How do you arrange access outside office hours?

You arrange access outside office hours by using an automated access control system This works based on access cards, PIN codes, biometrics, or a combination thereof. With such a system, you determine exactly who may enter which room and when, without someone needing to be present at all times. Do you have questions about the right approach for your situation? Feel free to contact us and we are here to help. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about access outside working hours.

What methods exist for access control outside working hours?

For access control outside working hours, various methods are available, depending on the level of security you require. The most commonly used solutions are electronic access cards, PIN code systems, biometric readers, and mobile access via smartphone. Each system offers specific benefits for certain situations and user groups.

Electronic access cards are the most common choice for companies. Employees receive a card or key fob that communicates with a reader at the door via RFID or NFC. The advantage is that you can easily block a card if it is lost or if an employee leaves the company.

Biometric systems, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, offer a higher level of security because they cannot be transferred or lost. They are suitable for areas with heightened security requirements, such as server rooms or archives. Mobile access via an app is rapidly gaining ground because employees always carry their smartphones with them and remote management is simple.

How do you set access rights for specific time windows?

You set access rights for specific time windows via the access system management software. In it, you specify for each person or group which time blocks access is permitted, for example, only on weekdays between 06:00 and 22:00. Outside those times, access is automatically denied, even if the pass or code is valid.

Most modern systems work with profiles or roles. You create a profile for night shift employees, cleaning staff, or security personnel and link the corresponding time windows to it. This way, you do not have to change settings for each person individually, but manage it at the group level.

Time windows can also be linked to specific doors or zones. An employee may then enter the office during the day but only has access to the back door or a specific floor outside working hours. This provides fine-grained control without making the system unnecessarily complex. Also, do not forget to set exceptions for holidays or special situations so that the system always aligns with reality.

What are the risks of unattended access outside office hours?

Unsupervised access outside office hours entails significant risks, including theft, vandalism, unauthorized use of company assets, and liability issues. Moreover, without control over who enters the premises, it is difficult to determine what happened afterward if an incident occurs.

A concrete risk is that employees or visitors gain access to areas for which they do not have authorization. Examples include a server room, a safe, or an archive containing confidential documents. Without a record of who was present and when, the audit trail is missing, which is crucial for investigations or insurance claims in the event of an incident.

In addition, there is the risk of social engineering. Someone entering the premises unsupervised may hold a door open for an unauthorized third party, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This phenomenon, also known as tailgating, is difficult to prevent without physical measures such as airlocks or detection gates. A well-designed access control system records every entry attempt and stores alarms if there are any anomalies, ensuring you always have a complete overview.

How does remote access control work for a building?

Remote access management works via a cloud-based or networked system that allows an administrator to remotely open and close doors, modify permissions, and view access logs. This means you do not need to be physically present to grant or deny access, which is particularly practical outside of business hours.

In practice, the administrator logs in to a secure web portal or an app. From that portal, it is possible to see in real time which doors are open or closed, who has recently entered the premises, and whether there are any alarm notifications. In the event of an emergency, such as an employee forgetting their pass or a supplier needing to deliver outside working hours, the administrator can intervene immediately.

Integration with other systems

Remote access control works most effectively when integrated with other security systems, such as camera surveillance and intrusion detection. If an access attempt fails, the system can automatically activate camera recording or send a notification to a monitoring center. This creates a cohesive security network that actively responds to anomalies, even outside office hours.

Cybersecurity of the system itself

A key consideration with remote access management is the cybersecurity of the platform itself. Ensure that the system uses encrypted connections, two-factor authentication for administrators, and regular software updates. A poorly secured system can become a weak link that actually jeopardizes access to the premises.

When is a security service needed outside office hours?

Off-hours security is necessary when technical systems alone provide insufficient protection, for example at premises with a high-risk profile, large quantities of valuable goods, or situations requiring rapid physical intervention. Technology and human surveillance complement each other and do not completely replace one another.

Situations in which a security service offers added value include:

• Properties where large amounts of cash or valuable equipment are present
• Locations with an increased risk of burglary or vandalism based on historical incidents
• Events or temporary situations where the normal access pattern deviates significantly
• Situations where a technical alarm requires an immediate physical response that a control room cannot provide independently
• Premises where vulnerable persons or sensitive information are present

A combination of automated access control and a security service provides the strongest protection. The system records and restricts access, while the security service responds to incidents and provides a preventive presence that deters. For many companies, the right balance depends on the risk profile of the premises and the value of what needs to be protected.

Do you want to know which combination of measures best suits your situation? Contact us with Sellox and schedule a no-obligation consultation.