Access Control Systems

Access control refers to the practice of permitting or restricting individuals’ physical access to a building, site or even to specific areas and rooms. These systems can be applied to any physically contained points, such as doors, gates, barriers, fences, turnstiles and even elevators. They can be simple standalone systems controlling one or two doors, or they can be an integrated network that covers multiple buildings.

Access control systems enable multiple layers of security and provide more detailed information to owners and managers of facilities. They replace mechanical keys as the main way to control access to and within a building. Access can be tailored to each individual, and modified or revoked at any time. The access control system will also provide an audit trail of "who, when, where" for anyone in the access control system. Mechanical keys do not provide an audit trail or security of the key itself. Keys may be copied easily, whereas access control systems are designed for easy modifications, especially lost or missing cards.

Your business needs access control if you have employees, suppliers or other visitors and you want to control the entrant’s access a certain location, room, area or site, or limit that access to certain times or days.

Preventing unauthorized access to a site helps protect your people, property and assets from damage or theft. Additionally, it may also act as a safety measure, preventing people from going near a potentially dangerous area or equipment. 

Access control systems can consist of:

• Swipe-card door lock system, fob or RFID readers
• Touch screens or keypads
• Remote access or smart locks
• Mobile credentials 

You can combine technologies within the management systems for increased reliability and convenience.

When it comes to managing your access control system, Securitas Technology provides multiple options. Depending on what’s best for your business, we can provide either a software- or web-based management application, which your team can use to easily manage your access control security. Or, you can delegate administration of your access control system to our team of experienced professionals.

Basic or Standalone System

• A simple way to control one or two doors
• Consists of a physical server and connected computer on the business premises
• Right for: Smaller business or specific locations with no need to connect to other sites

Networked System

• Two or more systems networked over a building, several sites or worldwide
• Managed from a central location with a data server and networked computers
• Right for: Businesses with many offices or sites

Local Cloud-Based System

• Data is held in an on-site server and accessed via a portal website
• System is accessed through the cloud from anywhere, and the hardware is on-site
• Right for: Smaller companies requiring flexibility 

Cloud-Hosted System

• Access control server is managed at an off-site data center
• Physical access control, such as key card readers, are still in place on-site
• Right for: Businesses that prefer to outsource the management and maintenance of a networked access control system, or need the flexibility to manage many remote sites

Fully Managed Cloud System

• A monitoring center provides real-time building access and fully manages your access control
• Entirely cloud-based and enables a remote security company to manage the complete system for you
• Right for: A business that needs an entirely cloud-based system

Our skilled engineers can integrate your chosen access control solution into one system for all your security needs, including:

• Access Control
• CCTV
• Intruder Detection
• Fire Detection
• Time and Attendance
• and more

Access control systems provide audit trail reporting of activity by each individual that is using their credential in the access control system. Most access control platforms will provide information in the form of "Who, Where, When" at a minimum. More advanced access control platforms provide an even greater range of information.

A typical access control system for business or commercial applications requires the installation of electronic hardware components and cabling infrastructure. The hardware components will consist of circuit boards, card readers or other identification readers, locking hardware and miscellaneous supporting components. Depending upon the scale of the project, installation may take a few days or extend to a period of months. Most access control systems will require network or internet access for management and reporting purposes.

A proximity system is a fob, card or other device which uses encrypted RFID technology. When the device is presented to the reader, the reader passes the device’s code to the access controller. The controller compares the data being presented with that held in the system’s database and then permits or denies access accordingly. The data can be very specific, only permitting access to that door to that person at a set date/time.

The existing mechanical keying system will remain in place in most access control systems, and any existing functioning keys can still unlock the door(s). It is best practice to change or modify the keying system when deploying an electronic access control system. Keys should be reserved for use by specific individuals and for emergencies only.