Secure Your Business with Cloud Access Control: A Smarter Way to Manage Security This Holiday Season
Ah, the holidays—that magical time of year when businesses close early, staff take time off, and your security becomes a little more relaxed than usual. With fewer people around and the potential for after-hours activity, it’s no surprise that this time of year can also bring an uptick in thefts, break-ins, or property damage.
But keeping your business safe doesn’t need to involve the headache of manual lock-and-key systems or endless rounds of security checks. You need a solution that is easily integrated with cameras as part of a unified security system. That solution? Cloud access control systems.
What is Cloud Access Control?
Cloud access control is a way to manage who gets into (and out of) your business without actually being in your business. With traditional security systems, you’d need to physically visit your business to check if things are locked down or to give someone access if an emergency pops up. With a cloud access control system, you can manage entry and monitor activity as it happens without being on-site using the power of the cloud.
It’s an intelligent security solution that puts you in control no matter where you are. And since the access software is hosted in the cloud, everything’s secure, flexible, and always up to date.
Why Businesses Need Cloud Access Control This Holiday Season
Let’s face it—the holiday season isn’t just about peace on earth. For businesses, it often means fewer employees around, special holiday schedules, and potentially open hours that are different from the rest of the year. Smart security solutions like cloud access control software can help you manage it all, giving you:
1) Flexible Security for All Those Odd Holiday Hours
Between adjusting to holiday hours, staff vacation times, and unplanned closures, schedules are already a mess during the holidays. With cloud-based access control, you can adjust access instantly. So, if you need to let in an employee who’s covering a shift at an odd hour or keep delivery personnel out after a specific time, it’s easy to handle right from your phone or computer.
2) Convenience That Meets Control
Want to know when the last person left or if someone entered your building after hours? Cloud access control systems allow you to review all access logs whenever you need to, showing who gains access, at what time, and through which door.
Concerned about suspicious activity? Many cloud-based systems can be programmed to send instant notifications of any unusual activity. So, if someone’s trying to access a restricted area, you’ll know immediately. This means you can keep an eye on things and relax, all at the same time.
3) Freedom from Lost Keycards or Access Devices
Let’s be honest: it’s easy to forget or lose keys or keycards, especially with everyone’s holiday hustle and bustle. With cloud access control, you don’t need to worry about tracking down or replacing lost keys. Instead, you can provide employees with digital access through an app or smartphone, which you can enable or disable at the click of a button. This way, you have full control without wasting money on additional keys or risking them falling into the wrong hands.
4) Peace of Mind, Wherever You May Be
Holidays mean travel for many, but the last thing you want to worry about is if your office door is properly locked or if an employee is trying to get into the building on a day off. Thankfully, cloud-based platforms have your back. With their remote control and remote access management capabilities, you can easily check on your office whenever you feel like it.
5) Easy and Cost-Effective Security Management
A traditional access control system can be pricey and requires on-site maintenance, which can be a pain to schedule around holiday hours. Cloud-based systems don’t need heavy hardware, and because everything’s hosted on the cloud, updates are automatic. This means you’re not stuck with unexpected maintenance costs, and you can spend your time (and budget) on things that matter most to you.
And don’t worry—a cloud access control system doesn’t skimp on security just because they’re affordable. In fact, they tend to offer better data protection and encrypted connections that keep your security up to date with the latest standards.
Pre-Holiday Security Checklist: Tips To Make This Season Even Safer
Now, while cloud identity and access management platforms help make your holiday a lot easier, you can amp up your security with a few additional steps:
- Review Holiday-Specific Rules with Your Team: Make sure everyone knows the holiday access rules and how to use the security system. Clear guidelines prevent accidental breaches and help keep everyone on the same page.
- Do a Quick Tech Check: Before the holidays, make sure your security system and access controls are up-to-date and working well. Cloud systems usually auto-update, but it never hurts to check.
- Set Restricted Access Hours: Make an access control list (ACL) and limit building access to the trusted staff members on that list. You can also set your access allowances to specific hours. For example, if you’re closed on weekends, access is only allowed during weekday hours or scheduled deliveries.
- Turn On Real-Time Alerts: Set your system to send instant alerts if someone tries to enter outside of scheduled hours. Getting notified immediately lets you act fast if there’s an issue.
- Use Cameras for Extra Backup: Pair your access control with surveillance cameras for added security. If you see any unusual access, you can check the footage right away to confirm what’s going on.
- Automate Lights and Alarms: Program lights to turn on automatically after hours or set some to stay on if you’re closed for days. Bright lights and automatic alarms deter intruders by making it look like someone’s there.
- Double-Check All Entry Points: Before you leave, secure all doors, windows, and other entry points. Many break-ins happen because of simple oversights, so make sure everything is locked up.
- Keep an Eye on Access Logs: Check your access logs at least once a week while you’re away. Regular reviews help spot unusual entries or repeated access in sensitive areas, helping you stay alert to possible risks.
When you follow these tips, and make the switch to a remote access control system from Dove Communications, you can keep would-be Grinches (or anyone else) from spoiling your holidays.
Why Choose Dove Communications for Your Remote Access Needs
The truth is that not all cloud access control systems are created equal. For a solution that’s easy to install, user-friendly, and highly customizable, Dove Communications stands out. Here’s what they bring to the table:
- Solutions Built for You: Dove Communications offers security setups tailored to your specific business needs. Whether you run a retail store, an office, or a larger facility, Dove Communications helps design and install access control that fits your business to a T.
- Support You Can Count On: Dove Communications’ team of experts is there to help from setup to troubleshooting. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to use cloud access control—Dove’s support team makes sure you and your staff can confidently manage your security from day one.
- Simple Scalability for the Future: While cloud access control shines during the holidays, it’s just as effective year-round. With the flexibility to expand as your business grows, Dove Communications ensures that your system stays relevant and up to date so you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
And, if you’re interested in more than just access control, Dove Communications has a whole suite of security and telecom solutions to explore, too!
Make This Holiday Season Secure and Stress-Free with a Smart Security System from Dove
The holiday season should be a time of relaxation—not worrying about the safety of your business. With the power of cloud access control (and remote access management), you can keep an eye on your business, even when you’re miles away.
And the best part? With Dove Communications, you’ve got a trusted provider to guide you through setup and management so you can enjoy the holidays without stressing about the impact the switch will have on your physical access control.
So why wait until after the holidays to beef up your security? Take the better route this season by upgrading to Dove Communications’ cloud access control solutions today to keep your business safe and sound all year round!
