Access Control
Access control is the use of devices or methods at various points to control the passage of people and/or vehicles into or out of an area or structure.

Electronic Access Control
Electronic access control is the ability to restrict the entry or exit of an individual through a single point or multiple ingress/egress points (doors, turnstiles or car park barriers) using a reader (which accepts tokens, keys or smart cards) or any combination of such devices. Electronic access control allows an individual's identity to be validated and allows that individual to be granted or denied access based on preprogrammed data, including time, date, and door location.

Proximity Access Control
Proximity access control is a way of controlling who has access to an area, without the need for contact, with the device that permits or prevents entry. Instead of requiring a user to insert or slide a card through a slot, a proximity system lets the user simply hold a card or electronic key near a reading device to unlock the door.

Integrated Access Control
Integrated access control is a system that seamlessly incorporates additional features within the system itself. In reality, it allows individual systems to “talk” to each other electronically, translating an event into an action. For example, as well as providing access control, an integrated system may provide alarm monitoring relating to CCTV and perimeter detection. This would allow the system to control cameras, making them pan or tilt to record movement or activity if an unauthorised person is trying to gain access. When such an event is recorded, an automatic emergency message can be sent (via telephone, pager or mobile phone) to other personnel or to a local or remote monitoring centre. The system’s ability to automatically notify an operator when emergency event is recorded can prove invaluable in ensuring an effective and timely response. This is a very effective tool in protecting staff in any type of application. Basic monitoring of heating, lighting and ventilation systems can also be done.

Access Control Compared to the Traditional Lock and Key
Access control is an alternative to the basic lock and key. It offers a wide range of improved
security features, and in many cases significant cost benefits. As well as allowing and restricting personnel or vehicle access into a building or area, an access control system offers the ability for you to decide and record who goes where and when. It also allows you to:-

• Modify a person’s access based on changing environments and needs.
• Remove a person’s ability to access an area by deactivating electronic keys or cards.
• Secure a building, knowing any unauthorised entries will be reported and can be
  programmed to set off an alarm.

Access control systems are now available to meet the needs of any application. From
prestigious office applications, to rugged inner city housing applications, readers and ID
devices are available to meet the demands of all types of applications.

Advantages of Proximity Access Control
Proximity ID devices and readers are the most popular choice, primarily due to its ease of
use. The user simply presents the proximity key or card to the reader to release the door.
No contact is made between the ID device and reader and so wear and tear is avoided.
Proximity readers have no slots or holes making them extremely resistant to vandalism and
adverse weather conditions. Typical read distances are 0-20cm.

The main advantages of Proximity Systems include:-

• Easy to use
• Convenient size and storage of ID device
• Tokens can be carried on key ring
• Photo ID can be added to proximity card
• Some proximity tokens and ID cards carry a lifetime guarantee against electronic failure
• High level of user acceptance
• Minimal dexterity required
• Reliability
• Durability

Cost Benefits of Access Control

Guards
A properly designed and integrated access control and monitoring system can reduce or
eliminate the need for full time guards with pay-out times commonly less than one year. It is
estimated that a full time security guard(s) can cost more than £47,000 a year (24hrs per day x 365 days per year x £5.40 per hour = £47,304 each).

Key Suite Change Costs
Proper security procedures dictate that mechanical locks should be re-keyed each time an
employee leaves. It is not uncommon to spend hundreds of pounds a month re-keying a
single facility. Electronic access control eliminates the cost and confusion of constant re-keying.

Peace of Mind
An access control system allows the management of an organisation to have greater control
over who can be present in any area of the building. Access control provides a more secure
means of protecting entry into a building, making it more difficult for unauthorised access.