Security gates and access-control solutions for business premises

1 Introduction
2 Security gates effectively protect perimeters
3 Effective access management for GDPR compliance
4 Effective access controls keep staff and the public safe
5 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[edit] Introduction

The fewer people can access an area, the fewer people can create disruption or damage within that area. It is therefore wise to take the precaution of investing in robust security gates and access-control solutions for business premises.

Here are some specific ways they can help safeguard a business and the livelihood it brings.

[edit] Security gates effectively protect perimeters

Securing the perimeter is the number one rule in security (both physical and digital) and it holds that position for a very good reason. People can only cause problems if they can get access. Premises which are directly accessible from public walkways are at a distinct disadvantage, although they can still use security doors and blinds.

Premises with space between them and the general public can use this space to their advantage by putting up solid barriers, with limited points of entry, for example, in the form of security gates which can be monitored and operated remotely. This not only makes life easier for staff, but also means that they can potentially be opened and/or closed much more quickly if need be.

[edit] Effective access management for GDPR compliance

One of the most basic and fundamental principles of GDPR is the concept of “privacy by design”.

Essentially, this means that the need for privacy (and hence data security) should be built into everything an organisation does and that includes the level of physical security applied to the business premises as good digital security rests on good physical security.

Even if you are a totally cloud-based business, you still need effective physical security to stop an intruder from gaining access to your cloud platform by breaching your on-site equipment and uncovering the passwords.

It is also worth noting that most businesses are probably going to have data which falls outside of the scope of GDPR (which only applies to personal data) but which they still want (or need) to protect. But again, this requires effective physical security.

[edit] Effective access controls keep staff and the public safe

There are all kinds of ways in which effective access controls promote the safety and wellbeing of both staff and the public. In this context, the term “the public”, applies to anyone on a premises who is not directly employed to be there.

In addition to preventing malicious actors from finding their way into sensitive areas, effective access controls also stop people from wandering accidentally into areas where they might be at risk, for example, children deciding to explore commercial kitchens.