The biggest challenge with access control is that successful business’s want people to come inside and purchase merchandise or benefit from a particular service. Whether it is 1st Street and Main, or at a World Wide Web address, an open invitation is given to all to 'come on in'.

In addition these businesses need full time staff, contracted, service providers and vendors to operate. Filtering out those who pose a threat to commerce as opposed to those who are genuine presents a clear and present danger to its success.  When this is looked at comprehensively many organizations have just as much entry points as perhaps our archipelago of islands, thus it can be a daunting task.  How does a company screen these potential hazards, and yet keep the authentic customer and employee coming back without making them fear for their lives and being so restrictive like a prison?

The variety of possibilities is endless, and will impact physical and electronic security initiatives as well as electronic and data transmissions. In addition the hiring process must also be seen as an access control tool, considering the penetration employees have to high value corporate information.

The crime prevention planner, law enforcement personnel, security consultant, property manager, architect, and human resources professional must put theory into practice to address community disorder, workplace violence, street crime, or acts of terrorism.

Generally the applications of such procedures and strategy can be summed up as follows:

•   Permit or deny entry to or presence in a given place.

•   Increase or reduce the rate or density of movement to, from, or within a defined place.

•   Protect persons, materials, or information against unauthorized observation or removal.

• Prevent injury to people or damage to material.

It is important to be clear which objective is sought, because that influences the type and degree of reliability, and most certainly cost of the control procedures and equipment. 

You are reminded that one of the lessons from September 11, 2001, is that primary targets of penetration which received the most damage and loss were all privately owned business, not government operated facilities. Types of organizations being targeted are largely;