It’s usually simple: someone leaves the building knowing they’ll be heading back in only a minute later. They know the door will lock behind them, so they stick something in the door to get back in instead of walking all the way around to the main entrance. They see an inconvenience. We see a significant risk.
When a door is left propped open—even for just a few minutes—the integrity of your building's physical security and occupants' safety is immediately compromised. This seemingly minor act creates an unmonitored access or egress point, exposing your facility to a variety of threats ranging from unauthorized entry to fire code violations.
Modern security systems can mitigate this risk by monitoring door status in real-time. The control panel can be programmed with customizable time thresholds—for example, triggering a response if a door remains open for five minutes instead of one—depending on the area’s function and risk level.
Key system functions include:
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Real-Time Monitoring: Propped doors are usually for short-term convenience. The system can detect when a door is open and tracks how long it stays that way. -
Smart Notifications: Sends immediate alerts via email, SMS, or app to designated personnel such as security staff, front office personnel, or facility managers.
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Audible Local Alerts: Sounds a chime or alarm at the door itself to prompt quick corrective action, often deterring someone from leaving it open.
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Fire Door Compliance: Ensures that designated fire doors remain closed and latched, preserving compartmentalization in the event of an emergency.
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Operational Insights: Logs door status history for incident review and policy compliance audits.
By addressing door prop events in real-time, security teams can maintain control over the perimeter, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and reinforce a culture of accountability among staff, visitors, and students. This is especially critical in school environments, healthcare facilities, and secure government buildings, where unauthorized access could lead to life safety incidents or data breaches.
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