The Access Control Report 2016: Legacy Infrastructure and Motivations for Upgrading explains how opinions were mixed as to whether upgrading their access-control solution would be disruptive to daily business or not, with a majority anticipating that it would be ‘somewhat disruptive’, 31% saying there‘very little disruption’ (31%) and just 16% opting for ‘very disruptive’.
One respondent said they had found upgrading “somewhat disruptive to business activities” but indicated that it was worth the short-term inconvenience as it boosted “efficiency”.
Another of those polled noted that “users do not like change. If it is simply a different card (hardware operation is transparent) [then] no big problem in theory. If technology changes – for example [to] biometric after using card – then user acceptance will always be bad.”
The Access Control Report 2016, in partnership with HID Global
Human error rather than the system itself tended to account for much disruption, according to another respondent. “Employees push back when the system does not work,” they wrote. “Most perceived system failures are due to system operators and database integration and not the system itself. Other failures involve third-party hardware (lock-sets, door hardware) rather than the access control system.”
Phasing of introduction of systems is a priority, with respondents stating that “Access control upgrades can be managed with minimal disruption if a phased approach is adopted”
The view from HID Global
“Access control upgrades can be managed with minimal disruption if a phased approach is considered and installation times are scheduled when a site is used less.
For example, an evening installation within an office environment minimises disruption. In addition, multi-technology readers and cards can make the upgrade path easy and non-disruptive for a business. On-site administrator training is required to operate the new head-end software (in case this part of the system is upgraded).
Typically, employees do not require training as how a card reader is operated has not changed for many years, so remains very similar even after an upgrade.”
Enjoy the latest fire and security news, updates and expert opinions sent straight to your inbox with IFSEC Insider's essential weekly newsletters. Subscribe today to make sure you're never left behind by the fast-evolving industry landscape.
Sign up now!
