Maximizing the benefits of access control in a multi-tenant environment
Recent I have had the opportunity to install systems at several sites that had access for multiple tenants. When this is the case several steps can enhance and improve the way the system is used. Often when a system is install on more than one door to a building the owners do not wish to inconvenience the tenants by restricting access to entrances at various times. Not restricting access is a missed opportunity to enhance tenant safety and building security. During late night hours, access should be restricted to one main entrance. That entrance should also have at the least video observance or preferably security staff.
When setting up the system the owner or management company should also work to control how the credentials are distributed to tenants. I often see cases where a owner will sub-let a unit and then want credentials for themselves and all the tenants in the unit. Then should the tenants move out or lose a credential they often will just request a additional credential without having the missing credential removed. The result is that a building will have groups of credentials that will allow access but are not held by those authorized in the building.
So the following rules should be established to maximize security in an multi-tenant environment:
Each tenant should be assigned their own credential that is associated with a person not just a unit;
People not residing or working in a building should not be assigned credentials;
Lost or damaged credentials should be removed from the system before new credentials are issued;
Not all entrances should be 24 hour access. After hours entry should be limited to only entrances that have monitoring, either by video or by security personnel.
Owners and Managers need to take a proactive approach to credential control to prevent problems and insure the safety of both tenants and employees. Working with a security expert helps ensure that these needs are met.