Most offices with security concerns have a two-step security procedure. First, security personnel will make sure that entrants to the building are not bringing in dangerous or illicit materials. Then, visitors will sign in to the building and get a temporary ID badge to signify that they have permission to be there.

Easy Office Security Measures

One of the easiest ways to take care of the second part of this procedure is with a system that allows for simultaneous visitor log-in and badging. You can think of the mechanics of it as being similar to carbon paper. A visitor signs in on a top sheet, providing information such as the time he or she is entering and his or her destination in the building.

The guest will also print or sign his name, and the "carbon paper" picks up the name on the pre-formatted badge below the log sheet. You can then lift the log sheet and peel off the badge for the visitor to wear. In a relatively low-security situation, the badge can be a simple sticker. If you want more security, you can paste the label on a card, add other information if you wish, and quickly laminate it. You can also purchase self-expiring badges, which change color after a certain period of time, alerting security that a person's access has expired.

You can keep the logbook for your security records. Some offices may choose a different system because they would rather have log records in a computer spreadsheet or database--but if your security concerns are minimal and you don't mind a paper trail, the logbook and badge system may be good for you. It's inexpensive, straightforward, and requires no special skills to be implemented.