November 2016 CT

property. Consider an upgrade to a monitored database system that uses personal credentials for access. Whether it’s an access card or EZ pass type reader, the property manag- er will know exactly who is coming or going through the gate at any given time. The initial build of the database takes a little more time but there is no comparison to the added security this information provides. If the creden- tials on a vehicle trying to enter are outdated or turned off, that vehicle is not gaining access to your property. When unwanted people can’t get in, then unwanted things can’t go on. Keeping outsiders off the property is half the security battle. Once the entrances and exits are secured properly, the next step is granting individual access to common areas on the property. Here again, the key to success is taking the extra step to ensure that each individual res- ident has identifiable access creden- tials. Door codes and combination locks are a thing of the past. Even if the codes are changed regularly, the information can be passed along to anyone at any time. Rendering the access device useless for actual security. The latest access controls consist of programmed cards or fobs with unique numbers on them. These numbers can be used to create a com- munity database where the access device is assigned to an individual resident or homeowner. Once the readers are installed on a door in a common area on the property, the system will record which resident has used their access device to enter those areas. The system can be managed

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