Access control installation: 7 steps to a successful system setup

What is access control?

Access control is the process of restricting access to selected locations to a predefined group of people. Traditionally, this was achieved using mechanical locks and keys; today, businesses use combinations of hardware and software to lock doors and grant entry to authorized users.

Access control systems come in many forms, each of which can be adapted to suit unique business needs. In a typical system, authorized users will be given unique credentials that must be presented to a door-mounted reader before entry to the property will be granted.

There are three main categories of components in an access system: 

• Hardware: This includes electronic locks, credential readers and control panels; it’s these components that employees, residents and guests will interact with every day.
• Software: Management platforms that can be accessed from computers and smart devices are used by system operators to adjust permissions and investigate events.
• Credentials: These take the place of keys in a traditional system; different types of credentials suit different use cases, ranging from PIN codes and cards to biometrics.

What to consider before installing access control measures

Before installing access control measures, property owners will need to find the right type of solution for their facility. There are several types of access systems to choose from, many of which can be customized to suit unique needs, so it’s important to understand your needs and limitations before moving forward with any access control system installation.

Important things to consider before installing access control include:

• Security needs: How secure does the property need to be? Do some access points need to be open to the public while others are more tightly controlled? Consider how often unauthorized intrusions occur currently and how these threats may be stopped.
• Number of entryways: How many doors need to be secured? Each entry point will require its own hardware and needs to be connected to a main control panel; the more doors, the more hardware, credentials and cabling will need to be factored into costs.
• Building codes: Door access control installations can be affected by building codes, as not all types of systems are compliant with all rules; some facilities require fail-safe locks / mechanical overrides, others need to meet industry-specific security standards.
• Deployment style: Entry systems can be wired or wireless. In a wired system, all hardware is connected to on-premise servers, while wireless access control systems are cloud-based; consider the pros and cons of cloud vs on-premise security before choosing a system.
• Credential type: There are many types of credentials to choose from, including fobs, cards, mobile credentials and biometrics; some are more convenient, some are more secure. You need to decide which is most appropriate before installing access control.
• Maintenance: Like any other security or building management technology, access control maintenance is crucial to keep systems working properly; consider how readers will be cleaned, hardware will be tested and software will be updated once installed.
• Number of sites: Does your organization need to implement access control across a single site or across multiple locations? Deploying a dedicated multi-site access control system allows you to issue employee badges, manage permissions across all facilities and observe real-time entry events from a single centralized dashboard.

How to install an access system

Knowing what to expect from the installation of an access system can help property owners prepare facility users, adjust normal operations and streamline the whole process.

While specifics will vary depending on the type and scale of the system, most door access control system installations follow the same basic structure. The person installing the system will build an action plan, install cabling, connect hardware, configure software and perform a final test. Then the property owner will onboard users to help promote facility-wide adoption.

1. Plan the access control installation

Creating an access control installation plan can help property owners to minimize disruptions and address potential challenges before work starts. The installer will walk through the facility to ensure infrastructure can accommodate the system and all work is compliant with building regulations. Then an order of operations will be chosen for the installation of each component.

2. Run power and data cables

The first practical step of a door entry system installation will involve running power and data cables from the main control panel to each entryway. How long this process takes will depend on the number of doorways involved and whether existing cables can support the new system.

Most modern door access installations require two types of cables to be run between the control panel and each entryway. Low-voltage multi-conductor cables are used to provide power to locks and hardware, while Ethernet cables provide the required networking capabilities.

3. Install and connect electric door locks

Next, electric door locks will be installed in the doorframes at each entryway. Either electric strike locks or maglocks will be used, depending on whether the system is fail-secure or safe.

Electromagnetic locks (maglocks) hold doors shut while powered and will unlock if power is lost; electric strike locks remain in the locked position by default and require power to unlock.

During this step in the access control installation, the installer will ensure the hardware is properly aligned with the doorframe and that all locks are connected to power and data cables.

4. Install and connect credential readers

With all the door locks installed, aligned and connected to the main control panel, access readers can be installed at each entryway. Readers will be placed in or next to each door frame and connected to the control panel via the previously installed power and data cables.

Once all reader installations are complete, the hardware portion of the project will be finished. The installer may perform a quick test at each entryway to ensure that when a reader receives a credential, a signal is sent to the control panel and that locks are reliably powered.

5. Configure the software 

During this step of the access control system installation, the software interface that facility operators use to control the system will be configured. In an on-premise environment, the management software will be installed locally on a physical server; in a cloud environment, the software will be accessed remotely from a computer through a secure internet connection.

With access to the management software, the installer will help the facility operator to set up admin accounts and learn to create, adjust and manage user credentials. From this platform, the facility operator will also be able to view access logs and set up site-specific automations.

6. Test and refine the system

While smaller tests will have been performed through each stage of the system installation to check that each step has been completed correctly, once all the main components are fitted, a full-scale test of the entire access control workflow will be conducted.

The installer will work with the property owner to create and test valid and invalid credentials at each entryway to make sure the control panel and all readers and locks are working correctly; any identified issues will be fixed immediately, and the system will be calibrated for normal use.

