The best building access control systems for offices

A locked door is a foundational image in security. Though the methods of securing an entryway have changed over the millennia, from intricate slabs of intertwining wood to industrial steel padlocks and digital readers, the basic idea has remained largely the same, until now. As the use of office space has grown more complex and smart buildings have emerged, access control protocols need to adapt to meet new challenges. Hybrid work patterns cause daily fluctuations in occupancy, flexible work schedules mean employees enter and exit outside of the traditional 9-5 window and temporary personnel, be they part-time staff, contractors or cleaners, all now factor into how offices must manage their access control systems.

The best systems in this environment prioritize scalability, user-friendliness and extensive admin flexibility, as well as the ability to protect a space from unauthorized access. This list explores the most promising building access control systems on the market.

Avigilon

The core strength of Avigilon access control systems is how they unify visibility through integration. Each component of a building’s physical security strategy works in tandem, sharing data and functions, to give operators a better view of who is moving throughout an office space and where they are going by pairing access logs with supporting video footage.

Administrators can use their centralized management platform to add and remove permissions with a few clicks. This achieves two things:

• It minimizes the risk of credential drift, where permissions remain in the system after their expiration.
• It allows operators to give flexible, time-based access to temporary visitors, such as contractors or cleaning crews.

They can also control doors remotely, locking down sections of the office in an emergency or opening designated routes to aid evacuation. On the user side, Avigilon systems support mobile credentials, meaning staff can tie their access permissions to a device they carry with them at all times, and come and go without any friction.

As for scaling, Avigilon’s open platform lets security managers use third-party hardware and software without sacrificing compatibility, and its on-site and cloud-native solutions provide options for buildings and networks of buildings alike.

Kisi

Kisi is a cloud-first company that offers a lightweight but robust suite of access options. It isn’t always a guarantee that a building will have a dedicated on-site security team, and the Kisi platform is designed to reintroduce some of that physical control through a web-based application.

Kisi is a great fit for environments with high foot traffic, such as gyms and coworking offices. Everything can be managed remotely, including individual doors and credential logs, so that traditional security functions can be factored into IT or building management workflows.

In keeping with the demands of the modern office worker, Kisi solutions are compatible with mobile credentials; however, they’re also compatible with existing RFID and NFC cards and fobs. This is important as:

• Security can suffer from the downtime that comes from switching access systems
• Staff can choose to stick with a method they’re already comfortable with

New members and temporary visitors can use limited QR codes, and full-time workers can gradually change to mobile credentials when they’re ready, making access safe and convenient for everybody.

ButterflyMX

ButterflyMX’s bread and butter are video intercoms and digital management tools, making them an excellent fit for any office that regularly receives visitors or deliveries. Through an app interface, users can see who is requesting entry, unlock specific doors and issue temporary passes, all with no need for reception staff.

The system keeps time-stamped screenshots of visitors for up to a year, with the retention period adjustable to suit region- or industry-specific data protection laws. Butterfly is all about streamlining and expedience, both in their user experience and incident investigation.

Their solutions are customizable, encompassing:

• Fob, key and code-based readers
• Vehicle readers for shared parking
• Front desk station or mobile viewable intercom feeds

Although autonomy is a desirable element of the worker experience and admins have ultimate control over credentials, allowing occupants to manage access themselves raises some concerns. This decentralized approach to authority might not be suitable for all operations, and office leaders should consider the security implications before committing to such an access structure.

Choosing based on need, not technology

Every building, and each office within those buildings, will have its own wants and needs regarding access controls. The best systems reflect the size and complexity of a space, as well as how it is actually used daily.

Operators and building administration should account for factors such as turnover, visitor frequency and overall occupancy rates when deciding which system best suits their building. How access controls fit into the broader security strategy is also worth considering, ensuring they work alongside systems such as video security and sensor data, rather than adding another set of devices that must be monitored independently.