What is an access control system?
Any system that limits entrance and exit to those who have been authorised may be called an access control system. Controlling the access of a person is a three-stage process:
- authentication of the person’s identity;
- granting of entry to an authorised area at an authorised time; and
- control of movement within, and exit from, the authorised area.
Why you need an access control system?
Reliable access control is a critical element in any area protection plan. Security features designed to keep criminals out such as alarm systems and so on, are useless if there is no control persons who are allowed to enter a given area.
Common types of access control systems
Access control systems use different technologies, or a combination of technologies, to recognise an authorised user. Identification of the person seeking entry can be achieved by:
- a human system, for example a security guard checking who enters an area;
2. the many different forms of card systems;
3. what a person knows (the code or accompanying PIN number to be entered on a keypad);
4. what a person is (biometrics systems using the different distinct features of the human body, i.e. a fingerprint, the iris etc.).
