Access Systems
Access control enables
you to control who has access to your building.
Locks and keys also allow you
to secure your building, but when keys are lost
or stolen, the inconvenience and expense of changing
locks and re-issuing keys can be considerable.
Keys may also be copied, creating even more security
risks.
All businesses, whether small,
medium or large, have assets that need to be protected
from theft. There is also the issue of protecting
staff and their property. It is common in buildings
that are secured by locks and keys for doors to
be left unlocked all day. This opens up the possibility
of opportunist theft and malicious damage.
Electronic access control provides
the most efficient and convenient way of securing
your building and assets. Installing an access
control system means that you will never have
to change a lock again. Tokens are issued to allow
access through the controlled doors, and are easily
barred from the system if they are lost, stolen
or just not returned by someone who leaves your
company. Barred tokens will not allow access through
the controlled doors.
Once an access control system
is installed, all doors controlled by the system
will automatically lock when the door is closed.
Anyone without a PIN or access token is unable
to enter. If necessary, doors may be set to unlock
during a designated time frame.
Access control can also offer
flexible control over users’ access rights. For
example, all staff can gain access through the
main door of a building, but access to internal
areas may be restricted to those who have a specific
need to be there. Access may also be restricted
by time, only granting access to particular users
at certain times of day or night.
Types of Systems
1. Standalone access control
This type of system may be used
to control access on one or many independent doors
in a building. Access is gained by using a numeric
code, or PIN with a keypad, or by presenting a
proximity or magstripe token, depending on which
type of reader is fitted.
These systems are programmed
at each door. If tokens need to be barred or codes
changed, this action must be completed at every
door on the system.
• Typical applications
• Small business premises
• Sports clubs
• Storage units
• Any small or medium sized site requiring
access control
2. Network based access control
Referred to as 'Network based'
or 'Networked' access control, these systems may
be used to control one or many doors in a building.
Access is gained by using a numeric code, or PIN
with a keypad, by presenting a proximity or magstripe
token or by 'possesion' with hands free tokens
depending on which type of reader is fitted. Network
based access control offers central control, via
a network.
This means that commands given
at the Network are sent to each of the doors.
A token can be barred from all of the doors instantly.
Another benefit of this type of system is flexible
control, allowing you to grant different permissions
for individuals or groups of users.
Reports may also be generated
to see who went where and when. Many systems allow
control of additional buildings via existing LAN/WAN.
Network based systems are increasingly being used
to control other services within buildings, for
example intruder alarms, fire doors, lifts and
lighting.
• Typical applications
• Small/medium premises
• Large corporate premises
• Multiple-site premises
• Government buildings
• Universities
• Sports clubs
• Car parks
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