Access Control
What is the need for access control?
Physical access control means controlling who enters a location and when. The person entering the property may be a visitor, a contractor, or an employee. Access control systems’ primary use is to increase security, however, it may also benefit your business by improving efficiency and building and site management.
Access Control Systems
Physical access control systems usually refer to electronic security systems. These have been improved over the mechanical key as they use an identifier such as an access card to authorise certain people to enter areas of your property. These systems are capable of logging who accessed which area and when, and can provide valuable data to help you manage your property more efficiently.
But why move away from keys?
A mechanical lock and key is the simplest form of access control used most commonly in smaller businesses, however, it comes with several flaws and limitations. As your business grows these challenges become ever more prominent. These challenges can be:
1. Keys are difficult to manage
Access into large buildings requires a large number of keys. This can be inconvenient to carry for the building manager and it can be difficult to remember which key is for which door, posing a security risk.
2. Keys don’t leave an audit trail
Using mechanical key systems doesn’t collect valuable data, so you don’t know who’s entered the room or at what time.
3. People lose keys…
One of the most common flaws of the mechanical lock and key is the issue of someone losing their keys. Once a key is lost, this poses a security threat to the building. You need to replace the lock to make sure the key can’t be misused, meaning you will then have to distribute new keys to everyone who needs access to that door which can be costly for your commpany.
Benefits of using an electronic access control system
Using an electronic access control system you gain much more control over your property.
1. Who is allowed access
Using an electronic access system you can allow automatic access to employees, while visitors and contractors will need to report to reception on arrival.
2. Where are they allowed to access
You can program your electronic access control system to only allow certain people access to specific areas. Areas where employees are allowed access to and areas where contractors are able to access, as an example.
3. What time will they have access
Offering you full control of who is able to access the property at which time. Allowing senior management access to the building 24/7 while junior employees and contractors are only able to access it under certain predetermined conditions.
4. Control measures
Electronic access control systems offer a comprehensive security solution. You can set your system to only allow access once contractors have shown their certification, as an example.
Put control back in your hands when you choose a good access control system. You will be able to set these parameters for each individual, quickly changing and updating them as you need to. It will keep you up to date showing you who has accessed where and at what time so that if there is an incident, you will be able to easily identify who might have been involved.
Type of access control systems
1. Access Cards
Access cards are the most common identifiers used in access control systems. You will present your card to a reader and, if all the conditions stored in the system are met, you’re allowed to enter.
2. Access Keypads
Keypads are good for areas where a low level of security is required. They are a basic and convenient product to use for door entry and a cost-effective solution for standalone doors. The codes on keypads can be changed either by moving jumpers within the unit or by electronic programming.
3. Exit Buttons & Emergency Break Glass Units
Exit buttons are used when an internal handle is not suitable or the user cannot physically use the handle. Simple press the exit button and the door will release allowing free exit. Ideal for use on fire doors or any electronic locking solution that needs to offer a free exit option on the door.
Most access control systems will require an emergency break glass unit; just in case the electric locking fails to operate correctly. They are used in the event of a fire to activate the alarm and alert to a potential fire.
4. Biometric Access Control (fingerprint access)
Using biometrics to allow access to your office/factory/site/secure areas for your employees/contractors is by far the most accurate and cost-effective solution available.
Each access control method has pros and cons, so the method to choose depends on the situation. You might choose one method for external doors, for example, and another method for internal doors. You can also combine two identification methods to increase your security standards. This is called verification – you use the first method to identify yourself and the second to verify that it’s you.
If you are still unsure what type of access control system is the ideal fit for your property or organisation, our professional access control engineers will provide you with the best possible solution. We start with an onsite survey to help us identify the most suitable system for your security needs, as well as the best solution for your budget.