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.
