Is access control a good investment

Sep 1, 1997 12:00 PM, BONNIE MICHELMAN, CPP, CHPA

Security managers must demonstrate the advantages of access control systems-whether they be locks, card reader systems or voice imaging-by showing and communicating their effectiveness.

In business, it is often prudent to analyze decisions on a return-on-investment basis. We look at whether an expenditure will be wise in terms of future return or value to the organization. That thinking can be used when making access control decisions, such as design and expenditures.

As security professionals, we are expected to protect assets and add value to an organization. The security function adds value when it provides cost-beneficial safeguards that can facilitate business or mission strategies that would otherwise not be possible. The security function also adds value when it integrates safeguards seamlessly into the mission and into day-to-day operations.

Access control denotes anything that prevents or hinders entry, and thus decreases the opportunity for a crime. Access control serves as a deterrent to crime, making it difficult at times to quantify its value. How can you measure what does not happen? Access control also serves a purpose when it creates a return on investment by serving as a reactive tool to solving crimes and apprehension.

In justifying access control, whether it be locks, card reader systems or voice imaging, the advantages of the access control system must be shown. Security managers must demonstrate the advantages of access control by showing and communicating several things:

* accurate measurement and communication of crime rates and crime trends will help decision-makers and finance professionals understand the benefit of access control, and

* clarifying liability, complying with regulatory mandates, and ensuring that security standards are consistent with other similar facilities, all contribute to a more profitable bottom line for the company.

Even one assault, injury or major crime can have devastating consequences for a facility. An organization that makes it clear with state-of-the-art, well-functioning access control systems that only authorized personnel will have the opportunity to gain access, lowers the risk of undesirable consequences. That is particularly true for random acts of violence and theft. A potential perpetrator will be dissuaded by obstacles to entry.

Access control systems can stop or at least slow down unauthorized entry and thus crime. A good access control system can eliminate the potential for internal (employee) and external theft, a huge problem in American business. Business theft causes business failure, job loss, compromised quality/safety standards and higher prices, all of which impact consumers. It is estimated that employee theft costs billions of dollars annually. Deficient security measures contribute to the magnitude of a theft problem. People steal from companies that give them the opportunity to steal, and where they believe they will get away with it.

Safety and accident prevention is another way to justify access control expenditures. Restricted access to areas with safety hazards prevents injuries and accidents. Such problems incur massive costs for companies-in medical care, lost time, re-training costs and even business shutdowns. Good access control systems can ensure only authorized people gain access to hazardous areas.

Applications in which the benefits of access control more than justify its cost are many. Some examples:

* A large mainframe computer area in a high-technology company needs to be secured to prevent sabotage or vandalism.

* A guest needs to have complete room security through systemic means when staying in a hotel in order for that hotel to thrive.

* In a zoo, animals need to be in restricted areas for their own safety and that of others.

* A museum would not be able to survive if its valuable pieces of art were not properly contained and secured.

* A sophisticated access control system is critical to safeguarding infants in a hospital nursery against possible abduction and to safeguarding millions of dollars worth of narcotics in a pharmacy.

* Biotechnology companies need access control to safeguard animals and equipment used for scientific research.

* Access control in parking areas limits the opportunity for car thefts and attacks. Given current litigation, preventing even one major car incident can financially override an access control system costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Once a problem or crime occurs, access control systems can be cost-beneficial for investigations, solving crimes and identifying system weaknesses. A computer printout of who accessed an area after hours may determine who was responsible for wrongdoing. Identifying problem employees will save a company significant dollars in future problems, legal issues, productivity and turnover.

New access control systems can give companies a competitive advantage they would not otherwise have. Confidential information, i.e., technology, trademarks, patents, needs to be protected for marketing advantages; the timing of product introductions can be the determining factor in a company's perseverance and success. Voice, face, hand and other technologies have added a security dimension that we have not seen before.

Smart card technology, an offshoot of access control systems, is helping us to see cost efficiency in theintegrated systems we design and install in facilities. It enhances convenience, efficiency and productivity, while encouraging a higher degree of security and integrity. That is critical, given the speed at which we operate and the sophisticated communication and technology systems we use daily. America's reputation as a prosperous, sophisticated country is contingent on maintaining the control, integrity and security of our businesses. Access control systems of all types are critical to that objective.

We must always remember that access control is only part of the answer to effective security and protection. Procedures, human resources, education and other technologies are complementary to access control. They must be continually re-evaluated along with the designs and goals of our access control systems. If we respect all those parameters, we can ensure the access control systems we choose will be cost-effective and valuable.

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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