7. Onboard system users

With the practical elements of the access control system installation complete, the last step will involve onboarding system users and fine-tuning workflows for normal operations. The property owner will walk managers through new processes, explain how to use the system’s management interface and define rules for responding to security incidents.

Finally, system users will be onboarded, issued unique credentials and taught how to use the system under normal conditions. Best practice is to create a guide that defines rules and tips for navigating the new entry system, which can be published on an easily accessible platform.

Post-access control installation checks

Post-access control installation, property owners will need to thoroughly test the new system and develop upkeep and maintenance routines to help ensure optimal operation during daily use.

Elements to prioritize include:

• Door locks: Whether maglocks or electric strike locks are used, it’s vital to ensure all relevant entryways will be locked or opened as expected. Property owners must test the commercial door locks to make sure fail-safe and fail-secure processes work consistently.
• Door alignment: Misaligned locks or hardware components can prevent doors from properly locking, exposing vulnerabilities in the system. Post-access control installation and periodically over time, all doors must be checked and misalignments addressed.
• Readers: All readers should be tested using valid and invalid credentials to ensure the system properly controls access to secure areas. Property owners must create maintenance routines to ensure readers are cleaned and tested regularly.
• Access logs: In a properly functioning access control environment, all access events will be automatically logged in the system’s management platform. Property owners must ensure logs are maintained and that suspicious events trigger automated alerts.
• Backup power: In high-security environments, it’s wise to ensure that power failures won’t expose weaknesses in access operations. Operators should check that backup power supplies are working properly and protected against tampering and damage.
• Integrations: Integrations between entry systems and wider security devices like IP cameras, sensors and alarms can help operators develop automated responses to security threats; leaders should set up and test integrations prior to system activation.

Common installation mistakes (and how to avoid them)

When professionally installed and tested, door access systems can be easy to use and seamless to manage. However, they are fairly complex technologies built from many components.

Without a deep understanding of how these systems work and the common problems that can occur during access control installations, serious security vulnerabilities can be exposed.

Improper maglock alignment

In fail-safe systems, even a small misalignment of the magnet and armature plate can cause the lock to fail when it should be secure. A certified installer will ensure these components are properly aligned by fitting small rubber washers behind the plate to support self-alignment.

Damaged wiring infrastructure

A common installation mistake is assuming wires that have been tested prior to installation will still work after being run through walls. Wires can be damaged in the walls, causing failure at the service end, so it’s important to test them with a multimeter post-installation.

Overloaded power supplies

Calculating power requirements for access systems can be deceptively challenging; if your chosen supply cannot meet requirements, readers may drop from the network unexpectedly. Certified installers will calculate the current draw from all components to eliminate this issue.

Misconfigured permissions

Access management software is simple to use when configured correctly, but if mistakes have been made when setting up rules and permissions, credentials may not work properly. Having a manufacturer-trained installer perform this task will prevent this issue from forming.

How long do access control system installations take?

An access control installation will usually take between 2 – 6 hours for a single door, 1 – 2 days for a small office and 5 – 7 days for a large commercial property. Factors like the number of doors and wiring complexity will influence how long it takes to install a system, but a professional installer will generally be able to mount, wire and set up ≈2 – 3 readers per day.

DIY vs. professional access control installation: which is best?

When upgrading your entry system, it can be tempting to perform the installation yourself. In some cases, DIY access control installations can provide cost and time savings, but there are many unique advantages to working with a professional installer.

The case for DIY access control installation

• Cost: Opting to perform a door entry system installation yourself will eliminate labor costs and allow you to allocate more of your budget towards hardware and software.
• Autonomy: Property owners can perform installations at their own pace and around normal business operations with no need to account for an installer’s availability.
• Flexibility: DIY projects can be freely customized to meet non-standard needs; if a property owner wants to modify their system, they can without external pushback.

The case for professional access control installation

• Expertise: Professionals receive special training from manufacturers and have years of troubleshooting experience that can help to ensure installations go smoothly.
• Convenience: Professionals can perform all the complex access control planning, installation and configuration tasks to the highest possible standard far more efficiently than a novice.
• Long-term support: Professional installers are typically certified by manufacturers and so can provide ongoing maintenance and update support long after installation.

Which is right for your organization?

Ultimately, whether a DIY or professional installation is the right choice will come down to:

• Cost vs. reliability: DIY installations have lower upfront costs, but professional installations are less likely to suffer faults or misconfiguration that can be costly to fix.
• Freedom vs. expertise: DIY projects allow you to design things the way you want, but experts know what works and what doesn’t; they’ll offer the best practical solution.
• Independence vs. support: Autonomy in design and installation can be beneficial to some property owners, but the trade-off is a lack of long-term professional support.

Find an experienced access control installer near you

By working with a certified, experienced installer, you can design and implement a modern system tailored to your unique needs. Avigilon works with a network of skilled access control installation experts in cities around the world to provide business and property owners with proactive, smart security solutions; click here to find your nearest installer today.