Access Control

There are a variety of access control systems available, far too many for us to detail here but all fit into just two categories;

Stand Alone
Complete Systems

The major benefit of either one of these categories is the elimination of the problems associated with the issue, control and collection of traditional keys.

Stand Alone

There are two types of Stand Alone access control;

Mechanical.
Electronic.

Mechanical Access Control

These products are effective in so many applications, that almost anything currently secured with a key can have the security and convenience of a pushbutton lock as locks operate with a private code. The system also eliminates the use of batteries or mains power due to its mechanical mechanism and can be used on single or double and rebated doors. Some models are available with key override and are they are also available in many different finishes.

Electronic Keypads

A range of vandal resistant keypads designed to be very easy to manage and install from standard security on internal doors to higher security on external doors are available . All changes to access codes and other system settings can be done quickly and easily by using the keypad.

Advantages include;

Simple to install
Programmable from keypad
Runs from 12V power supply
Cables sealed into the keypad
Stainless steel waterproof version available for demanding environments

Audio & Video Door Entry

These are generally a two way speech system via handset with door latch on a press release button. Systems can be audio only or with a black and white video panel. Some models provide picture storage enabling monitoring while unmanned. Multiple handsets are available.

Complete Systems

Access control is the management and control of people through secured areas. These areas could be within a building or a group of buildings, or even through yards, gates or parking lots. Unlike keys and locks, access control defines the times and days of the week that persons are allowed access and provides a record of who went where and when. Events considered part of a complete access control system may include controlling and monitoring the entry points to secured areas, or reporting doors being forced open.

Access control systems begin with small standalone systems controlling access through single doors and expand to large computer based systems controlling hundreds of doors in multiple buildings from a centrally located host computer.

Complete access control systems are made up of four basic components;

Cards/Fobs
Readers
Controllers
Software.

Cards/Fobs

There are three common types of cards:

Magstripe.
Wiegand.
Proximity.

Of the three, magstripe is the most common due to low price and availability. Although proximity cards and fobs are becoming more popular because of ease of use and recent price reductions closing the gap between proximity and magstripe.

Magstripe security cards are plastic cards with a magnetic stripe on the back similar to credit cards. When purchasing an access control system, the system security cards are commonly pre-encoded with the customised coding of the system purchased. If changing system manufacturers, check with the new systems installer to see if cards from the system being replaced are acceptable for use in the new system. This is important, especially if photo ID cards are being used.

Wiegand cards are manufactured with tiny magnetic wires embedded in them that form a binary coded card number. When a card is passed through a Wiegand card reader this unique card number is read and sent to the systems controller.

Proximity cards are read when the card is passed close to the card reader. Standard proximity card readers read from distances of 7,5 to 18 centimetres. Other types of proximity readers will read at greater distances (some reach as much as 9 metres) and their price reflects this. Ease of use is the major attractor to this technology.

Card technology

In many instances, technologies may be changed, or even shared within access control systems. For instance, depending on the manufacturer, Wiegand systems may be easily changed over to proximity or magstripe and vice versa by changing out the readers and cards and still retaining the same controllers and software.

Proximity readers detect the presence of encoded cards or fobs which release the locking mechanism. There are wide selections of readers to suit a variety of application. Cards and fobs are individually coded allowing flexible voiding of users. Proximity is the best simple access control system on the market. These units employ the shadow card system originally invented by Paxton Access.

Readers

Internal and external units available with fully encapsulated electronics. LED indicators provide indication of access when the card is swiped and alarm units can also be fitted. Some alarm manufacturers have incorporated fob readers into their keypads such as the Vision/Solution 64. Simple wiring and installation along with slimline design make for easy attractive setup.

Controllers

Controllers are an important part of any access control system because they control access through the door, monitor alarms and in some cases provide timed control of doors. When distributed processing is supported in a controller, decisions are made at the controller to let cardholders through secured doors from databases downloaded from the computer and stored at the controller. Not only does this make the processing of card data very speedy, but if the computer fails or communication between the computer and controller breaks down, access control will still function at 100%.

Software

This is the final component to the system. It is the operator interface which can deliver comfort with the systems operation. This software is where the installing company will program the many custom databases into the system. They will set up cardholder access parameters, define timed automatic door control, map input points to output points, enter phone numbers for dial-up sites, and customise various other accessories allowing the management of the system.

Automation

This is a feature which sets the well-designed systems apart from the rest. Automation will simplify the system so that operators can spend their time managing the system instead of trying to figure out which controllers get the data for a new or deleted cardholder or making sure that the data being downloaded has been sent to all of the proper controllers. Automation will map input points to output points, perform downloads when database editing has been completed and deny excessive telephone calls to buildings with communications problems. Automation provides a ‘set it up and it will perform’ every time solution.

Expansion

This is an often overlooked point in selecting an access control system. In the initial selection process, the ability to inexpensively expand the number of doors, personnel, or alarm points at some future date, often years away, does not seem important; but it is. Planning it from the start, will provide a cost effective upgrade when the need arises.

Specifying your system

Plan the system to fit current needs by writing down what can be used today, and try to determine what the future might need. Remain flexible. Do not over specify unless it is to satisfy future requirements and then use that guideline. Contact us for advice and guidance.

Education

The system, if properly chosen and managed will be of a minimum inconvenience to the people that are being protected. Certain logistical guidelines must be integrated with the physical system for it to run at optimum effectiveness. These guidelines contain such things as carrying cards at all times and not propping doors open. The most important factor is to communicate the guidelines to the cardholders. This should be done both verbally as well as in written form.