Commercial Access Control Bristol — Paxton, Salto & Gallagher
Professional commercial access control installation for businesses across Bristol and the South West. Paxton, Salto and Gallagher systems — designed, installed and maintained by Bristol-based engineers.
Commercial Access Control Specialists in Bristol
Mechanical keys are the weakest link in most Bristol commercial premises. You cannot control when they are used, there is no record of who accessed which area, and when a staff member leaves — or a key is lost — you face the disruption and cost of a lock change. Commercial access control replaces all of that with a system you can manage from your desk or your phone.
CJS Fire & Security install commercial access control systems for businesses across Bristol and the South West. We are approved installers for Paxton — the UK's leading commercial access control manufacturer — and Salto, whose wireless smart lock technology is the preferred choice for Bristol businesses where cable installation would be disruptive or impractical. For larger enterprise deployments, we also install Gallagher — a global leader in high-security access control trusted by critical infrastructure, government, healthcare and large commercial organisations worldwide.
From a single-door entry system for a small Bristol office to a fully networked multi-floor Gallagher Command Centre deployment — we specify and install the right solution for your premises, your risk level and your budget.
While Paxton, Salto and Gallagher are our primary platforms, CJS Fire & Security install and maintain access control systems across a range of manufacturers. If your Bristol premises has an existing system from another brand, call us to discuss — we'll advise honestly on whether to build on it or switch.
Why Bristol Businesses Are Moving Away from Mechanical Keys
Problems with mechanical keys
- Lost key means a locksmith and often a complete lock change
- No record of who accessed which area or when
- Cannot restrict access by time — a key works 24/7
- When staff leave, keys may not be returned
- Keys can be copied without your knowledge
- Cannot be remotely locked or unlocked
- Managing access across multiple doors or sites is complex and expensive
- No integration with CCTV or intruder alarms
With commercial access control
- Lost credential? Cancel it instantly — no locksmith, no lock change
- Complete audit trail — every door, every user, every timestamp
- Time-based schedules — staff only access the building during authorised hours
- Instant access removal when staff leave
- Encrypted credentials cannot be copied
- Remote lock and unlock from any device
- Manage unlimited doors and sites from a single platform
- Full integration with CCTV and intruder alarms
Commercial Access Control Systems We Install in Bristol
CJS Fire & Security install three primary access control platforms across Bristol and the South West — each suited to different premises sizes, risk levels and operational requirements.
Paxton Access Control — Net2 & Paxton 10
Paxton is the UK's most widely installed commercial access control manufacturer — trusted by businesses, schools, healthcare premises and commercial property managers across Bristol and the South West. CJS Fire & Security are approved Paxton installers covering both of Paxton's primary platforms:
Paxton Net2
Server-based networked access control — the most widely installed system in the UK for small to medium commercial premises. All access management handled through Net2 software on a PC on your premises. Highly scalable from a single door to thousands of access points across multiple sites. Users issued with proximity cards or fobs. Complete audit trail of all access events. Simple, reliable and well-supported across Bristol's commercial property sector.
Paxton 10
Paxton's latest integrated platform — combining door access with CCTV in a single unified interface. Runs on a dedicated hardware controller rather than a PC server, making it more resilient for larger deployments. Mobile credentials via the Paxton Key app allow users to unlock doors with their smartphone. Full CCTV integration links access events automatically to camera footage. The preferred choice for larger Bristol commercial premises requiring a future-proofed, integrated platform.
- Proximity cards, fobs and mobile app credentials
- Time-based access schedules
- Full audit trail — every access event logged
- Scalable from 1 door to enterprise
- CCTV integration (Paxton 10)
- UK-manufactured and supported
Best for: Offices, schools, healthcare, multi-floor buildings, new builds, growing Bristol businesses
View our full Paxton pageSalto Access Control — KS & Space
Salto's wireless battery-powered smart locks require no cable runs at the door — making Salto the ideal solution for Bristol businesses where traditional wired access control installation would be disruptive or impractical. CJS Fire & Security are approved Salto installers covering both Salto platforms:
Salto KS
Cloud-based SaaS platform — all management via a secure cloud portal and mobile app, no on-site server required. Add and remove users instantly from any browser or smartphone. Mobile Bluetooth keys or physical RFID cards. Ideal for multi-site businesses, flexible workplaces and any Bristol premises where remote management is a priority.
