How to plan an access control project: Fermax

Modern buildings are increasingly making use of advanced access control solutions, not just for security but also for purposes like time and attendance. According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, the global access control market is expected to be worth US$ 9.8 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 7.49 percent between 2016 and 2022. The most significant factors driving the market at increasing urbanization and technological developments.

However, while providing such access control solutions, it is important that security installers have a clear understanding on how to plan the project and what aspects should be given importance, according to Fermax. In a recent blog post, the Spain-based security solutions provider gave a brief idea on what to prioritize when planning an access control project.

“First of all, we must know the client’s specific needs and what is the objective when installing an access control system,” the company said in its blog post.  “It is also important to study previously the location in which we will develop the project. These two aspects are a key starting point for planning the access control system.” It added that the client’s needs and the location of the access control devices will give the key to the project.

Planning the project step by step
First of all, it is crucial to plan the access control project from scratch. This will ensure that no detail is left out.
Talking to the client and understanding their needs would be the first step. With a clear plan in mind, the installer should evaluate various types of identification devices and zoom in on the one that’s most suitable for the client’s requirements – a distributed, centralized or autonomous.

“It is necessary to know as well the number of accesses to control, which type of accesses are they (pedestrian, vehicular, etc.) and which door types we will find (glass, wood, iron, safety doors, with burglar proof, etc.),” Fermax said. “This way, we will add the necessary devices for the electric opening. Another point we should know is the number of users that are managed with the access control system, if an event log is required, and whether or not a PC control will be available via local or remote connection.”
Another important aspect of the project is the building or facilities plan. Looking at the design, one can recognize various accesses and decide which should be controlled by the system. The design will also give a clear picture on the different readers and devices and it will help to be aware of the distance between them. Of course, a key factor that shouldn’t be missed out is to have a record of the distance and location of telecommunication registers where the different power supplies will be installed.

The people in the project
As with any major security solutions project, planning of an access control project will inevitably include several professionals whose role and performance will be crucial to the project.

“In the project, if it is not prearranged, the main player involved will be the installer or systems integrator,” Fermax said. “They will also have the support of the supplier whose figure is essential. If we choose a reliable manufacturer, this will give us support and ideas when planning a project, thanks to the work of the technical team formed by engineers who can facilitate the work considerably.”

Things like custom installation diagrams, advice on the wiring and advice on the optimal location different elements can be received from the manufacturer.

Fermax concludes the blogpost by noting that the most important factors when it comes to planning an access control project include knowing the needs of the client and evaluating which systems are suitable. “The requirements of the client are essential for a correct development of the project. Therefore, we must study and attend them and in the best possible way.”