Thursday, December 4, 2014

Get More Than Just Security With An Access Control System

By Ruby Foister


With an access control system installed in your building or facility, you should be able to properly manage the entry and exits points in it. It can also enable you to control who gains access to specific areas and prevent any unauthorized entry. Not only is it perfect for improving the security of the building or facility but also its privacy as well.

As compared to traditional lock and key system, computerized access control technology is more advanced in terms of keeping restricted areas secure. Since there are no physical keys to be used, locks can't be compromised because of key duplication. And since entry is usually granted by providing a password, passphrase, or PIN, it completely eliminates the problem of having lost keys.

Biometrics is a popular type of access control system and it is able to grant or deny a person access to a particular area by scanning certain personal features such as fingerprint and retina. This type of access control is indeed very common these days in any office setting because it is almost fool-proof and is really accurate because fingerprints and retina are unique to each person.

An access control system also helps to minimize the use of additional manpower for guarding entrance and exit points in buildings or facilities. It can also be used to track the work hours and activities of employees more accurately. The likelihood of fraud can significantly be minimized this way since there is less manual work involved.

The most common components of an access control system are the physical barrier, the access controller/reader, and the credentials. The physical barrier is very important because it is what actually secures the door or gate. Electronic locks are pretty much common these days, especially in hotels and banks. In bus or train terminals, turnstiles are a common feature in the entrance gates.

There are two options for an access controller and for smaller establishments, a stand-alone system is often used because it is less complicated to setup and all data is stored in the unit itself. On bigger offices, network or online-based systems are preferred since it offers more flexibility by using a user database. Credentials such as passwords, keycards, and fingerprints are used with the access controller.

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.

An access control system can also work well alongside a surveillance system to further boost the level of security in your building or facility. Keep in mind that this is a vital component of your internal control and it should help ensure that your operations move on with as little problems as possible. It will also give you peace of mind that your personnel are doing their job with complete honesty.




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