Meeting Security Objectives.

Limiting access the builders' hardware way

MEETING SECURITY OBJECTIVES HAS BECOME A HIGH PRIORITY AMONG ALL building owners, as occupants today are looking for assurances that their safety has been provided for while they're in the building.

A difficult challenge today is providing limited access into a facility and/or into a specific area, while also offering a secured physical locking system -- one that meets each security objective for each sector of the facility with the appropriate locking device.

To ensure a secure building, the security objectives, security sectors and locking segments (i.e., types of locking devices and systems) must be taken into consideration.

Security objectives

Security objectives offer a specific feature that is considered when determining the type of locking device for a door. Depending on the type of security required for each sector, more than one security objective can be met with certain locking devices.

There are six common security objectives:

Authorized access: The highest level of security authorizing access to an area for selected individuals. Access is granted only to those individuals who have the proper identification and who have been issued a key, token or access card.

Key control: An accurate account of all keys within a system. Key control is recognized as one of the most important elements within a secured physical locking system.

User-friendly: Most common locking device. A user-friendly device does not require any special knowledge to gain access when locked. Key blanks and locking components are readily available through all distribution channels.

Serviceable: For this type of device, service to the locking component is accomplished by individuals with locksmithing skills. It does not require an alarm license or any electrical knowledge to service.

Audit trail: Confirmed usage of all transactions. Documents each time access is granted or denied to a secured area.

Time zones: Time-limited access. Allows access into designated areas during specific times only.

Security sectors

The level of access for each door should be determined by a sector's responsibility to the overall security plan of the entire building. The objective is to provide the highest level of security possible, while allowing each department to function smoothly. Examples of the most common sectors found within a building include:

Perimeter: Traditionally, the perimeter defines the "building envelope," including all exterior doors, roof surfaces, gates, fences and adjacent buildings.

Operations: Includes sensitive areas crucial to daily operation (such as physical plant engineering, security and the lock shop).

Management: Various departments that are vital for daily business activities, primarily human resources, administration, executive offices, information technology, sales and accounting. Thus, internal integration with controlled access to the public is a must.

Services: This sector provides employees and visitors with services (restrooms, medical treatment areas, housekeeping, food service, retail space, etc.) while on the premises. While occupants expect convenient and easy access, security must be ensured at all times.

Applications: From classrooms and multipurpose rooms to office doors, each have their own security needs. The ability to separate unique applications that require different security objectives and the awareness of who will access them will be important when selecting the appropriate locking device.

Locking Segments

It has become increasingly difficult today to meet all the security needs with just one locking device, as each security sector has a unique responsibility.

Selecting the appropriate locking devices can begin once the security objectives are identified for each door within each sector. The various locking segments include the following:

Patented locking system: Most secure mechanical cylinder and keys. Incorporates a patented security feature that provides restricted access to system components through authorized distribution channels.

Authorized access control at the door: The highest level of security for stand-alone locking devices. Authorized access is granted to selected individuals within specified time periods. Access is granted with a key, card or token with confirmed and audited usage of all transactions. Security is assured through authorized and certified distribution channels.

Integrated electronics: Centralized facilities management system capable of managing security and access control functions for multiple doors. Electrical locking components interface with multi-door controllers and switches to meet the security and access control needs. Systems support and services require highly trained personnel and usually require an alarm and low-voltage license to maintain.

Mechanical cylinders: Most common type of cylinder that provides the lowest level of physical security. Requires a minimum of knowledge to re-key and service. Availability and access to service items is non-restrictive.

The sample Facilities Security Worksheet shown below indicates that a patented locking system (PLS) has been chosen as the locking segment based on the security objectives required for door #0012, which is located in the operations sector of the building. By identifying the required security objectives and knowing how that door fits in the overall security plan, choosing the appropriate physical locking devices is easy.

Masterkeying

Masterkeying of a cylinder determines the level of access that will be granted to employees, service personnel and the general public with the issuance of a key.

When a locking device incorporates a cylinder and that cylinder is to be masterkeyed, special consideration must be taken to include its level of access for each sector. (See also Bergstrom, "Controling Your Bussiness Destiny," page 20.)

Education

Having identified and implemented the elements of a secured locking system, a bigger task begins -- education.

It is the responsibility of the hardware distributor, who furnishes the locking devices and system components under 08710, to educate the administrator of the system. The administrator must be made aware of who he or she can contact (and how to reach that person) when additional material or system information is required.

Recognizing the heightened awareness of security among all systems today and the constant introduction of new products into the security market, ongoing changes are to be expected.

The architect and owner will continue to seek out the person who can assist them in the selection of products which will satisfy their security needs -- yet another great opportunity for the Architectural Hardware Consultant.