Access Control Systems
An access control system helps you to restrict access to sensitive areas and to determine who has had access to a particular area if you need to troubleshoot a problem. There are many different types of access control systems, each with different functionality, which will be discussed in detail below. In addition, it is important to note that access control systems can be integrated with certain security camera systems so that you can tie a video image to a particular access event.
Access control systems are available in a wide array of media. For example, you can buy a card access control system which uses a proximity card or a card scan, you can purchase a keypad access control system where you enter a numeric code to access a particular area within your facility, you can even design an access control system to use biometric technology. Indeed, the price of access control systems using retinal scans or thumbprints has come done so that these systems are now affordable for virtually any business.
Most modern access control systems enable you to view access events from anywhere in the world via the internet. In addition, you often have the ability to link your access control system with your digital video surveillance system so that you can have an image emailed to you any time there is an access event. Given the flexibility of most access control systems, they can be programmed to provide you with email notification of unauthorized access activity based on parameters that you define. For example, you could limit notifications to particular times of day, particular areas within your facility or to specific personnel.
Access control devices play a crucial role not only in helping you to protect your assets from potential theft, but also in securing sensitive areas. If you are in a business that handles hazardous materials or regulated materials, for example, an access control device can help to prevent unauthorized access, thereby protecting public safety, and protecting you from potential liability. Similarly, if you have obligations to safeguard client security, such as at a hosting facility or a law firm, you need an access control system to ensure that you are acting reasonably to prevent unauthorized access to files and information housed within your office, building or facility.
There are many access control device manufacturers to choose from. As you can tell, access control systems are a critical component of a comprehensive security system.