Access Control System

What is an Access Control System

If you need to control the physical access to any location such as your property, you shop etc, then you need an Access Control System, the person entering may be an employee, a contractor or a visitor and they may be on foot, driving a vehicle or using another mode of transport.

An Access Control System is an electronic security system. They typically use an identifier such as an access card, a password or even your fingerprint to authorise people to enter certain areas. Access Control Systems log who accessed where and when, they can provide valuable data to help you track how your buildings and sites are being used.

Why use an access control system and not keys?

Mechanical keys are the simplest form of physical access control and the method many smaller organisations use. Even for a small company, however, using mechanical keys has several flaws and limitations – especially as an organisation gets bigger. Below are just some of the problems presented by using keys:

People lose keys

If someone loses a key, you need to replace the lock to make sure the lost key can’t be misused. You then need to distribute new keys to everyone who needs access to that door.

Keys don’t leave trail

You can’t see if and when someone’s used a key, so you don’t know who’s entered or at what time.

Keys are difficult to manage

If someone needs to enter many different buildings and rooms, they’ll need a large number of keys, which are inconvenient to carry and use. It can be difficult to remember which key is for which door, but it’s too much of a security risk to label them.

electronic control machine access the door

Access control and security

Using an electronic access control system, you can avoid the downsides of using conventional keys and also gain control.

It will manage:

Who can have access

You may want to allow automatic access to employees but you’d like visitors and contractors to report to the reception desk on arrival.

Which doors they have access to

You may want only some people to enter certain areas. For example, your managers to be allowed in all areas but warehouse staff to access warehouse areas only.

At what times they can access

Warehouse staff may only be allowed access during their standard shift pattern, whereas Managers can enter the areas at any time.

What gives you even more control is that a good access control system lets you set these parameters for each individual. And you can quickly and easily update them whenever you need to.

It will also show you who’s accessed where and when so that, if there’s an incident, it’s easier to determine who might have been involved.

Identifiers for Access Control Systems

Access cards are still the most common identifiers used in access control systems. You present your card to a reader and, if all the conditions stored in the system are met, you’re allowed to enter.

Other options to cards and some offer higher levels of security

Identification methods:

Something in your possession – such as an access card or badge or another type of identification tag.

Something you memorize – for example a PIN or password.

Something only you have – biometric identifiers such as your fingerprint or iris.

Each identification method has pros and cons, so the method to choose depends on the situation. You might choose one method for external doors and another method for internal doors.

If you need any help or queries regarding which is the best setup for your needs, do not hesitate in contacting us, Infofort Team is here to help