Sunday, 13 October 2013

Compelling Reasons For Installing An Access Control System

By Lauretta Burin


An access control system is a technology that helps in controlling the entrance to a particular building, facility, or any secure area. Businesses and industries of all sorts have incorporated access control to make sure that only authorized people are able to access restricted areas. It is a good way of increasing not only the security of an area but also its privacy as well.

Unlike physical locks, computerized access control technology is more sophisticated and therefore is less likely to be duplicated. Access control terminals are usually installed just beside the point of entry, be it doors or gates, to which a user can either enter a password, passphrase or PIN. Users no longer have to bring a physical key with them and it eliminates the problem of having lost keys.

One of the more popular type of technology used in an access control system is biometrics. It is labeled as so because it makes use of distinct features of a person such the fingerprint and retina. And since everyone will have unique patterns for these, it is an accurate way of ensuring that only authorized people are given access to certain areas in the building or facility.

With the help of an access control system, it would also be possible to hire less manpower for securing entry and exit points in a building or facility. Access control technology also provides an efficient way of tracking time-ins and time-outs of employees. With this setup, it makes it easier to minimize the occurrence of fraud, especially since there is not much manual intervention.

It is important to get a general idea about the components that make up an access control system - the physical barrier, the access controller/reader, and the credentials. Entry and exit points such as doors and gates are secured with the physical barrier and the most common are electronic locks. Gates found on bus terminals and train stations often make use of turnstiles to secure entrance/exit points.

Access controllers are usually either stand-alone or network-based systems. Stand-alone units have all the data and necessary components to be used by itself, while networked-based systems have a user database so that the credentials of people can be checked accordingly. The credentials used to gain access can be a keycard, key fob, password/passphrase, or unique personal features such as fingerprints.

There are also some possible security risks that an access control system can encounter and one of them is tailgating. This is when an intruder follows authorized personnel in entering a restricted area. Other risks include door levering, lock spoofing, and hacking. It is important to take these risks into consideration and ensure that they are properly and timely addressed.

It is also possible to link an access control system with a surveillance system so that they can work together in strengthening the security of your building or facility. This is an important part of internal control so that your operations run smoothly and run into as few problems as possible. It helps to ensure that your personnel are doing their work properly and are not involved in any fraudulent activities.




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