Most of you view automation through a wholly digital lens. You think about automating your workflow with various AI software technologies that handle repetitive tasks. As good as these things are, there’s a very overlooked automation opportunity sitting right under your nose: access control. 

Setting up an access control system at your front door can empower your business to automate a series of tasks, improving general operational efficiency. It’s the perfect connection between the physical world and your daily schedule, so let’s explore how this idea can transform your enterprise. 

The Purpose Of Access Control Systems

Companies will mainly install access control systems to decide who can enter a building. For a very long time, they’ve been confined to this “business security” space, but the uses of these systems extend beyond that. It’s all to do with how an access control system collects data – it literally helps you track who’s coming and going from your premises. By grabbing hold of this, you can pair it with other aspects of your company to set up some killer automations. 

How Access Control Provides Automation Opportunities

You’re right to wonder how there’s a connection between an access control system and workplace automations. In truth, you can utilize your system however you want, depending on your goals. Here are some excellent examples for how you can use these systems to automate things around the office: 

  • Workflow Onboarding: Use an access control system to detect when new hires enter the building for the first time. This information then triggers an automation to send them the correct onboarding material on their first day. They’ll sit at their desk and immediately have everything they need to get started. 
  • Attendance Tracking: Rather than doing this manually, your access control can automatically log and track people’s attendance. This helps the HR department keep an eye on things and spot patterns – such as constant lateness in certain individuals. 
  • HVAC Adjustments: One really clever use is to pair smart access control with smart HVAC systems. Your business AC can up the temperature on hot days when more people enter the office. Likewise, you can turn down the heat on cold days when a lot of people are inside – or turn it up if there are only a few people in. 
  • Hardware Security: It’s possible to connect hardware permissions to your access control system so that certain people’s computers can only be accessed when they arrive. It’s a brilliant way to prevent anyone from going to someone else’s desk and logging into their PC, which creates serious security issues. You can even set it up so the device powers on as soon as someone enters the building, streamlining their workflow. 

These examples are just a few ways in which access control systems play a role in workplace automation. You can confidently see how powerful a tool this is, and how much you’re missing out on by not leaning into it. Access control can be so much more than a brilliant security measure, so start harnessing its true benefits.