Smart access control helps protect your assets, employees, and data against security threats. It’s a critical part of your overall business security plan.
It consists of three core components: identification, authentication and authorization. To verify a user’s identity, systems typically require them to provide something they know (like a password) and something they have (like a token or smartphone that sends verification codes). Accountability is also crucial, as it allows you to track access rights and ensure non-repudiation.
Electronic
Modern electronic access control (EAC) systems allow business owners to use centralized systems with user databases and logging functions for both physical and logical access. Users with a valid credential can be granted or denied physical access at any door using a networked system. Moreover, the central system can be used to manage scheduling, change credentials and more.
It also keeps a record of who opened the door and at what time, which helps staff identify and react to any unauthorized entries. This feature is useful for highly regulated industries that require rigorous security protocols.
Unlike the legacy lock-and-key system, electronic access control can be convenient for both residents and staff. For example, you can avoid the hassle of re-issuing keys when someone leaves by giving them access with a card or keypad, and many systems offer backup forms of access like smartphones. Furthermore, with the right technology, doors can be locked and unlocked remotely.
Mechanical
Details
Mechanical access control systems operate devices that are solely mechanical in nature, such as locks, door handles and motor-driven boom gates and rising steps. These systems are typically time consuming to operate as they must overcome opposing forces, such as friction, spring tension and force.
These systems usually rely on serial controllers with intelligent or semi-intelligent readers to communicate and make decisions. Readers with internal database can function independently but are still dependent on the main controller to receive configuration updates and retrieve events. Semi-intelligent readers that have no internal database will switch to degraded mode when the connection with the main controller is interrupted.
To select the right access control system, consider the following factors:
Biometrics
Biometric access control systems take a unique, personal approach to user authentication. By analyzing physical traits like fingerprints, iris patterns, face distortions, and voice parameters, these systems can validate that the person requesting entry is actually who they say they are.
These measures can’t be faked, copied, or stolen like passwords or swipe cards – making them an excellent addition to security systems. They can also track a user’s coming and going to physical or digital spaces, so management teams can see who has access at any given time.
Aside from providing enhanced security, biometric access control is highly convenient for users because it eliminates the need for them to carry keys or remember passwords. In fact, some systems even allow for interactivity by allowing them to be activated and managed with simple spoken commands. These systems are becoming a go-to solution for many organizations and businesses looking to add a new layer of security.
Card Access
Card-based systems are the cornerstone of modern security. They communicate with readers via a card or key fob to grant or deny access, allowing for advanced security features like unauthorized access alerts and biometric integration.
These systems can be centralized to allow for easier management, and are designed to be easily updated to add new users, change access permissions or deactivate lost cards. This helps reduce administration costs, eliminating the need for traditional locks and keys, while enhancing safety, security and efficiency.
To maximize system functionality and performance, it is important to carefully select a card reader system that will best fit your facility’s requirements. This will include assessing the level of security needed to determine which type of card is appropriate. Card options include magnetic stripe, proximity, smart, and adhesive tags. In addition, choosing the right accessories is also essential to ensure optimal system performance and longevity. These include mounting brackets, power supplies, and protective enclosures.