{"id":18427,"date":"2023-11-07T06:00:26","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T06:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ilockey.com\/?p=18427"},"modified":"2023-10-31T02:23:32","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T02:23:32","slug":"access-control-system-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ilockey.com\/access-control-system-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Access Control System: An Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Protecting your employees, property, and company information requires an access control system for your business. All your questions about controlling access to your system are answered in today\u2019s guide. Whether you want to know the definition, how it works, or the application, you will find everything here. Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n

1. What is an access control system<\/h2>\n

An Access Control System\u00a0(\u00a0\u00a0ACS\u00a0\u00a0) is a set of software and technical security tools,\u00a0a set of usually automated procedures and\/or processes that allow access to controlled areas or information to be controlled according to pre-established policies and rules.\u00a0ACS<\/span>\u00a0can restrict and register the entry and exit of objects (people, vehicles) in a given area through access points (doors, gates, checkpoints).<\/p>\n

The process of selectively restricting and managing the ability to enter or leave specific areas.\u00a0The system relies on user credentials, access control readers, auditing, and reporting to track employee access in real-time to restricted business locations and exclusive areas such as data centers.<\/p>\n

The main task of an access control system is to provide access control to a specific area: who is allowed to pass, when, and where, including identification of persons and\/or vehicles. Additionally, access control systems help in solving working time recording tasks. Additionally, it can be integrated with accounting, personnel management, video surveillance, security, and fire alarm systems. An access control system plays an important role in a security compliance program because it keeps users\u2019 information safe through restrictions and authorizations.<\/p>\n

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2. How the access control system works<\/h2>\n

Access control systems identify users by using PIN codes, smartphones, or biometrics<\/span><\/a>. If the user is authenticated, the access control system authorizes the appropriate level of access and allows access to the user\u2019s credentials and IP address. operate.\u00a0Generally includes the following five steps:<\/p>\n

1) Authorization<\/h3>\n

Authorization is the transformation of an unidentified individual into an authorized user.\u00a0In this step, you can track who has access to the facility or specific areas.\u00a0The company will use one of the access controls (RBAC, MAC, or DAC) to establish access policies to manage access rights.\u00a0Each user\u2019s role will specify which doors or areas can be accessed, and this information is then encoded into the credential.\u00a0For places that frequently receive visitors or guests, it is important to design a system that grants such guests temporary access.<\/p>\n

2) Authentication<\/h3>\n

During this step, you present your credentials (card, key card, smartphone, etc.) to the card reader.\u00a0The access control system will then verify that you should be granted access by comparing it to a database of authorized users.\u00a0Regardless of the outcome, the system stores data for each interaction for later reference when reviewing.<\/p>\n

3) Visit<\/h3>\n

If the database thinks the credentials have the correct permissions, it will allow access to the area. This access is allowed by sending an output signal to an access control module (electronic door lock, electric lock, or magnetic lock) to release the door lock. In the case of a fail-safe lock, access is granted by suspending the lock\u2019s electrical current and allowing it to be released. Failsafe locks, on the other hand, are released by applying an electrical current to the locking mechanism.<\/p>\n

4) Management and monitoring<\/h3>\n

Administrative control of access to systems includes adding or removing credentials, changing permissions, adjusting schedules, or adding alerts.\u00a0This process is handled by the system software backend.\u00a0You can also monitor user and access point login logs.\u00a0Modern access control software options offer cloud- or smartphone-based management.<\/p>\n

5) Auditing and reporting<\/h3>\n

You can create logs of user activity, location activity, and access logs. Reporting is necessary to investigate suspicious activity and verify it during security threats. It also enables Chicago businesses to make informed decisions about their staffing and operating procedures, conduct standard security reviews, and maintain compliance standards.<\/p>\n

The amount and type of detailed data provided by an access control system depends on the integration, such as visitor, time, attendance, and video systems. During an audit, it is important to determine how long the system stores data, whether accessing 1000 logs or unlimited log records. Once you understand your reporting requirements, you can create custom reports to save time.<\/p>\n

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3. Basic components of an access control system<\/h2>\n

Access Control Systems There are various access control components, devices, and components, the following are some of the most commonly used components in access control systems.<\/p>\n

1) Access control card<\/h3>\n

The access control card is what people call the key card. Each card has a unique code, and people use this code to unlock the door lock.\u00a0The access control card is about the size of a credit card and can be carried in a wallet.<\/p>\n

2) Card reader<\/h3>\n

A card reader is a device used to \u201cread\u201d credentials electronically. When a card reader is presented with a credential, it sends information about that credential to a control panel or network system hub to determine if access should be granted. If approved, the reader sends an output signal to release the door lock. Card readers are divided into the plug-in type and proximity type.<\/p>\n

3) Keyboard<\/h3>\n

The keypad on the door lock is prepared for various opening methods of the door lock. When other unlocking methods cannot be used, you can also use the keypad to enter the correct password to unlock.<\/p>\n

4) Access Control Panel<\/h3>\n

Access controllers are intelligent controllers for stand-alone systems. This panel allows permissions to be adjusted and access granted to all access control components in the building. Access control panels are located inside the building, but usually in private rooms.<\/p>\n

