Security
Everything You Need to Know About Access Control Systems
The term access control refers to the practice of restricting entrance to a property, a building, or a room to authorized persons. Physical access control can be achieved by a human (a guard, bouncer, or receptionist), through mechanical means such as locks and keys, or technological means such as access control systems like the mantrap.
The number one law of nature is self-protection. It is a law that steers the need for security for a country, business, and family.
We go the extra mile to enforce border controls among others. We do this to ensure we only grant access to people we can trust.
Giving access control assumes authorization to use, consume, or otherwise control a protected good. Whether you are trying to protect your property, every security system begins with how you control access.
Wholetech has done research and put forward the most important information and tips that you may need to make the right choice in the world of access control.
The 4 Elements of an Access Control System
These four elements are critical when designing or expanding your access control system. The Master, the Site Controller, the Entry Control Unit, and the User Input Device are the four essential components of a building access control solution.
Master Station
A master station communicates with your Site Controllers and updates your system’s access codes, timetables, and BAS-specific instructions. A master station allows you to administer the entire system from a single location.
Site Controller
The Site Controller controls local access at your remote location. The Site Controller knows who has access to which doors on which days and at what times. A competent Site Controller should keep an ongoing tally of each site access in a history log.
Entry Control Unit
The ECU accepts an access code read by the proxy card reader and sends it to the Site Controller or the master station for verification. The ECU will release the door strike if the access code is valid.
User Input Device
These devices are attached to a wall or a door. The proxy card reader transmits codes from keypads or keycards to the Entry Control Unit for verification.
How Does Access Control Work?
Access control systems operate by identifying users with unique PINs, usernames, passwords, or other forms of identification. The system then checks the programmed credentials for each identifier to decide what level of access should be granted to the user.
As of now, there are four primary types of access control models. Each of these different models determines the level of access that will be permitted to the user. These models are as follows:
Mandatory Access Control
Mandatory access control is the most restrictive control model. Generally, the only employee that will have this level of access is the system owner. Mandatory access control is used for organizations that require maximum security, with credentials limited to a sole, high-level operator.
Role-Based Access Control
This form of access control is generally the most popular control model. Role-based access control provides access based on the position of the employee. For instance, a production manager might have access to different areas and assets than a logistics manager, depending on what they require to fulfill their job.
Discretionary Access Control
Discretionary access control is the least restrictive control model. Once granted access, each user is provided with the same level of control. To use the above example, this means that the production and logistics manager would both have access to all resources, regardless of whether they are required to utilize all of them within their position in the company.
Attribute-Based Access Control
Attribute-based access control assigns or denies access to users based on a set of rules and limitations that have been previously defined by the owner or system administrator. The freedom of customization is what makes this method such a popular choice.
Types of Access Control Systems
The number and type of access control devices depend on the system’s complexity. Generally, there are three types of access control systems available in security setups. Here is the list:
- Basic access control systems.
With these systems, users gain access by inputting a PIN into a keypad which then triggers a locking mechanism to unlock the door. The system does not make decisions about who is permitted to enter but simply gives access to anyone with a code.
2. Semi-intelligent access control systems.
These systems have everything necessary to control a door (access to a lock, a magnetic door contact, and an exit button) but do not make access decisions based on who is trying to get in. If a person presents a card or enters a pin, the reader relays information to the main controller and awaits a response. These systems can be adjusted to allow certain people access to certain places but always require a person to input that access into the controller.
3. Intelligent access control systems.
Controlling access points like semi-intelligent readers, intelligent readers take the technology a step further by connecting directly to a PC that can fully integrate access information, track a person’s whereabouts, time signatures, and activities, and provide an owner with an overall picture of what is happening while they are gone. Intelligent readers are especially useful in home security systems where people can check up on their homes, kids, or pets remotely from their smartphones.
Benefits of Access Control System
1.No more hassle of duplicating the keys
Every single time you duplicate the key to your building, you are taking a risk, that way an individual other than you can access your property. Sure, you can make them “non-reproducible”, but there are always ways of getting around that. All it takes is one disgruntled employee to create a situation that can have devastating results, like theft, vandalism, and even more serious criminal activity.
You might have to change the locks every single time an employee leaves the organization, this option could prove to be highly expensive and it still won’t stop the current employees from sharing the keys if they wanted to.
2. Employee protection
In present times threats are endless, you never know what kind of people walk through your door. To avoid breakthroughs, you need to get an access control system for your premises. This way you will be able to successfully prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the premises, protecting the people who are supposed to be in there working for you.
You will have peace of mind that will increase your job satisfaction and productivity. When your staff feels they are safe from harm during their work hours, they will be able to give their best every day when they come to work and that will boost the overall productivity of your business.
3. Activity monitoring and reporting
An access control system will take note of every person who walks in and out of your door throughout the day. If in an unfortunate circumstance, a criminal or intruder were to trespass on your premises, this log will prove invaluable in resolving the cases. It can also monitor areas like the card clocks to resolve any timekeeping issues that you might be experiencing. Furthermore, the reports can be generated to determine employee tardiness and other issues that decrease productivity.
4. It can keep tabs on staff and control their access
If you are a business owner who has employees or contractors, like janitorial staff who tend to work more than the normal working hours, you can restrict their access to hours and days when they absolutely need to be there.
Additionally, every office might have employees who can have access to only particular areas that are important for their work and not others. This is crucial in restricting access to sensitive areas or data to only those with the need and clearance to know. An access control system has the power to program ID credentials to limit access to certain areas only.
5. Integration
One of the biggest advantages that you need to take into consideration when getting access control is the integration capabilities that it offers the recipients. Many organizations whether it is public or commercial use a variety of systems throughout their organization, many of which need different forms of tokens to be controlled. Access control ID cards can be programmed to integrate with existing in-house systems such as vending machines, barriers, catering, print management, and even PCs. They also double up and act as ID cards where various information and images can easily be printed on them.
Looking for the best access control software for your company, but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. At Wholetech we make your dream true our experts provide you with the best guidance on the product specifications you are looking for. Operate your business with confidence!
