Access control plays an important role in keeping premises safe and secure. This is especially so in today’s world where crimes and threats of terrorism have become more rampant. Knowing the types of access control technologies and solutions out there can help end users choose the offering that caters to their specific needs.
Access control plays an important role in keeping premises safe and secure. This is especially so in today’s world where crimes and threats of terrorism have become more rampant. Knowing the types of access control technologies and solutions out there can help end users choose the offering that caters to their specific needs.
That was the point raised by
Fermax in a recent
blog post titled Access control solutions for security in businesses and homes.
According to the post, access control’s role in security is indispensable. “Strictly controlling access to commercial premises, businesses and single-family homes is essential to ensure the protection of people and property against possible intrusions,” it said.
Installing the right access control that fits the user’s scenario and demands, then, becomes a necessity, the post argues. “The business security sector involves several factors, among them access control, which plays a fundamental role. The use of identifiers, the coordination of the team responsible for monitoring video surveillance cameras or even security alarms may be ineffective if the access control setup used does not respond to the needs of the building/facility,” it said.
Access control options out there
According to the post, among the most recommended options offered by the sector are access control systems with radiofrequency, proximity, PIN code and fingerprint technology, along with other tried and tested systems.
Keypad access
While entering a PIN code on a keypad may seem outdated, keypad access continues to be an effective solution given it does not require external identifiers. “The Fermax keypad system also allows administrators to easily modify the access codes, so they can be renewed regularly, for greater protection of any company and its employees,” the post said.
Proximity access
Another convenient way to enter and exit the premises is access control by proximity. “This technology, which can be applied to a wide spectrum of sectors, uses a specific card that can be comfortably transported in a bag or backpack and which activates the door within a few centimeters from the panel. For greater protection, the team responsible for security can activate and deactivate the cards if necessary at any time,” Fermax said.
Fingerprint access
Access control by biometrics, for example fingerprint, is by far the most secure way as a person’s biological features cannot be repeated or duplicated. “As in the previous systems, the staff responsible for security can modify user authorizations and cancellations in a matter of seconds. Considering that the average error rate of these systems is around 0.8 percent, it seems clear that accesses operated by fingerprint identification are a guarantee of success,” the post said.
Radiofrequency access
According to the post, the possibility of opening an access/exit door by radiofrequency technology is a great ally for garages, parking areas and similar facilities as the identifier and the receiver can be kept at a distance without affecting the smooth running of the system.
Centralized and combined systems
Finally, centralized access control systems are designed for the management of facilities with different entries that require the use of specific functions, such as restrictions depending on visitor capacity or specific time limits. A centralized system can also have an event log both online and off. A combined system, also known as multifactor authentication, is a solution that combines the aforementioned technologies to add extra layers of security.
“In addition to having to present the user identifier, a keypad PIN code is requested, so that if that code is not associated with the identifier, access is not allowed. In other words, if a user loses their identifier, anyone who finds it cannot make use of it,” the post said. “The PIN code obligation can be implemented during a given schedule or 24 hours a day. An example of a combined system is as follows: Proximity + PIN code and fingerprint + PIN code.”