Security is one of the major concerns for all business owners. It is important to monitor the personnel coming and going in your facility all the time. Tracking this is not an easy task. Hiring a security company to track it for you is effective but also expensive. This is where an access control system plays its part.

What is an Access Control System?

An access control system enables you to control who gains access to your premises or buildings. This system can include various components such as barriers, gates, and doors controlled by video or telephone entries, proximity readers, magnetized cards, or a computer. No matter where this system is being installed i.e. in a home, an office, a hotel, a university, an apartment, or a hospital, it will make your environment monitored and secure.

How Does It Work?

There are three main mechanisms in access control systems. They include locks, a controller, and the device that enables/disables the lock. The controller is programmed with software from a computer that handles the system. It is a multi-level device that allows you to create accounts, control access, and look at the logs of entry and exit. Different types of controllers are available nowadays and the depth of reporting differs from controller to controller. The more flexibility in programs and detailed the options the more expensive the system.

A central control system (usually a computer) commands the locks and switch their status from enabled to disabled and vice versa. There are two kinds of locking systems available, magnetic and electric. Magnetic locks are more advantageous because of their power, ease of installation, and durability. That’s why they tend to be chosen more over electric locks.

The key to the access control system is called the access device. When it comes to access devices, a lot of different options are available. They are often categorized on the basis of security needed for a facility. For example, a simpler access device such as a magnetic card reader is sufficient for giving access to your company’s parking garage. A high tech government facility on the other hand, may be interested in requiring a biometric scan to allow access.

Plenty of Options Available

Lots of options are available when it comes to access device systems. Some of the popular choices include allowing access via a key fob, a magnetic reader, a number code, biometric devices, etc. Hand, eye/iris, and fingerprint scanners are the most secure systems available these days. They are preferred because it is extremely hard to lose or duplicate something that is a part of you. On the other hand, it is relatively easy to forget an access code or misplace a magnetic card reader.

Verdict

Whatever business you are in and whatever access control system you need; whether an entrance and exit door access system or a gate access system, make sure to research all the options that are available to you. Access control systems streamline the process of allowing/restricting access to certain areas of your property. The type of access control system you can install depends on your needs and your budget.