How Do Access Control Systems Work?
It’s long been a common practice, especially in smaller businesses, to provide keys to certain employees to enable them to gain access to the building. However, this poses a number of issues that could jeopardize the security of the facility. An employee could lose the key, which could allow it to end up in the wrong hands, and even the most sophisticated lock-and-key system may be defeated by an experienced, savvy burglar.
Because of these and many other reasons, a growing number of organizations are making the transition from old-fashioned lock-and-key to electronic building access control systems for their security requirements. An
access control system consists of computer-based technology that is typically utilized at building entrance/exit doors and at interior doorways leading to specific areas or departments that are limited to authorized personnel. Electric lock hardware serves as the mechanism for locking and unlocking the doors.
Types of Access Control Systems
While there are many versions of access control systems on the market these days, they can generally be broken down into two categories:
Card readers: A
card reader is a small, usually rectangular electronic device that is mounted next to a doorway and has the ability to “read” a credit card-sized access card. An individual gains entry by holding the card about three to six inches in front of the reader. The reader scans and verifies the encoded information on the card and automatically unlocks the door. Unlike a key, the access card cannot be duplicated.
Keypads: An access keypad system contains a wall-mounted numeric control panel instead of a card reader. The user is required to punch in an assigned code number to gain access. In most cases, a specific code is given to each authorized individual, making it easy to determine who is entering or leaving the facility or designated area at any given time.
Most types of access control systems allow the business to program them so they can limit access to specific times. For instance, the business owner can set up the system so only certain designated employees can enter the facility after normal business hours, or no employee can enter on a weekend or holiday. This provides greater control over access and provides enhanced security over a traditional lock-and-key system.
Lloyd Security Can Provide an Effective Building Access Control System for Your Business
As an experienced security solutions provider serving the Twin Cities area since 2002, Lloyd Security can install an innovative access control system that will significantly increase your building’s security. Our product offerings include indoor systems that control access to and within your facility, as well as outdoor systems that limit access to fenced or enclosed properties. We can design and install a reliable, easy-to-use access control system that will protect your property and give you total peace of mind.
Contact Lloyd Security to schedule a free access control system consultation today!
