Access Control System Options
When choosing to install your access control system options for your home or business, it is useful to have knowledge of the different options for your system installation. You’ll need to consider how many access points you have, how close they are to each other, what kind of locking security you’ll require, as well as if you’ll need to have access to information and data that can be acquired through a controller and software.
What Keeps Your Access Point Secured
Magnetic locks are a great route to go for absolute safety and security. They provide a strong hold on the door with the power of magnets, and when authorization is sent through, power releases the magnet allowing access.Electric door strikes are similar in the fact that when authorization is sent through, power releases the electric strike from its locked position, allowing access through the door. The difference is that a magnet is not used to keep the door locked, but rather a small mechanism that is installed in the door frame that controls the release of the handles lock.
“In” and “Out”
Access controls, depending on the situation will be established on both sides of a door to allow access. Some situations provide a version of an “in” reader to the entrance of a door, and uses several methods to authorize the entering. To exit that same door, you will either need an exit button that requires no access control methods to open it or another access control “out” reader.Your “in” and “out” reader are connected to a power supply, and depending upon the locations of your doors that require access control, you can wire several doors to one power supply, or may require a single power supply per door if the access control points span too far a distance.
Keeping Control
If you require the need to keep track of every person who accesses the “in” and “out” readers, then the addition of a controller and software will be necessary. You can keep tabs on exactly when and where an authorized individual accesses a door and can run reports on your computer to have a history. This type of access control system can also be used to create access levels and time zones, which restricts access to authorized users during specific time periods or with certain doors that they might not be allowed access to.
Standalone Access Control
Standalone access control system options are a basic set up. They are simple in the fact they can only perform the task of allowing access through a door. They do not communicate with any controllers or data recording software. If you only require a basic in and out installation for your access control system, then standalone will suit your needs. It is also more cost effective as it saves money on the installation and unneeded software.
Methods of Entry
There are different types of readers that you can install for your access control system option chosen. Card readers, fob readers, keypads, biometrics, and passwords to name a few. Card and fob readers work similarly as they are a device you either swipe or click by a reader that picks up the access code generated. It uses this to authenticate the individual who is attempting to gain access. Keypads and passwords are similar, and each individual can be granted their own keyword or password in some cases to allow the controller to document who is gaining access. Biometrics is the most intelligent version of access control. It requires a human characteristic that is a distinctive, measurable feature that is unique to every individual. Using this characteristic such as a fingerprint, you can gain authorization to allow access.
