Access Control Systems: Everything You Need to Know

According to findings by the UK Government - in 2022, 28% of business premises had been victim to a crime.

The need for the protection of business premises has never been greater to ensure the safety of your assets, and most importantly, your employees.

The addition of access control systems can help to deter, delay, and defend premises from unauthorised access and damage by only allowing access to those with permission.

Access control systems are becoming increasingly popular in both commercial and domestic settings. But what are the different types of systems? And which one is best for me?

What Is Access Control?

Simply put, access control systems are electronic systems that allow only permitted authorised users to access controlled, restricted, or secure spaces by presenting various approved credentials to a control system.

Access controls can be integrated with new or existing entrance control or perimeter security solutions such as gates, turnstiles, and barriers.

How Do Access Control Systems Work?

Access control systems work in the following ways:

• Authentication – Each user will have their own fob, card, secure pin, smart credentials, or biometric credentials which are presented to an access control system. The credentials are then validated (or denied) by the control system.
• Authorisation – The control panel establishes whether a user is authorised to access the entry point and considers the credentials of the user.
• Access – Following authorisation, the access control system sends a message to trigger the unlocking of a secure area.
• Management – Access control systems can be managed to remove or add users, monitor activity, and set schedules and alerts.
• Audit – Most access control systems also include an option to audit and generate reports to keep up with compliance standards such as fire health and safety regulations, capacity, clock-in and out times, attendance, etc.

What Are the Different Types of Access Control Systems?

There are different types of access control systems available, allowing businesses to select the most appropriate technology for their requirements.

Cards & Tokens

Cards and tokens are the most traditional type of access control credential. They are typically pre-programmed with a specific code or identification number which allows authorised personnel access to certain areas.

These are physical cards and can be handed to employees or visitors to allow access. A secure log of all cards should be kept, in order to track visitors and audit the number of and location of cards.

Fingerprint Readers

Fingerprint access control systems are considered to be one of the highest security systems as they cannot be duplicated. Unlike cards or tokens, they also cannot be lost or passed on to other users.

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition also uses biometric technology to identify a user and either grant or deny access to individuals based on their facial features. This technology captures and assesses a person's facial image, compares it to its stored records, and only permits access once it has analysed the data.

Again, biometric technology such as facial recognition and fingerprint readers are considered to be the highest standard of security and are used in many industries such as government facilities, financial institutions, and law enforcement.

Smart Credentials

Smart credentials via mobile devices are becoming increasingly popular as they can combine ease of use and incorporate important biometric authentication.

They are considered to be very secure as they can easily and swiftly be revoked if lost or stolen.

Commercial Access Control Systems

With a rising number of reported crimes including theft, burglary, and vandalism to commercial premises – the need for robust security measures is critical.

Commercial access control systems can be installed to suit your requirements with minimal disruption to the productivity of your business. If you’re unsure which type of access control system would best suit your commercial environment and/or existing entrance control solution, just contact us to find out more.

Access Control Turnstiles

Turnstiles are a great way to secure the perimeter of a business premises. The installation of turnstiles is becoming increasingly popular to prevent unauthorised access and can be used to control the flow of footfall through certain areas.

Access control systems can be integrated with various turnstiles for an all-encompassing security solution.