Which Option Is Right for Your Organization—Upgrading or Replacing Your Building’s Existing Access Control System?

Access control systems play a crucial role in building security, but like any technology, they eventually need to be upgraded or replaced to continue meeting your needs. But when the time comes to update your system, what option is best—upgrading or completely replacing it?

Both options have their own benefits and considerations. Here, we explore the most important factors to consider when reevaluating your access control system and whether to replace or upgrade it for the most value.

Assess Your Current System

Before making any decisions, conduct a detailed assessment of your current access control system. Evaluate the existing infrastructure, security features, user experience, and technological compatibility [1]. Some questions to consider include:

• Is the current system meeting your building security needs?
• Does it support the authentication technologies you need or want?
• Are there frequent maintenance issues?
• Can the current system scale with organizational growth?

Understanding the limitations and strengths of your existing system will help you decide if an upgrade or replacement is the better option.

When to Consider Upgrading

For many organizations, upgrading their access control system can be the most economical and least disruptive solution [2]. Consider upgrading when:

• Your current system is working relatively well
• You can keep your existing infrastructure to upgrade
• You don’t have the budget to completely replace the system
• Employees, residents, or visitors are happy with the system
• The new features you want don’t require a complete system replacement

When to Consider Replacing

Sometimes, a complete replacement is the right choice, especially if your current system is not meeting essential security needs or is technologically obsolete. Consider replacing your system if it:

• Cannot seamlessly integrate with other technologies or systems
• Is outdated and may have vulnerabilities that could compromise safety
• Does not have the ability to incorporate new features or scale to meet future demands
• Requires frequent repairs to stay operational
• Is unreliable and consistently causes security issues

Key Features to Look for in Modern Systems

Whether upgrading or replacing your access control system, consider these features to increase the reliability and security of your system:

Cloud-Based Technology

Cloud-based solutions offer convenient remote management capabilities and scalability that grows with your organization while reducing hardware costs and providing automatic software updates to ensure your security system always has the latest features and protection against emerging threats.

Seamless Integration

Look for systems with robust integration capabilities that seamlessly connect with your existing security infrastructure, such as video surveillance, intrusion detection, or even operational systems like HVAC controls.

AI-Powered Analytics

It’s also a good idea to consider advanced data analytics functionality to transform your access control from a simple security measure into a valuable business intelligence tool, generating actionable insights about facility usage patterns and potential security vulnerabilities that can inform better decision-making.

Touchless or Mobile Access Control

Depending on your industry, it may also be worth considering touchless access control solutions, especially for facilities like hospitals [3]. Mobile and biometric access methods also provide more secure and flexible authentication options than traditional keycards or fobs.

Discover Your Best Solution With Surveillance Secure

Is your access control system getting to the point where it needs to be upgraded or replaced? Find out which solution would best fit your organization’s security needs—contact Surveillance Secure at (877) 388-1248 today. Our team offers comprehensive assessments and tailored solutions to ensure your organization’s security systems meet current and future needs. Let us help you protect what matters most.

Sources:

1. https://www.securityinfowatch.com/access-identity/access-control/article/55130736/dispelling-pacs-myths-and-misconceptions 
2. https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/96284-the-benefits-of-retrofitting-new-access-control-technology-into-older-buildings 
3. https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/97398-access-control-considerations-for-healthcare-settings