Businesses can benefit greatly from an access control system, whether it is a complex web-based system, or a single-door locking system. But before you can decide what type of system is right for your business, you have to understand what access control is.
Simply put, an access control system is a way to control who can and can’t gain access to a building, room, gated community, or even a certain floor of a building. There are many different types of access control, and many things people might consider access control. Some examples are:
Electric Strike and Key fob/Card Readers are applicable on all levels of security, small or large. On the smaller scale, a convenience store or repair shop might have a back room which should only be accessed by certain individuals. An electronic locking system would include a card or key fob reader, and an electric strike. Users would be able to swipe their card or key fob, and the door would automatically unlock for them to gain entry. One benefit to using an electronic locking system is that unlike a mechanical lock, electric strikes cannot be picked, and you can schedule access so that certain people are only able to gain access during certain hours of the day. On a larger scale, that same card or key fob can be used at several different doors and locks throughout a building, or on a campus.
Audio and/or Video Intercom Systems are also commonly used with either electric strikes, or larger magnetic locks. They are great for front doors at places like nurseries, schools, or apartment complexes. Anyone can walk up to the door station outside and either pick up a phone or press a button to be seen or heard by an employee at the front desk, or an apartment tenant. The employee or tenant can then grant (or deny) access to the person outside.
Telephone Entry Systems are ideal for large apartment complexes. A guest can approach the telephone entry unit and press a button to connect with whoever they are coming to see. The tenant is then notified and is able to grant access by pressing a number on their phone. These can be set up on land lines, or using cell phones.
Mechanical Locking Systems have the quickest installation time of all the access control systems. However, they are also the least secure. A simple mechanical lock can often be picked, or broken into by intruders, but in some low-risk areas, these locks can be perfectly acceptable. These are standalone systems, which mean they cannot be integrated with other doors and they cannot be scheduled.
There are also other types of access control systems not specified here, like biometric access control, or smart phone access control. Not sure which system is right for you, or have questions about something we didn’t mention? Contact us today with your questions, or to set up a free consultation.