Door Entry or Access Control
In truth these are one in the same thing, although door entry is commonly associated with a single door
or gate, and the term Access Control is used more to describe multiple doors or entry points. Access Control Systems can also
provide a host of other features that may be found useful in other areas of the business like, time and attendance functions,
integration with payroll systems, car park management and maybe even vending machine applications.
Access
Control/Door Entry Technology
How does a permitted user
open the door that has a system fitted to it?
PIN code entry:
One of the most common types of Access Control is the keypad system. This could be a Mechanical Pushbutton Lock or an electronic keypad with a series of
numbered push buttons, or a touch-sensitive pad, connected to the lock release mechanism via a control unit inside the entrance.
‘Magstripe’
Readers:
The
user has an encoded card, a bit like a “credit card” sometimes worn on a chain around the neck, each entry point
will have an associated card reader through which the user simply “swipes” the card through to gain entry.
Proximity Readers:
As before the user of the system carries
a card or a tag, but instead of having to swipe the card, the user simply presents the card or tag up to a reader, which typically
will see the card at about 100mm distance, making this a non-contact and faster method of entry.
Smartcard Readers:
In each of the above methods, the user
carries a card or similar, these cards have the ability to carry additional information which can be used for other building
services such as vending machines.
Biometric
Readers:
The
methods above require a card or tag to be carried by the user, these of course can get stolen or lost by the user and unless
you remove that card from the system immediately you have a potential security breach.
There is a system which will allow you to use the human characteristics
of an individual to clearly identify permitted access.
Biometric readers can store different geometric patterns such as finger prints or a retina scan
both of which are unique to that one individual who you are giving access permission to.
This type of system does significantly increase the level of security
and unfortunately the price.
Long-Range
Readers:
Using
active cards, with long range proximity readers, you can automatically unlock or open a door when the reader detects the card.
This makes it ideal
in respect of the Disability Discrimination ACT
(DDA), as no action is required by the card bearer.
