Jon Nakapalau, CPO, CHSO

Access Cards and Physical Security

You know, electronic access control (EAC) is a lot like poker…

Lets look at some of the reasons why!

Howdy Partner!

As security manager …

You are the dealer!

You deal all the cards!

Once the cards are dealt it is up to you to make sure they are accounted for…lots of times that is hard to do!

But there are many players…

Here are 4 quick tips to help you win this game…

Help us play to win!

Rule #1: How many players are at the table?

This is the first question you have to answer…would it surprise you to know that often there is no one who can give you this very important basic information? When EAC systems get “layered” after build-outs there are often several systems working at the same time…you need to know this as the “dealer.”

What's the best way to do it?

Rule #2: What systems will you interface with?

Is your Facilities Manager putting in a BAS (Building Automation System) ? Is your EH&S Manager looking at LSS (Life Safety Systems) ? Sit down with them and make sure the platform you choose will expand as your company grows. Lots of money can be saved if you only look at what you all need now instead of later!

Select the deck…

Rule #3: Who collects the cards after the game?

If players walk away from the table without giving their cards back to the dealer then its only a matter of time before you have no way of knowing were the cards are.

Be aware of these problems:

Who collects access cards? (HR or security)

What do you do if a disgruntled employee says “I lost my card.”

When is security notified to turn an access card off? (before/after the HR exit interview)

Where are cards collected/returned too?

Why would you allow a terminated employee back into the company?

How will you deal with an employee who tries to use a deactivated card?

Collect the cards…

Rule #4: Will everyone play the same game?

If executive management does not support a comprehensive access card policy then you will start to see everyone playing a different game.

Here are some suggestions:

Articulate your access card policy during new hire orientationArticulate procedures for reporting lost/stolen cardsLimit the number of people who can hand out access cardsHave employees sigh for their cards (this includes sighing for a new card)Restrict where vendors/contractors can use their cardsTake away cards from employees who let unauthorized people in with their card“Track” patterns were unauthorized cards are used on restricted areasHand out “Gold Cards” (cards that will work on every door) based on need, not rankKeep a record of all unreturned cards Deactivate all unreturned cards

Get the other players to “buy in”…

See you later!