Dec 5, 2011

Access Control Systems

Access control systems are used to control logical and physical access to a specific resource that needs to be protected. In the information technology world, the term is used to describe technologies that are designed to control access to networks, computer systems, applications and to data. In the physical realm, access control systems are used to protect commercial facilities, residential buildings, single family homes as well as manufacturing and distribution facilities from intruders.

Physical Access Management

Access control systems for physical access management come in a variety of formats. They are usually sold by alarm companies as one of many types of business security systems. Some examples include door access control kits, electronic key-less locks, telephone entry systems, security cameras, proximity cards and card reader technology and biometric systems. Such products can be used for controlling access to an entire building, or to specific areas within a building. A retail store, for instance, can use such technology to ensure that employees do not enter portions of the store where they are not authorized to enter. Access control systems can also be used for attendance and timekeeping purposes.

Access Control for Businesses

Access control technologies for the enterprise are highly flexible and can be configured to protect just one door or entry gate, or hundreds of them simultaneously. The systems can be integrated with other security technologies, such as burglar alarms and closed circuit TVs, to generate alarms and record events in case of an intrusion. Many vendors of access control systems these days offer biometric access technologies that allow businesses to control access to a facility based on characteristics such as an individual’s fingerprints or iris scans. Sometimes, the biometric identifier is stored on smart access cards that can be swiped through a card reader at an entry gate or doorway. Many vendors offer proximity cards that users can simply wave near a card reader to gain access to a building.

Residential access control products

Access control systems for the home offer many of the same functions, but in slightly different formats. Some examples of residential access control technologies include devices for automating doors and gates, intercoms, video surveillance cameras and two-way audio systems. You can take advantage of such technologies to bolster the security of your home.

A growing number of homeowners have begun using residential access control products to protect themselves from burglars and for ensuring that certain parts of their home, such as a home office, remains off limits to outsiders. Upper class home owners also have begun deploying access control devices to operate their gates from inside their homes or from their driveways. Often, these technologies can be integrated with other security products. For example, a residential access control technology can be set to trigger burglar alarm systems or cause the video surveillance camera to start recording when an intrusion is detected.

Tips for Buying Access Control Technologies

Keep the following considerations in mind if you are planning on deploying access control technologies to protect your home or business.

Determine what exactly the system will protect. Will you be using the system to protect your main access door, your entry gate or your garage? Or, will it be used to protect all entry and exit points?
Decide the level of protection you want. Is the goal simply to deter intruders from gaining access to a restricted area, or do you plan on using the system to also monitor, record and log all suspicious activity? The systems for these types of protection are very different.
Before buying any access control technology, make sure it works with any other security system that you might already have installed. For example, is your access system compatible with your burglar monitoring and video surveillance systems?

Access control systems can significantly boost security of your home or office building so long as you have a clear goal in mind and a well defined plan for achieving that goal.

Home Security News

Installing a Home Security System?

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