An access control system provides a high level of security in your homes and offices. An access control system keeps restricted areas protected from intruders and permits access only to authorized personnel. An access control system even records the entrance time of employees. It protects and secures the people, documents and equipment of a certain facility.
An access control system is very functional in buildings with multiple entry points. Entries and exits through these doors are controlled by the access control system using different types of security devices. The most common is the control panel which features numbered buttons or a touch sensitive screen that is connected to the lock and release system of the door. A specific pin code is entered by the employee and validated by the access control system.
The second device employed by the access control system is the Mag-stripe Reader which is also called the Swipe Card reader. The employee is issued an encoded card which he or she will swipe to disable the door’s locking system. Oftentimes, the encoded card also serves as his employee ID.
Access control systems also use Proximity Readers and Long Range Readers. These sensors can detect an encoded card without the need for swiping. The former detects the card at a short distance of about 100 millimeters while the latter can sense a card from a distance of about 1 meter. As quick and non-contact methods of entry, these were designed to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.
The Smartcard Reader enables the access control system to process additional information for other company services. Time-ins and outs, for example, are recorded. The access control system can also be interfaced with the company’s payroll system, parking system, catering and vending services.
Finally, access control systems that features the Biometric Finger Reader use specific characteristics like finger prints and eye scans to identify personnel that can access a specific room. This system is highly accurate and avoids problems such as stolen or lost cards.
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Identifying visitors or non-employees with the access control system is possible through three methods – a door bell system that alerts the staff, an audio intercom system which allows the visitor to converse with the staff and an audio intercom system equipped with camera that allows the staff to view and identify the visitor. If access permitted, the entrance door is remotely unlocked and an escort is provided to welcome and guide the visitor. Cards or tags are also issued for proper identification.
In designing and installing a highly effective access control system, evaluate carefully the number of entry and exit points of the building, their locations, the level of security you need, traffic flow of people in the building, its operations and processes and future development plans. An additional feature you can consider is the integration of your access control system with the fire alarm of the building.