5) Access control software<\/h3>\n

Access control software is the brains of the access control system, it manages the system and allows authentication, authorization, access, management, auditing, and reporting. The system can range from small establishments with just a few doors to multi-location businesses with thousands of doors. Additional features include remote management, monitoring security cameras, sending out bulk notifications, locking for emergencies, and more.<\/p>\n

6) Physical Access Control Barriers<\/h3>\n

In addition to locked doors, there are many physical access control elements that can be used to prevent access to an area. Densely populated or vulnerable areas are often protected by physical barriers. Barriers to entry include turnstiles, high-speed doors, safety turnstiles, gate bars, and interlocks. Using non-traditional methods such as frosted glass and interior layout design, physical access can also be controlled and secured.<\/p>\n

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4. Advantages of access control systems<\/h2>\n

Businesses of all sizes prioritize security when it comes to protecting assets, confidential information, and employees. Among them, the access control system plays an indispensable role in the security of the enterprise. Let\u2019s look at the advantages of access control systems.<\/p>\n

1) Avoid the hassle of losing physical keys<\/h3>\n

The access control system is keyless entry, which means that you don\u2019t have to carry a physical key with you every day, and it also saves you the hassle of losing your key.\u00a0If a key card is lost, you can immediately delete it from the database and issue a new key card.\u00a0If an employee leaves your company, his or her access can be removed in seconds.\u00a0This convenience helps prevent unauthorized access through lost or duplicated keys and simplifies the process of granting or revoking access.<\/p>\n

2) Protection against unwanted visitors<\/h3>\n

An access control system can reduce the likelihood of unwanted visitors entering your facility.\u00a0Only authorized personnel with badges embedded in wireless technology or security codes can enter your business.\u00a0With this system in place, you can ensure that everyone in the building is where they are supposed to be, enhancing overall security.<\/p>\n

3) Prevent data leakage<\/h3>\n

Data is the new gold of modern society. Where there is personal data, there are people trying to buy it or steal it. Hackers can sell valuable data on the dark web black market, including social security numbers, credit card details, birthdays, and more. Therefore, businesses that handle private information, personal data, or sensitive details need to control who has direct access to this data and who has access to the computers or devices on which it is stored.<\/p>\n

With the help of an access control system, information databases can be managed efficiently and effectively, thereby preventing data breaches from happening.\u00a0Only those who are trusted with specific credentials can enter the database.<\/p>\n

4) Real-time activity tracking<\/h3>\n

Another benefit of an access control system is that you can keep track of who comes in and out.\u00a0With an access control system, you can know which employees move around your building and at what time.\u00a0Additionally, in the event of a security incident, you\u2019ll be able to see who swiped into a specific area at a specific time.<\/p>\n

5) Easy to manage<\/h3>\n

Once you set up an access control system, you no longer need to worry about who needs what keys to get into which building, lab, or office.\u00a0By providing remote access to control systems, you have full control over who can access restricted areas, minimizing security breaches and potential risks.<\/p>\n

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6) Protect personal safety<\/h3>\n

Access control systems let trusted people in and keep others out. Vandalism, robbery, and employee theft are all types of security risks that you can effectively prevent with an access control system. Another benefit is the ability to use an integrated access control system to address emergencies and incidents. Building access control systems can be designed with alarm or public address systems to help determine the fastest exit route during evacuation. Video surveillance helps to accurately and quickly identify the location of a fire or natural threat.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, the access control system is touchless, so there\u2019s less chance of germs spreading between employees and visitors.\u00a0This has become a key advantage of an access control system as the world grapples with a pandemic.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s world, it is important to be prepared for the potential threat of individuals wanting to harm others and the risk that your facility may become an attack site. Security cameras can help prevent threats and escalations by accurately tracking specific people as they move within a building. Access control systems can further prevent movement throughout the building, confining intruders to non-life-threatening areas. Physical access control solutions are critical to the security of employees, equipment, infrastructure, and other company assets.<\/p>\n

7) Improve the convenience of access<\/h3>\n

When you install an access control system, you don\u2019t need to carry a heavy key ring every day.\u00a0With an access control system, it\u2019s easier to give everyone a programmed card, giving employees more flexibility in their schedules without requiring additional staff to grant access.\u00a0Once you grant authorization, employees can access all the areas they need to do their jobs.<\/p>\n

8) Versatility<\/h3>\n

Access control systems offer versatility in terms of applicable security hardware.\u00a0For example, the system can be used for electric fences, turnstiles, gates, guardrails, parking lot doors, etc. It is convenient for you to realize one-key management through this system.<\/p>\n

9) Improve business operations and efficiency<\/h3>\n

Developing a custom access control system is not only for safety and security, but also a tool to improve business operations, reduce unnecessary expenses, and increase efficiency.\u00a0With the help of access control system reports, businesses can make better and more informed business decisions.<\/p>\n

Tracking hourly and daily customer traffic helps businesses improve employee scheduling for greater efficiency.<\/p>\n