Access Control For Retail Stores: Guide to Securing Your Business

 

 

Commercial businesses and retail stores need security measures to protect employees, earnings, and merchandise. However, finding the best commercial access control for retail stores is difficult.

You need a system that meets all of your security requirements but also doesn’t restrict customers from coming and going.

In this post, we’ll review the benefits of physical access control systems. Then, we’ll cover the different types of access control systems that you can buy for a retail store.

This guide covers:

• What is access control in retail?
• Benefits of access control for retail
• The types of access control for retail stores
• Unique security risks of retail stores
• Enhance access control for your retail store with ButterflyMX

 

 

What is access control in retail?

Access control in retail is the system in which you manage and verify access to the store and to staff-only areas. Access control allows you to secure your building without turning away customers. Usually, access control devices are paired with other security systems.

What’s more, access control is especially convenient for guaranteeing security in multi-tenant retail properties where different stores occupy the same building.

 

 

Is retail theft really increasing?

Unfortunately, retail theft is on the rise. New York and Los Angeles have respectively reported a 64% and 61% increase in theft and shoplifting.

 

Benefits of access control for retail

Benefits of access control systems in commercial stores include:

• Improved security. Security is the biggest benefit of access control systems. You can ensure that only authorized personnel have access to staff-only spaces. In turn, you secure cash earnings and merchandise from being stolen. Furthermore, access control also prohibits access to physical servers that might contain private customer and employee information.
• Health requirements. Access control for supermarkets ensures that perishable food such as meat and dairy products are only handed by professional staff members before appearing on store shelves. Controlling access to food storage areas reduces the risk of contaminated products.
• Shift changes. Access control systems help manage staff members’ arrival and departure for shift changes. Additionally, as management, you can monitor who has entered the property and when they did so.
• Insurance liability. All of the products you offer at your retail store are covered by insurance. Additionally, an efficient access control system helps you if you ever have to make an insurance claim. This is because installing an access control system is a sign that you have taken all proper precautions to protect your belongings.
• Legal liability. An access control system is proof that you have taken security precautions to protect both staff and customers on your property.
• 24/7 protection. Your retail space is likely closed with no staff members present for roughly as many hours as it is open. An access control system gives you peace of mind that your property is safe during closing hours.

 

Discover how access control systems work: 

 

The types of access control systems for retail

While each individual access control system has unique features when it comes to building security, there are generally four different types of retail access control systems that you will encounter.

The four types of retail access control systems include:

1. Biometric access control
2. Smart locks
3. Cloud-based access control
4. Touchless access control

 

1. Biometric access control

Biometric access control for retail stores grants users entry after scanning a bodily identifier such as their face, eyes (retina), or fingerprints. This is often a highly secure and foolproof security system that is trusted when securing highly sensitive spaces.

However, for a retail store, a biometric access control system is likely overkill. You want employees to enter your property and restricted areas both easily and quickly. Not to mention, you want to control your access control system on the fly, even when you’re not present at the store. In addition to those negatives, you also want a system that doesn’t take a long time to register new users.

 

 

2. Smart locks

Smart locks are a feature-limited yet effective access control method for some retail stores. As the name implies, they can lock down a specific area, and they feature a number of entry methods aside from a traditional physical key. If you have only one room that you want to lock down, a smart lock might be a viable option. However, smart locks are not recommended for securing an entire property. This is because they lack some of the user verification methods that more feature-heavy access control systems tend to have. Rather, smart locks are best suited for small businesses, single-family homes, and apartment units.

 

3. Cloud-based access control

In our professional opinion, cloud-based access control systems offer the best entry systems for your retail store. This is because cloud-based systems are the easiest to use and give you the most control as a manager. Notably, cloud-based systems are designed to handle a large number of different users. Additionally, they can be customized and managed easily from mobile devices. A biometric lock, for example, takes longer to program for new employees or temporary users than a cloud-based system would.

Cloud-based access control systems often feature remote entry, which is particularly beneficial for retail stores. This is because retail stores receive a lot of deliveries. With remote and temporary access, delivery drivers can be let into the building securely without troubling any on-site staff members.

 

4. Touchless access control

Touchless access control for retail stores offers a convenient way to manage entry while enhancing security.

Using mobile devices, key cards, or biometrics, your employees can seamlessly enter restricted areas without physical contact. For retailers, touchless access control not only improves operational efficiency but also provides real-time tracking and remote management, allowing you to monitor access and adjust permissions from anywhere.

 

Unique security risks of retail stores

Here are some unique security challenges that retail stores face and how to solve them:

• Shoplifting
• Vandalism
• Unauthorized entry
• Crowd control during peak season
• Security in the event of emergencies
• Delivery management
• 24/7 operations

 

Shoplifting

Retail stores are prime targets for shoplifting, especially in high-traffic areas.

Solution: Access control systems can restrict entry to employees only. As a result, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and deterring shoplifters.

 

Vandalism

Stores in public areas face the risk of property damage, especially after hours.

Solution: Timed access control systems can automatically lock doors after closing hours. So, you prevent unauthorized entry when your store is unoccupied.

 

Unauthorized entry

Non-employees or contractors could access restricted areas like stockrooms or back offices.

Solution: Keypad access control ensures that only authorized individuals can enter these zones, enhancing security for your high-value inventory.

 

Crowd control during peak season

Managing access to your store during sales events or peak seasons can lead to overcrowding and safety hazards.

Solution: Access control systems can limit the number of people entering at once, helping to maintain order and prevent overcrowding.

 

Security in the event of emergencies

In the event of an emergency, it’s critical to ensure only authorized personnel have access to specific areas.

Solution: Cloud-based access control systems can remotely lock or unlock doors during emergencies. So you ensure a quick response and safety at your property.

 

Delivery management

Retail stores often have multiple vendors and delivery personnel accessing stock areas.

Solution: Access control systems can provide temporary access codes to vendors and delivery personnel. As a result, reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.

 

24/7 operations

Some retail stores operate around the clock, increasing the risk of security breaches during late hours.

Solution: Access control systems with round-the-clock monitoring allow store managers to track who enters and exits during off-hours, ensuring security at all times.

 

Enhance access control for your retail store with ButterflyMX

The ButterflyMX Access Control System is the best way to enhance access control for retail stores because it utilizes the latest in access control technology while still being simple to use.

ButterflyMX products are currently installed in over 15,000 buildings and have over 40,000 five-star reviews.

The ButterflyMX Access Control System is one of the best retail security products because it features:

• Cloud-Based Software. This allows you to store user data in the cloud and avoid needing cumbersome physical storage servers on the premises.
• Mobile controls. You directly control the ButterflyMX Keypad from your mobile device. When new employees are hired or move on, you grant and revoke access from your mobile device.
• Entry options. You and your employees can use the credentials they prefer, as we support a wide variety of access options, such as PIN codes, key cards, fobs, and a mobile app. This flexibility enables your property to operate efficiently while increasing security.
• Remote entry. Management and staff may unlock the ButterflyMX Access Control System remotely from their mobile devices. In addition, you can review entry logs to better investigate potential security risks.
• Integrations. The ButterflyMX Access Control System integrates seamlessly with all of our other products, giving you greater security control. Pair your access control system with our Security Cameras, Elevator Controls, or Smart Locks for a property-wide solution.