needs effectively from any device.
