As spring unfolds and summer approaches, it's the perfect time to refresh and strengthen your facility's physical security—this quarter, we’re focusing on smarter, seasonal strategies to help you stay secure and efficient.
The Advantage Feature
Adapting Security for Warmer Weather
As temperatures rise, facility managers face a new set of security challenges. From managing increased foot traffic to maintaining outdoor surveillance, warmer months require a proactive approach to keep facilities secure and efficient.
In this post, we’ll explore key strategies to adapt your physical security for spring and summer, drawn from The Cook & Boardman Group’s Seasonal Resilience insights.
Why Seasonal Security Matters
As temperatures rise, so do the demands on your facility's security systems. Longer operating hours, increased foot traffic, and expanded use of outdoor spaces like courtyards, loading docks, and parking lots all heighten your exposure to security risks.
Common concerns include:
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Overheated or sun-damaged cameras – Prolonged sun exposure can degrade camera performance and image quality.
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Obstructed surveillance – Overgrown landscaping can block critical sightlines, reducing camera effectiveness.
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Lapses in access control – High-traffic periods can strain security checkpoints, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.
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Inadequate lighting – Extended outdoor operations may lack sufficient illumination, creating blind spots and security vulnerabilities.
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Unsecured after-hours events – Outdoor events and operations can leave valuable assets exposed if not properly secured.
Additionally, heat waves, summer storms, and higher energy demand can further impact the performance of surveillance systems, access control technology, and communication infrastructure, making regular maintenance and proactive planning essential.
Best Practices for Spring and Summer Facility Security
Secure Entry Points While Maintaining Ventilation
Balancing airflow with access control is crucial as indoor temperatures rise. Equip doors with ventilated yet secure hardware and ensure all access points are integrated with your electronic security systems.
Optimize Outdoor Surveillance and Lighting
Outdoor areas become more active in spring and summer. Use weather-resistant cameras and solar-powered lighting to maintain visibility and reduce energy consumption during extended daylight hours.
Strengthen Access Control
Update or audit credentialing systems—such as key cards, mobile credentials, or biometrics—to ensure only authorized personnel access key areas. Implement time-based access schedules to secure facilities after hours
Prepare for Power Outages
High temperatures and summer storms can knock out power, disrupting security systems. Use backup generators and surge protectors to prevent equipment failure and consider solar-powered solutions for remote or outdoor areas.
Be Proactive—Not Reactive
Now is the time to evaluate your current security strategy and ensure it’s built for summer resilience. A quick access audit or seasonal maintenance review can help you avoid costly disruptions and ensure peace of mind.
Spring and summer require vigilance. Don’t let heat, extended hours, or storm season catch you off guard. Check out our eBook today!
The Advantage in Action
Capital School District Case Study
Dover, DE
The Capital School District in Dover, Delaware, recently completed a state-of-the-art 205,000-square-foot facility, designed by the renowned Becker Morgan Group and Perkins & Will, with Richard Y. Johnson & Sons, Inc. overseeing construction. Advantech, a division of the Cook & Boardman Group with over 20 years of experience in the region, played a critical role in this project, providing integrated security and life safety systems, including Notifier Emergency Communications, Pro-Watch Security Management, Salto SVN Integrated Door Hardware, Bosch Intrusion Detection, and Sapling Wireless Clock systems. Additionally, Precision Doors & Hardware contributed a comprehensive Division 8 solution, including Masonite prefinished wood doors, Curries hollow metal doors and frames, and Dormakaba hardware, ensuring a seamless blend of security, functionality, and durability. Together, these teams delivered a secure, innovative, and connected learning environment for over 1,600 students, setting a new standard for educational facility design.
Advantage Insights
Streamline Your Facility’s Access Points in 30 Minutes
Efficient access control is essential for any commercial facility—but many organizations are still relying on outdated systems, manual processes, or disjointed credentialing tools that slow operations and weaken security. The good news? You can make meaningful improvements in just 30 minutes.
Whether you're a facility manager, operations leader, or security decision-maker, this quick access point review can help you tighten security, improve efficiency, and prepare for the demands of the spring and summer seasons.
Quick Audit: Identify Your Access Control Gaps
Optimize with Smart Credentialing Solutions
Now that you've identified the gaps, it’s time to implement best practices:
- Replace outdated key fobs with mobile credentials or biometric readers
- Integrate visitor management platforms that automate check-in
- Use time-based access to limit entry after hours or on weekends
- Tie access control into your video surveillance system for full visibility
Smart credentials reduce friction for employees while improving auditability and compliance.
Reduce Bottlenecks Without Compromising Security
Streamlined access shouldn’t come at the cost of security. Here's how to maintain both:
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Install automated turnstiles or speed lanes in high-traffic areas
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Use AI-enhanced access control analytics to detect anomalies
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Monitor entry point data to uncover trends and usage spikes
These tools help ensure only authorized individuals enter while keeping traffic flowing smoothly.
Your 30-Minute Facility Access Review Checklist
In just half an hour, you can:
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Walk your access points and identify inefficiencies
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Note equipment that needs updating or reprogramming
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Review credentialing processes for staff, visitors, and contractors
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Flag any doors with security blind spots
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Begin outlining a plan for smarter access control integration
Next Steps: Upgrade with Confidence
Access control is more than a security feature—it’s a critical component of operational flow. By taking just 30 minutes to audit your current system, you're one step closer to a safer, smarter facility.
Need support choosing or implementing an integrated solution?
Resource Spotlight
Spring & Summer Security Checklist
Stay one step ahead of seasonal risks with our easy-to-use checklist. Designed for facility managers, this downloadable guide includes:
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Seasonal maintenance for hardware and cameras
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Outdoor risk management tips
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Best practices for access control during extended hours
It’s everything you need to secure your site—one season at a time.