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 This is considered old technology and these systems have largely been replaced by proximity systems where you present a card or tag at a reader without needing to touch it.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. -
Why does your business need access control?
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Your business needs access control if you have employees, suppliers or other visitors and you want to control the entrant’s access a certain location, room, area or site or limit that access to certain times or days.
With an access control system, authorised people may enter a site or building and a specific area at defined times. Unauthorised people have restricted access. Most importantly, an access control system should not prevent the flow of authorised personnel but restrict unauthorised people from entering and assist to secure your premises.
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Which access control system is right for your business?
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There are several different types of access control systems, depending on your business needs and security goals.
Basic or standalone access control system?
A basic or standalone access control system is a simple way to control one or two doors and is not connected to any other systems. This consists of a physical server and connected computer on the business premises with all the required software and information to control access to the different business areas and the access rights that individuals can have. Smaller businesses or specific locations with no need to connect to other sites would typically require a basic or standalone access control system.
Networked access control system
A networked access control system can be two or more systems networked over a building, several sites, across the country or between continents. Businesses with many offices or sites requiring access control may need a networked access control solution. The networked access control system is managed from a central location with a data server and networked computers.
Local cloud-based Access Control System
A local cloud-based access control system enables basic features so that the system can be accessed remotely through a web browser via a smartphone or tablet. The data is held in an on-site server and accessed via a portal website. The system is accessed through the cloud from anywhere, and the key card readers and other physical access hardware are on-site. A local cloud-based access control system is ideal for smaller companies requiring a basic access control solution.
Cloud-hosted access control system
A cloud-hosted access control system moves the access control server to an off-site data centre, with the physical access control such as key card readers still in place on-site in the business premises. Cloud-hosted access control would be required by 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
A fully managed cloud access control involves a monitoring centre providing real-time building access and fully managing your access control remotely. This solution is entirely cloud-based and enables a remote security company to manage the complete system for you.