Salto Space
On-premise platform — all access data stored on a local server at your Bristol premises. Preferred by larger organisations with data residency requirements or regulated environments where cloud management isn't appropriate. Same wireless lock technology as KS, with on-premise control.
- Wireless battery-powered locks — no cable runs at doors
- Minimal installation disruption
- Mobile Bluetooth keys — smartphone access
- Cloud (KS) or on-premise (Space) management
- Instant remote access changes
- Ideal for listed buildings and occupied premises
Best for: Occupied offices, listed buildings, leased premises, multi-site businesses, Bristol's Georgian commercial buildings
View our full Salto pageGallagher Access Control — Command Centre
Gallagher is a global leader in integrated access control — trusted by critical infrastructure, government departments, healthcare organisations, universities and large commercial enterprises in 138 countries. For Bristol businesses with complex, large-scale or high-security access control requirements, Gallagher's Command Centre platform delivers enterprise-grade capability that scales from a single site to a global network.
Gallagher's Command Centre software is the brain of the system — providing real-time access management, advanced reporting, compliance assurance and integration with HR systems, building management and intruder detection. Gallagher controllers make access decisions in real time at the door level, meaning the system remains operational even if server connectivity is interrupted.
- Gallagher Command Centre software — real-time management and reporting
- Advanced credential options — cards, fobs, mobile, biometric, two-factor
- NPSA CAPSS compliant — suitable for the highest security requirements
- HR system integration — user records automatically synchronised
- Multi-site enterprise management from a single platform
- Visitor management and contractor management built in
- Integration with intruder alarms and building management systems
- Detailed compliance reporting for regulated environments
Best for: Large commercial organisations, healthcare, education, critical infrastructure, high-security Bristol sites requiring enterprise-grade capability
Paxton, Salto or Gallagher — Which Is Right for Your Bristol Business?
The most common question we get from Bristol businesses is which platform to choose. Here's a straightforward comparison:
| Paxton | Salto | Gallagher | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabling at door | Required | Not required — wireless | Required |
| Installation disruption | Moderate | Minimal | Moderate |
| Management | On-premise (Net2) or controller (P10) | Cloud (KS) or on-premise (Space) | On-premise Command Centre |
| Best scale | Small to large commercial | Small to large commercial | Large to enterprise |
| Credentials | Cards, fobs, mobile (P10) | Cards, fobs, mobile Bluetooth | Cards, fobs, mobile, biometric |
| CCTV integration | Full (Paxton 10) | API integration | Full native integration |
| High security | Grade 2-3 commercial | Grade 2-3 commercial | Up to NPSA CAPSS |
| Best for Bristol | Offices, schools, healthcare | Listed buildings, occupied offices | Large sites, enterprise, critical |
Not sure which system is right for your Bristol business? CJS Fire & Security will assess your premises, your security requirements and your budget during a free site survey — and give you an honest recommendation. Call 0117 251 0590.
What a Commercial Access Control System Includes
Door Controllers & Readers
The hardware at each door — a reader on the outside, a controller managing the lock release. Available in proximity (card/fob), PIN pad, mobile (Bluetooth) and biometric variants. CJS specify the right reader type for each door based on security requirements.
Electronic Locking Hardware
Electromagnetic locks, electric strikes or electric bolt locks. Selected based on door type, fire door requirements and security grade. All locking hardware is integrated with your fire alarm — doors release automatically on fire alarm activation.
Control Panel & Software
The system brain — Paxton Net2 server, Paxton 10 controller, Salto KS cloud portal or Gallagher Command Centre. Manages all permissions, schedules, credentials and audit logging. Installed securely on your Bristol premises or in the cloud.
User Credentials
Proximity cards, key fobs, mobile Bluetooth credentials, PIN codes or biometric authentication. CJS supply and programme all credentials as part of every Bristol installation.
System Integration
Access control integrated with CCTV (access events linked to footage), intruder alarms (alerts on unauthorised access), fire alarms (all doors release on activation) and visitor management systems.
Ongoing Maintenance
Annual or twice-yearly maintenance contracts — keeping your Bristol access control system updated, certified and functioning correctly. We also take over maintenance of existing systems installed by other companies.
