What is Access Control and How Does it Work?

What is an Access Control System?

An access control system is a system that helps regulate and monitor who can enter and exit premises. It can be electronic or manual. This type of system restricts access to certain areas, screens who is coming and going, and tracks entry and exit times. So what are access control systems used for?

• To prevent trespassers from entering restricted areas
• To give authorised users access to certain places
• To track the movement of individuals within the physical area or object

Why is Access Control Important?

An access control system is essential for physical premises for several reasons. First, it helps to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and other visitors. By controlling who has access to the premises, you can help to prevent unauthorised individuals from gaining entry.

Second, an access control system can help improve your premises’ security. By controlling who can enter and exit the premises, you can help to deter and prevent crime.

How do Access Control Systems Work?

Access control for physical premises works like this:

• The building owner creates a policy that specifies who can enter the building and when.
• The building owner gives each person an identifier or unique ID. The Id identifies them and approves their entry into the building.
• Each time someone enters a room in the building, they must be given access by entering their identifier into an access system. The access system checks that they have been authorised to enter by following the policy set by the building owner.

Types of Access Control

There are various access control systems, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The type of access control system that is best for a particular place depends on the security needs of the premises and the organisation’s budget.

A Badge System

In a badge system, each authorised personnel is assigned a badge that they must use to gain access to the premises. Badge systems are generally easy to use and can be customised to allow different levels of access to different areas of the premises. However, badge systems can be vulnerable to theft or loss, and can be bypassed if an unauthorised person obtains a badge.

Key Card System

In a key card system, each authorised personnel is assigned a key card that they must use to gain access to the premises. Key card systems are more secure than badge systems because key cards can be programmed to allow or deny access to specific areas and can be deactivated if lost or stolen. That said, key card systems are more expensive to implement and maintain than badge systems.

Biometric System

Authorised individuals are granted access to the premises in a biometric system using their unique physical characteristics, such as their fingerprint, iris, or voice. Biometric systems are more secure than key card systems, as they cannot be lost or stolen and are very difficult to replicate. Unfortunately, biometric systems can be more expensive to implement and maintain and may not be ideal for all types of businesses.

Card Readers

A card reader is a device used to read cards and other forms of electronic identification used in access control systems. It may be necessary for employees entering the premises to swipe their card (or insert it into the reader) before being allowed in. The disadvantage of using a card reader is that it does not allow identification of the person who has accessed the building or property.

Gates/Gate Barriers

Gates or gate barriers can be used to control access to a parking lot, building, or other premises. Gates can be opened and closed manually or automatically, and can be controlled by an access system. The advantage of using gates is that they can be easily closed to prevent unauthorised entry to larger areas.

In Conclusion

Access control systems accessible to people are just one of the many types of security you can use to help keep your business safe. While these systems do not offer 24/7 surveillance, they do provide an extra layer of protection when it comes to keeping your business premises safe.