The Role of Access Control in the Protection of Cultural Heritage

Our cultural heritage is rich and highly diverse in France. Whether it is works of art, museums, or listed buildings, it is often the target of ill-intentioned individuals whose goal is to destroy, steal, or divert our heritage. Indeed, according to Interpol, between 2019 and 2021, there was a steady increase in the number of offenses in Europe, from 5,088 to 5,861, but also fewer and fewer arrests, from 428 in 2019 to 233 in 2021. To combat this phenomenon, the implementation of security measures, such as access control systems, is very important and meets the growing needs for protection.

Improving access control at the entrances of cultural buildings for greater security

As with a business, the entrance to cultural buildings must be protected against intrusions, thefts, and robberies. Indeed, the richness of France’s cultural heritage is worth much more than a simple asset, as it is also a legacy of our shared past. Therefore, to best protect a cultural site, you must have an efficient access control system.

These security and access control systems have several objectives. First, you can limit the access of people visiting the building to specific areas, thanks to innovative technologies such as the electronic cylinder. The latter can be easily installed on a wooden, glass, or metal door, as well as on fire doors in buildings open to the public. These electronic cylinders can be unlocked using an access code, a badge, or even fingerprints. This security system is particularly effective in preventing visitors from accessing restricted areas or certain buildings.

Moreover, by installing an identification-based access control system, you allow users, visitors, and your employees to access secure areas in case of an incident.

How optimizing flow management increases the security of cultural heritage?

By installing flow management systems in buildings and areas considered to be protected, you allow your controllers to work in better conditions. Indeed, the presence of turnstiles helps reduce the number of people arriving at the same place at the same time. Thus, checking authorizations, seats, and monitoring bags will be greatly facilitated and will prevent any risk of intrusion.

Whether indoors or outdoors, it is possible to have an access control system installed that allows you to authorize or deny a visitor ticket. This helps streamline the flow of visitors while protecting the employees in charge of security. These solutions can be implemented at any cultural site. Thus, the various advantages of these restriction systems can be:

• Significant improvement in security

• Facilitated access management thanks to a high-performance database

• Quick installation of dormakaba security systems

• Upgrading existing systems and improving them with advanced technology

• Ease of use by all site employees

• Improved visitor filtering for increased responsiveness in case of an incident

• Protection of different sectors that can be independent from each other

• Upgrading security according to current requirements

Methods to secure cultural spaces

Innovative access control systems

dormakaba specializes in all types of innovative and highly efficient access control systems. Thanks to technology that secures the entrances and exits of cultural buildings, you will protect, under all circumstances, your main work as well as your valuable assets from theft and break-in attempts.

Surveillance systems

Moreover, thanks to a networked surveillance system, you can secure an entire site and have important information in real time on specific software. If you are the victim of an intrusion attempt, you will be alerted in real time to obtain the necessary information to resolve the incident.

Enhanced security systems

The security systems offered by dormakaba make it possible to manage the flow of people arriving at a cultural and tourist site, but can also prohibit access to certain key areas of your site. Installing such a security system is an innovative and unbeatable solution. For example, thanks to its anti-drilling technology, the electronic cylinder will provide extra security to your environment.

Thanks to high-performance fingerprint, badge, or card readers, you will significantly reduce intrusion attempts simply through deterrence. Deterrence is the first and most important barrier to thwart break-in attempts at your protected site. As in the premises of the largest companies, cultural sites must also obtain the best in terms of protection.

Strengthening the security of cultural heritage: The crucial importance of access control systems

Improving security and the protection of cultural heritage is necessary and increasingly pressing. With figures on offenses and thefts that continue to rise, it is now mandatory to install an efficient access control system to protect your site.

By streamlining and optimizing flow management, you allow your security teams to work more calmly. The same observation is made for healthcare facilities, which would be more secure with an access control system optimized for their environment. For more information about products designed for the security of cultural heritage, do not hesitate to contact dormakaba.