1. Define the scope of your system. Are you looking to restrict access to a certain area, such as a server room or data center? Or do you need to track employees and visitors throughout your facility? Making these determinations upfront will help you choose the right type of system for your needs.
2. Determine who will have access. Will all employees have the same level of access, or will there be different levels of clearance? What about contractors and temporary workers? Will they need to be granted access on a case-by-case basis?
3. Decide what type of technology you want to use. Do you want to use badge readers, fingerprint scanners, or magnetic locks?