Access Control Systems; control the movement of people within specified areas. Once implemented, only authorised personnel will be allowed into the premises or certain areas within your premises. Individual security needs will determine how that is accomplished. There are different types of technology that can be used to achieve this: Proximity Readers using Cards or Fobs, Electronic Keypads using PIN codes. The more recent technology uses Biometric Readers – e.g. Iris or Fingerprint readers.
Systems can automatically lock or unlock doors at designated times. Access control is the only technology that proactively attempts to keep unauthorized individuals out of a building or areas within a facility.
Advantages:
Limit Access – Systems can be programmed to allow certain users to enter specific areas only at designated times. Other users can be allowed to enter all locations at all times.
Automating – Systems can automatically lock a door or gate each evening at a certain time and unlock it at another time. They can also be automatically interfaced with other Building Control Systems e.g. to release some or all doors in the event of a Fire Alarm Activation.
Replacing Keys – Managing keys can be a nightmare. If you use a different key for every door it can be cumbersome to carry them and time consuming to look for the right key. Keys are easily lost or duplicated and past employees often do not return keys. Access control systems eliminate this concern by deleting the card from the system to deny the former user access. In some cases that access can be changed from an off-site location.
Track Access – Keys are also anonymous. Access Control Systems create a detailed audit trail so you know exactly whose card opened each door and when. This can provide you with critical information before and after an incident.
Visual Verification – By including colour coded distinctive badges access systems can readily identify visitors, temporary employees, contractors and regular full time employees. By including a photo of the user on the credential you can help building occupants know the card user is the person to whom it was issued.