Types of Door Access Control Systems

1. Understanding Access Control Systems Types of Door Access Control Systems: Generally defined, access control systems are systems that are designed to restrict or prevent entrance to certain areas of a building. These systems are also designed to provide protection on a 24/7 basis, with companies that use them also utilizing specific locks that are combined with special login credentials that help to enhance their security measures. Typically, if a business has a space that requires limited access, this is a space that should have an access control system of some sort installed. Some of the most common types of credentials that are involved include key fobs, access cards, numeric codes, biometrics, and more. With these types of credentials, access control systems will be able to easily offer access that is both convenient and quick to all authorized personnel while also monitoring and tracking those who enter the area. Some of the reasons as to why businesses decide to install access control systems include the following: *The increased level of overall security, as access control systems can essentially prevent any and all unauthorized individuals from accessing areas that they normally shouldn’t have access to. *They are required to meet certain compliance standards, as well as submit reports to government agencies and maintain certain policies in order to ensure that all operating standards and policies for the industry in which they operate are met. *To help reduce internal theft, as access control systems help to create checks and balances by tracking entry and exit to secure areas. In terms of the actual process of how access control systems operate, this involves the following: *An individual must first present their credentials to a reader. *The reader will then forward the credentials that have been presented to an access control unit or a control panel.

2. *The request will then be processed, in which the presented credentials are compared with a control list. *If the presented credentials are shown to be a match, a signal is sent from the control panel to the relay, which allows the door to be unlocked. However, if the presented credentials are shown to not be a match, the door will continue to remain locked. *The system will log all acceptances and rejections in a special database. There are also three important elements to the actual operations process itself. These elements are as follows: *The User Facing Experience, which includes three factors: an access card, the card reader, and the control panel. An individual will present the access code, which the system will approve or reject. Additionally, access cards can also include biometrics, a keypad, or a tap/swipe/proximity card. Activity will be recorded whenever an individual activates a reader in order to verify their credentials. *The Administration Facing Experience, which includes a special portal or dashboard in which the manager, administrator, security, or IT personnel will obtain access to the system. This special dashboard allows any and all authorized personnel to add or delete users, change credentials, establish parameters involving secure entry, and determine who can access what areas and under what circumstances. Typically, the dashboard uses cloud storage, which means it can be accessed from virtually anywhere. *The infrastructure, which includes the access control panel, the server, cables, and the locking device. Some locking systems could continue using a deadbolt in order to secure entry to all doors, while alternative options such as E-locks are frequently used on areas such as desks, file cabinets, and more.