The Spectrum Guide to Access Control Systems
Access control systems have one main purpose: to control access to the premises. This includes overall access, such as restricting visitors, as well as movement within the property, allowing you to protect your premises and business assets at an individual level across locations, at specific times.
Access control systems come in a range of formats, from basic keypad and swipe card systems to high tech biometrics and proximity sensors. If your business has employees, suppliers and visitors for whom you want to control access to certain locations, rooms, areas, or access at certain times, then it is likely you will need some form of access control system.
Which type of Access control system is the best for your business?
Key Considerations:
It is useful to firstly take a look at your business needs. Count the number of openings to protect and look at the types of locks - are they electronic or mechanical? If it is electrical, then it may be able to be interfaced into the access control system, but if it is mechanical then it will need to be changed for an electrically operated one.
Secondly, you should consider the amount of security you need. Do you need a 100% secure facility with top range control or just a few interior doors or offices that could be secured by a numeric keypad for a more affordable price?
Finally, you should consider the user of the access control system. This can range from thousands at a large facility, down to just a handful of users. Think about if these users are going to need temporary visitor access, as some access control systems can provide visitor access with temporary passes, and even background check visitors against known criminal databases for a significantly higher level of security.
What are the different types of access control systems:
There are various types of access control technologies and the most suitable one for your business will depend on your specific requirements. These systems include:
- Basic or Standalone Access Control System
An affordable way to step up security, this solution is great for smaller businesses or specific locations with no need to connect to other sites. - Networked Access Control System
Useful for businesses with many offices or sites that may require their access control to be networked across their offices.
- Local Cloud-Based Access Control System
Ideal for smaller companies, this system can be accessed remotely through a web browser via a smartphone or tablet. - Cloud-hosted Access Control System
Suitable for businesses that prefer to outsource the management and maintenance of a networked access control system or need the flexibility to manage many remote sites.
- Fully Managed Cloud Access Control
This solution is entirely cloud-based and enables a remote security company to manage the complete system for you.
Types of Access Control Technologies:
Access Control Proximity Systems
These systems restrict an individual’s access to specific doors at certain times. They consist of a key fob, key card, or other device and use radio-frequency identification technology. These systems are extremely reliable and affordable.
Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth
These technologies allow the user to turn their smartphone into an access control system credential instead of using a card or fob. These systems are highly secure as well as a scalable solution that give you access control without constraints.
Biometrics and Facial Recognition
This technology uses fingerprints, voice patterns, facial characteristics, or the iris or retina pattern in the eye for security authentication. Access can be restricted to only registered users for specific areas or rooms while removing the need for pins that could be forgotten or overlooked. Biometrics readers are becoming more affordable and provide an extremely high level of security while reducing the cost of producing and maintaining cards or fobs.
If you are interested in access control for your business and would like further advice on which system is right for your business,
get in touch with us today and we will be happy to advise you.
Access control systems come in a range of formats, from basic keypad and swipe card systems to high tech biometrics and proximity sensors. If your business has employees, suppliers and visitors for whom you want to control access to certain locations, rooms, areas, or access at certain times, then it is likely you will need some form of access control system.
