What is Access Control?

Access Control forms part of a security system which entails fitting a computerised handle or locking device, typically to the doors of your choosing. These doors can either be fitted with the pin type device, a token type device or with a biometric entry system.

Once someone has gone through the door, it will automatically lock behind them so that anyone without the correct token, pin or “body part” is unable to enter. Additionally, you are also able to set the doors to provide access at certain times of the day, yet restrict it at others.

There are two main types of access control; standard and biometric.

Standard access control relates to the security measure in place to restrict access to a location. Standard access control is usually; pin codes, access pass/fob, mobile or an intercom.

There will be a list of authorised persons with the relevant access and each device will only allow certain people through to the secure location.

One of the main aspects of standard access control is that they are not unique to the user and they could be lost, stolen or shared.

Biometric access control is a security device that allows you access to a secure location using unique characteristics of a person such as voice, face, eye, fingerprint or signature.

The system itself will have a list of authorised persons and it will match the characteristic with what is recorded on file.

It is very difficult to fool a biometric system because a unique characteristic is hard to duplicate.