It’s that time of year again when access control strategies become more important in cities like Columbus, OH!
As the holiday season approaches, Columbus businesses are gearing up for one of the busiest, and most vulnerable, times of the year.
From retail stores seeing increased foot traffic to offices operating with lighter staff schedules, the last few months of the year bring both opportunity and risk. Unfortunately, this period also sees a spike in theft, unauthorized access and data security breaches.
For local business owners, strengthening access control systems before the holidays isn’t just a precaution—because it’s also a smart investment in peace of mind. Whether you operate a retail storefront, warehouse or corporate office, now is the right time to assess, upgrade and secure your property before year-end.
So, here’s how proactive access control measures can help your Columbus business stay secure this holiday season!
The Seasonal Security Spike: Why The Holidays Matter
The holiday months often come with unique challenges. Businesses typically experience higher traffic, more deliveries, extended hours, and a rotating mix of staff and temporary hires. These changes can make it harder to monitor who’s coming and going—which creates ideal conditions for unauthorized access or internal theft.
According to security data from national studies, commercial break-ins and theft incidents can increase by up to 20% during the holiday season. Add to that the distractions of year-end closeouts, employee time off and winter weather disruptions, and you have a perfect storm for potential security lapses.
That’s why this is the perfect time to take a closer look at your access control systems, including keycard readers and smart locks to full-scale networked systems that digitally manage employee access!
Step One: Evaluate Your Current Access Control System
Before making any changes, you’ll want to start with an honest evaluation of your current system.
Do this by asking yourself the following key questions:
- Who currently has access to your building or restricted areas, and when was the last time those permissions were reviewed?
- Are you still using traditional keys or outdated card systems that are easy to duplicate?
- Can your system provide real-time access logs in case of a security breach or audit?
- Does your access control system integrate with your other surveillance infrastructure, like cameras or alarm systems?
If you’re unsure about any of these, your business could be exposed to unnecessary risk. The fall months like October and November are the ideal time to have a professional inspection from the Garber Electric experts in order to ensure that everything is working properly and up to modern standards!
Step Two: Upgrade To Smart Or Cloud-Based Access Control
Traditional lock-and-key setups or older swipe card systems are quickly becoming obsolete.
This is why many Columbus businesses are shifting to smart access control solutions that use mobile credentials, PIN codes or biometric verifications like fingerprints or facial recognition.
These systems offer several key advantages during the holidays, including:
- Remote Access Management: Business owners and managers can lock or unlock doors, grant or revoke access and monitor entry logs from anywhere—which is perfect for flexible holiday hours or remote work setups.
- Time-Based Permissions: Temporary employees or delivery personnel can be given limited-time access, without compromising overall security.
- Audit Trails: Smart access control systems automatically log every entry and exit, giving you detailed records if something goes wrong.
Cloud-based systems are particularly valuable for businesses with multiple Columbus locations, because they create a central control dashboard of all access points within one, easy-to-use interface.
Step Three: Integrate Access Control With Other Security Systems
An access control system works best when it’s part of a broader security ecosystem. This is why many modern systems can integrate directly with video surveillance, alarm systems and lighting controls.
For example:
- When someone uses a keycard after hours, your system can automatically trigger video recording in that zone.
- If a door is forced open, an alarm can sound and notify management instantly.
- You can even program your system to turn on lights when certain doors are accessed at night.
This level of integration not only deters intruders, but it also provides clear, timestamped evidence if an incident occurs—which can be invaluable for insurance and law enforcement.
Step Four: Update Employee Access Policies
Technology is only as strong as the people using it. This is why fall is an excellent time to review and update your employee access policies before the year ends, which might include:
- Revoking old credentials: Remove access for former employees, contractors, or seasonal staff from earlier in the year.
- Training your team: Ensure employees understand how to use access systems properly, including reporting lost badges or suspicious activity.
- Setting clear access levels: Restrict sensitive areas like server rooms or inventory storage to only those who need entry.
By tightening internal controls now, you’ll prevent headaches when your holiday staffing shifts into high gear!
Step Five: Schedule A Professional System Check
Even the most advanced system needs routine maintenance to perform at its best.
That’s why you should be sure to schedule an end-of-year access control inspection with our qualified electrical and security technicians. The Garber Electric team can test system components, inspect wiring, update firmware, and verify connections between your access control system and other building systems.
A quick fall inspection can prevent all sorts of costly malfunctions, and it can also ensure that your security measures are ready for the busy months ahead!
Contact Garber Electric For Access Control Support In Columbus, Ohio!
As your Columbus business prepares for the holidays, strengthening your access control system should be a top priority. With higher seasonal activity and rising security risks, a proactive approach today can prevent costly problems tomorrow.
Whether you’re upgrading to smart access systems, integrating surveillance or conducting a full end-of-year inspection, Garber Electric is here to help.
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 614-212-7900 to ensure that your Columbus-based business stays secure, efficient, and ready for whatever this winter season brings!