Understanding 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 areas of a building or other secure area. These types of systems are also designed to provide protection on a 24/7 basis, with companies that utilize these systems using specific locks combined with special login credentials as a way to assist with enhancing their security measures. Typically, if a business has a space that requires a limited amount of access, such as an area commonly restricted to authorized personnel only, 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 with the use of access control systems include key fobs, access cards, numeric codes, biometrics, and more. With these types of credentials, access control systems will be able to easily provide access that is both convenient and quick to all authorized personnel while, at the same time, monitoring and tracking those who enter the space. 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 obtaining access to areas that they typically shouldn’t have access to. *They are required to meet specific standards of compliance, as well as submit reports to government agencies and maintain certain procedures and policies in order to ensure that all of their operations meet the standards and laws for the industry in which they operate. *To help reduce internal theft, as access control systems help to create checks and balances by tracking both entry and exit to all 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. *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 and the door is then unlocked. However, if the

2. presented credentials are shown to not be a match, the door will 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 will then be either approved or rejected by the system. Additionally, access cards can also include biometrics, a keypad, or a tap/swipe/proximity card. Access control systems will record the activity whenever an individual activates a reader in order to verify their credentials. *The Administration Facing Experience, which generally includes a special portal or dashboard in which the manager, administrator, security, or IT personnel will obtain access to the system. This special dashboard enables any and all authorized personnel to add or delete users, change credentials, set secure area entry parameters, and determine who will be able to access specific areas and under what circumstances. Typically, the dashboard uses cloud storage, meaning that the system can be accessed from virtually anywhere. *The infrastructure, which includes the access control panel, the server, cables, and the locking device. Some electronic locking systems could continue utilizing a deadbolt in order to secure enter to inside and outside doors, while E-locks are frequently used on areas such as desks, file cabinets, and more.