Keys get copied, lost and left in the wrong pockets. For a London office, shop or studio with staff coming and going, that is a real security problem and an administrative headache. Modern access control replaces keys with fobs, cards, phones or fingerprints, and gives you a record of who came in and when. This guide explains the main options and how to match one to your premises.
Why access control beats keys
A traditional lock tells you nothing. If a key goes missing, the safe answer is to change the lock and reissue keys to everyone. With an access control system, you simply disable the lost fob or user. You also gain a simple log of entries, which is useful when you need to understand who opened up in the morning or who was last to leave.
Access control also lets you set rules. A cleaner can have access between 6pm and 8pm on weekdays, a new starter can be added in minutes, and a leaver can be removed instantly.
The three commercial tiers
We install access control in three commercial levels, and the right one depends on how many doors you have and how much control you need.
Office Entry (£1,199). This is the sensible starting point for a single entrance: an intercom-style entry point with door release, suited to small offices, studios and clinics where you mainly want to see who is at the door and let them in without leaving your desk.
Cloud Access (£2,499). Here the system is managed online, so you can add or remove users from a laptop or phone rather than visiting a control panel. It suits growing teams, shared workspaces and anyone who manages more than one door or location.
Biometric Secure (£3,499). Fingerprint-based entry removes the problem of shared or lent fobs, because the credential is the person. It is a good fit for stock rooms, server rooms, treatment rooms and any area where you must know exactly who went in.
All package prices include VAT.
Residential and mixed-use buildings
If you are a landlord or a homeowner rather than a business, our residential options include the Video Doorbell Pro at £399, the Gate Entry Kit at £1,499 for driveways and front gates, and Smart Access at £1,799 for keyless entry to the home itself. These are worth knowing about if you live above a shop or run a business from home.
Questions to ask before you choose
- How many doors need controlling, and are any of them fire exits that must always release safely?
- How many people need access, and how often does that list change?
- Do you need a record of entries, or just a convenient way to let visitors in?
- Is the door frame, glass or shutter suitable for the lock type you want?
- Is there power and network cabling at the door already?
That last point matters more than most people expect. Reliable access control depends on a solid network connection, so it is worth checking your cabling and Wi-Fi at the same time. Our data networking service covers this, including office cabling points from £129 each.
Pair it with the rest of your security
Access control works best as part of a layered approach. A door that logs entries pairs naturally with CCTV covering the entrance, so you have both the record and the footage. See our CCTV and security services for commercial packages, or if you want doors, lighting and heating to work together, take a look at smart building automation. For a wider look at intruder protection, our Office Secure alarm package is £2,199.
Get a survey first
Every building is different, so the most reliable way to get an accurate specification is a site visit. Our Commercial Survey and Spec is £199 and gives you a written recommendation you can act on. Once your system is live, our CarePlan Business plan at £649 keeps it maintained.
Ready to stop worrying about keys?
Tell us about your premises and we will recommend the right system. Request a quote and we will come back to you with clear, fixed pricing.