Access Control Systems
Control and regulate who has door access to a building
We have the expertise and experience to design and install an access control system that allows people get to where they are needed at the right times, while also preventing unauthorised access to restricted areas.
As a security and fire service provider, we have a vast range of state-of-the-art access control systems from door intercoms, card and proximity tokens to biometric and facial recognition from leading manufacturers.
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What is Access Control?
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Access Control, in its simplest form, refers to the practice of permitting or restricting individuals’ physical access to a site, building or even to specific areas and rooms.
Access control systems have a wide array of features and functions. At the bottom end of the market, you have basic keypad systems requiring users to enter a PIN number and swipe card systems where you swipe a plastic card with a barcode through a reader. This is considered old technology and these systems have largely been replaced by proximity systems where you present a card or tag at a reader without needing to touch it. Also becoming more popular and more affordable are biometric systems, which are mostly based around fingerprint and eye scanning. The choice of access control technology will be partly dependent on the level of security needed, the environment in which they will be working, and cost.
Access control systems can be applied to any physically contained points, such as doors, gates, barriers, fences, turnstiles and even elevators. They can be simple stand-alone systems with one system controlling one or two doors or they can be networked to cover an entire building, or even multiple buildings across different continents. -
How does access control work?
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As the name implies, an access control system controls who enters a site/building and specific areas within those premises and at what time. it should not impede the flow of authorised people but must keep unauthorised people out.
A typical access control system consists of:
- Electric door lock hardware to physically lock the door
- A magnetic door switch for monitoring door position
- Readers, fitted close to doors, that will release the door lock if the correct data is presented.
- Access controller and software
- Cabling
- Power Supply Unit
- A Request to Exit unit which enables visitors to leave the area without the need for a fob (for convenience and safety)
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Why is access control important?
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Preventing unauthorised access to a site helps protect premises and the people and assets within them, mostly from damage or theft. At the same time, it may also act as a safety measure, preventing people from going near a potentially dangerous area or equipment.
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Types of access control systems
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Access control systems can be applied to any physically contained points, such as:- Controlled entrance/exit - doors, gates and barriers
- Restricted access
- Turnstile (baffle gate or automated gate)
- Fences
- Elevators
They can be simple stand-alone systems with one system controlling one or two doors or they can be networked to cover an entire building, or even multiple buildings across different continents.
Access control systems consist of either:- Swipe card door lock system, FOB and RFID Readers
- Touch screens or keypads
- Remote access or smart locks
You can combine technologies within the management systems for increased reliability and convenience.
