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What Do Access Control Systems Do?

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A Total Solution
20 Oct 2024
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As the owner of a company, no matter how big or small, security should always be one of your top priorities. Access control systems create a more secure facility by controlling who has access to a certain area and when, as well as protecting your most valuable data and assets from trespassers.

Over the years, access control has evolved from the standard lock and key to a sophisticated computer-based electronic access control system- one that not only controls who is coming and going, but also logs the flow of traffic and reports any security breaches.

It may seem as if access control consists of merely swiping a card through a reader or entering a number on a keypad. While these are crucial parts to the system, there’s a lot more that goes into the process of granting or denying access.

So how exactly do access control systems work? In the most basic concept, access control systems work as follows:

  1. Your credentials, which can range from access cards to biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, are tied to a unique code that the reader sends to a control panel.
  2. If the system determines that your credentials match those in the database and you are authorized to enter, then the control panel sends a signal and the door is unlocked. If your credentials are not recognized, the door simply stays locked.
  3. The system software logs each credential it receives and can alert administrators or security to any potential breach or irregularities.

Benefits of Access Control Systems

 The most obvious reason for installing an access control system is the added security of being able to control, monitor, and manage access to your facilities. In addition to enhancing safety and security, below are some of the many benefits that an access control system could provide for your company.

  1. Seamless setup

The easy and efficient process of configuring your access control system is one of the more impressive benefits. The system can integrate with your already existing employee database, or you can manually enter data, allowing you to easily customize authorized access within your building. Along with limiting what parts of the facility your staff has access to, you can also grant access during certain time intervals such as for daytime employees and the night shift.

  1. Oversee employees

Businesses with a large staff who are coming and going at all hours of the day can gain structure and oversight with the use of an access control system.

  1. Increase convenience

Access control systems offer flexibility and convenience no matter how large or small your company may be. A business with more than one facility that employees may need to visit often can benefit from having multiple functions on one credential, while small businesses who may only have one or two key holders for the building can allow more employees to access the site on their own and increase productivity.

  1. Reduce damage and theft

Being able to keep a closer eye on your staff also lowers the chance of any employee theft, including stealing company time by taking unauthorized breaks.

  1. Keyless entry

 Perhaps the most exciting benefit for those who tend to misplace things is the option for keyless entry. By opting for credentials such as keycards, PIN codes, or fingerprints, you eliminate the need to worry about keys altogether- this includes never needing to change the locks if an employee were to lose their key or quit without returning theirs, which ends up saving you valuable time and money.

Types of access control systems

Installing an access control system enhances the security and productivity of any business, making it a no-brainer when it comes to making the switch from your old lock and key.

Discretionary Access Control

 Discretionary Access Control is the most flexible type of system, giving the owner or administrator complete control over security engagement and deciding who has authorized access in certain locations. The owner can appoint a list of authorized users for each control point, and customize employee’s access as needed.

While DAC systems are the least-restrictive and easily configurable, they are also not as secure as some of the other types of control systems.

Mandatory Access Control

On the other hand, Mandatory Access Control systems are the most secure and restrictive type of access control, with only the business owner being able to manage any part of the system. The owner must specify each user’s access level and users can’t make any changes to the system themselves, unlike the DAC system which creates an access list for each control point.

Role-Based Access Control

Role-Based Access Control is one of the most popular methods of control systems due to its efficiency and simplicity. In RBAC systems, permissions are assigned to a specific job title rather than to each individual user or control point, and the appropriate access control permissions are automatically granted to users based on their role.

RBAC allows you to easily create predefined roles and permissions, offering flexibility and customization while saving you time and energy.

Whether you’re a start-up or multinational company, A Total Solution designs each access control system to fit your particular needs. Contact an expert at ATS today for your free consultation and begin creating a more secure facility for your company!

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