Wednesday, January 7, 2015

What Makes Access Control Systems Such Reliable Security Technology?

By Charley Skogen


An access control system is a technology that helps in controlling the entrance to a particular building, facility, or any secure area. Businesses and industries of all sorts have incorporated access control to make sure that only authorized people are able to access restricted areas. It is a good way of increasing not only the security of an area but also its privacy as well.

Unlike physical locks, computerized access control technology is more sophisticated and therefore is less likely to be duplicated. Access control terminals are usually installed just beside the point of entry, be it doors or gates, to which a user can either enter a password, passphrase or PIN. Users no longer have to bring a physical key with them and it eliminates the problem of having lost keys.

Biometrics is a popular type of access control system and it is able to grant or deny a person access to a particular area by scanning certain personal features such as fingerprint and retina. This type of access control is indeed very common these days in any office setting because it is almost fool-proof and is really accurate because fingerprints and retina are unique to each person.

Another great point about using an access control system is that you won't have to use as much security guards to secure the entry/exit points of a building or facility. Access control technology can also help to keep track of the work schedule of personnel and ensure they are doing their job on time. And since less manual work is involved, there is a lesser chance for people to commit fraud.

It is important to get a general idea about the components that make up an access control system - the physical barrier, the access controller/reader, and the credentials. Entry and exit points such as doors and gates are secured with the physical barrier and the most common are electronic locks. Gates found on bus terminals and train stations often make use of turnstiles to secure entrance/exit points.

There are two options for an access controller and for smaller establishments, a stand-alone system is often used because it is less complicated to setup and all data is stored in the unit itself. On bigger offices, network or online-based systems are preferred since it offers more flexibility by using a user database. Credentials such as passwords, keycards, and fingerprints are used with the access controller.

When using an access control system, it is important to understand that there could be some possible loopholes that should be given attention. One popular security breach is by tailgating, which is accomplished when an unauthorized person follows one who enters a secure area. Risks like this can be easily avoided by laying out standard protocols and keeping the system constantly updated.

An access control system can also work well alongside a surveillance system to further boost the level of security in your building or facility. Keep in mind that this is a vital component of your internal control and it should help ensure that your operations move on with as little problems as possible. It will also give you peace of mind that your personnel are doing their job with complete honesty.




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