Access Control Systems Overview:

We will help walk you through the purchase process to help you get the Access Control System you need.

Access control systems’ place in the security setup is right at the front lines. They fulfill a dual role: in addition to keeping unauthorized people out of, they have to let authorized users through. In addition to allowing or denying access, many access control systems track who comes and goes and when.

There are a few main components to an access control system:

• Controller. The central control panel may be a physical device, or software that runs on one of your servers. It lets you create accounts, change access rules, and view entry and exit reports. The smallest systems don’t have a central panel: they’re run from the keypad or scanner, and you program them using a laptop. Look carefully at what options you have for reports and setting up usage rules: cheaper systems are often less flexible.

• Automatic locks. Electric strikes or magnetic locks can open and close on commands from the central computer that controls the system. Electric strikes are cheaper and more common – they’re familiar to many people as the locks on doors at ATM enclosures. Magnetic locks are better for glass or aluminum doors. For parking areas, you can choose between full overhead doors or simple swing gates.

• Access device. This is the most variable part of an access control systems: it can include several types of card readers, keypads, or biometric scanners. However it’s done, the access device is what lets users identify themselves to the system.