"From a single Bristol office door to a multi-building enterprise campus — the right access control system gives you complete control over who goes where and when."
Commercial Access Control Across Every Bristol Business Sector
Offices & Commercial Buildings
Paxton Net2 or Salto KS for Bristol offices — managing staff access across floors and departments, integrating with visitor management and providing a complete audit trail. Mobile keys eliminate card admin for growing teams.
Healthcare & Care Homes
Controlled access to medication storage, clinical areas and staff-only zones. Gallagher for larger healthcare organisations requiring compliance reporting. DBS-checked CJS engineers for all healthcare site visits.
Schools & Education
Paxton Net2 widely deployed across Bristol schools and academies. Gallagher for larger multi-building campus deployments. Integration with lockdown systems for Martyn's Law compliance.
Industrial & Warehouse
Access control for Bristol warehouse and industrial sites — managing contractor access, shift worker time-based permissions and restricted area security. Full integration with CCTV and intruder alarms.
Construction & Development
Temporary and permanent access control for Bristol construction sites — managing contractor and subcontractor access, logging site visitors for CDM health and safety compliance.
Hotels & Hospitality
Salto's hospitality solutions for Bristol hotels — mobile key guest access, automated booking system integration and complete audit trails eliminating front desk key handovers.
How We Install Commercial Access Control in Bristol
Step 1 — Free Site Survey
We visit your Bristol premises, walk every door and access point, assess your security requirements and building infrastructure. We recommend the most appropriate platform — Paxton, Salto or Gallagher — and explain the reasoning clearly.
Step 2 — System Design & Quote
We produce a detailed system design specifying every controller, reader, locking mechanism, credential type and integration requirement. You receive a clear written quote with no hidden costs before any work begins.
Step 3 — Installation
Our Bristol engineers install all hardware — controllers, readers, locking mechanisms, cabling and associated infrastructure. All works carried out professionally with minimal disruption to your business operations.
Step 4 — Configuration
We configure the access control software or cloud platform — setting up user groups, access zones, time schedules, credential programming and any integrations with CCTV, intruder alarms or other systems.
Step 5 — Credential Issue
We programme and issue RFID cards, fobs or configure mobile credentials for all users. For mobile key deployments we manage the app provisioning process for all staff.
Step 6 — Training & Handover
We train your designated system administrator on managing the platform — adding and removing users, adjusting access permissions, reviewing audit trails and responding to fault conditions. We ensure your team is confident managing the system independently.
Why Bristol Businesses Choose CJS Fire & Security
Approved Paxton & Salto Installer
CJS Fire & Security are approved installers for both Paxton and Salto — trained and certified on Net2, Paxton 10, Salto KS and Salto Space. Plus Gallagher for enterprise deployments requiring Command Centre.
Bristol-Based Engineers
Based at 1 Unity Street, Bristol BS1 5HH with engineers also in Weston-super-Mare. Every installation carried out by our own directly employed engineers — no subcontractors, ever.
Multi-Brand Capability
Beyond Paxton, Salto and Gallagher, CJS install and maintain access control systems across a range of manufacturers. If your Bristol premises has an existing system from another brand, we can assess it and advise on the best path forward.
Full Integration
We install and maintain CCTV, intruder alarms, fire alarms and access control — meaning your Bristol business gets a fully integrated security solution from a single contractor who understands how all the systems work together.
Free Site Survey
We visit your Bristol premises, assess your requirements and provide a no-obligation quote — with clear recommendations on the right system and platform before you commit.
Maintenance & Support
Ongoing maintenance contracts for all access control systems we install — keeping your Bristol system updated, certified and functioning correctly year-round.
We also install and maintain CCTV systems and commercial intruder alarms across Bristol — providing a single point of contact for all your business security needs.
Access Control Installation Across Bristol & the South West
Frequently Asked Questions — Commercial Access Control Bristol
Get a Free Commercial Access Control Quote for Your Bristol Business
Whether you need a new system installed, an existing system upgraded, or want honest advice on the right platform for your Bristol premises — call us for a free, no-obligation site survey and quote.
Get a Free QuoteWe aim to respond to all access control enquiries within 2 hours during business hours.