Access Control 101: Commercial Access Control for Entry Point Security
- Ryan Ohm
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Controlling who can enter your building is one of the most fundamental parts of a physical security plan. Whether you manage a warehouse, office park, retail plaza, or residential complex, a weak entry point is often the easiest way for a threat to gain access.
That’s why a well-designed commercial access control system is not just about convenience. It’s about protecting people, property, and operations.
In this post, we’ll break down what access control means, the types of systems available, and how to choose the right setup for your business.
What Is Access Control?
Access control is the process of managing entry into a property, building, or specific area. It can be as simple as a key-lock system, or as advanced as a biometric reader tied to a cloud-based platform.
Most systems fall into one of these categories:
Mechanical: Locks and keys
Electronic: Keycards, fobs, PIN pads
Smart/Integrated: Cloud-based controls, mobile credentials, biometrics, remote access
Why Commercial Access Control Matters
Investing in commercial access control helps improve:
Security – Prevent unauthorized access to high-risk or sensitive areas
Accountability – Track who enters and exits, and when
Efficiency – Control access remotely, manage time-based permissions
Compliance – Help meet legal and regulatory standards
Types of Commercial Access Control Systems
When choosing commercial access control, your system should match the scale, risk level, and layout of your facility.
Here are the most common options:
Keycard and Fob Access
A secure, flexible system that uses programmable cards or fobs assigned to individuals. Access can be changed or revoked instantly.
Gate or Guarded Entry
Perfect for parking garages, office parks, or residential complexes. Visitors are verified before entry using intercoms, QR codes, or in-person guards.
PIN Pads and Keyless Entry
Employees or vendors enter a numeric code to gain access. Great for back doors, storage areas, and employee-only zones.
Biometric Readers
Fingerprint or facial scanners offer top-tier access control, especially in IT rooms, executive suites, or labs.
Cloud-Based Access Control
Monitor and manage your building’s access in real-time from any device. Admins can lock or unlock doors, issue credentials, or review access logs remotely.
Who Needs Commercial Access Control?
Property managers securing multi-tenant buildings
Warehouses with shipping docks and inventory zones
Office buildings with sensitive data and high traffic
Retail spaces needing to secure storage rooms and employee areas
Schools and churches managing part-time or volunteer access
The Role of Security Staff
Access control doesn’t eliminate the need for a human presence. In fact, it works best alongside trained personnel.
At Sentry Security Services, our on-site officers help:
Verify access credentials
Log visitor details
Respond to access attempts or door-forcing
Monitor and manage gate or building entry
Ready to Secure Your Entry Points?
If you're considering commercial access control, the best place to start is with a property review.
Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you evaluate your site and recommend a security strategy that fits.