You can manage and regulate who has access to a passage leading into or out of a particular area with the help of an access control system. Traditional locks, which typically come with brass keys, can be thought of as the most basic type of ACS. The main objective of such a system is to restrict access to a given area for those who are not authorized to enter for some reason while granting access to those who are.
The term now typically refers to an electronic system that is computer-based and uses electronic cards to grant access to specific locations to authorized users of an organization. These systems have undergone significant development in recent decades. A keypad, a thumbprint reader, etc. are examples of additional authentication methods. Access control systems are typically installed and used on building entrances, key locations inside the building, or any other related area, such as.
garages, parking lots etc. For businesses that handle sensitive information or permit only a small number of people access to their facilities, access control systems are crucial. Access control systems are equally useful in businesses where a high volume of daily visitors is anticipated and where it is necessary to keep a record of each and every visitor. If it’s necessary to limit a visitor to one location only and not another, various levels of access can also be defined.
An entry-level card-based access control system (ACS) is made up of a number of parts, such as access cards, of course, card readers, electric locks (which serve as the hardware), intelligent controllers, and access control software systems, which are typically servers that house the application access control software. Most of these servers are exclusively used for ACS operation and management.
The security provided by an access control system is reliable and desirable, but not every organization has the same security requirements. Therefore, if you are planning to purchase an access control system for your organization, keeping a few key points in mind shall be greatly helpful in helping you make the right and economical choice for you. For example, an organization may need strict security at one point (for example, server room) but do not need the same security level at another (for example, lobby or washroom area). These are as follows:
1. Level of security requirements: Examine your organizational or business needs. Access control systems offer dependable security for sensitive areas within your company, but not all locations require the same amount of security. How many locations do you intend to use an access control system at, and what level of security do you require there?
2. Future requirements: In addition to meeting your current security needs, an access control system must be able to handle your future business requirements. An access control system must be able to support the future expansion in case required
3. Simple to use: The ACS you choose must be simple to use and should not involve any complicated steps or processes that could frustrate your operating staff (possibly less technical staff).
4. Does the system have a user management feature that will allow it to effectively manage multiple users at once in accordance with your needs?
5. Reporting capability: Can the system connect numerous related sites effectively and offer you the necessary reporting capability to give you a clear understanding of what’s happening at a particular location in real time?
6. Options for backup and restore: Does the system offer reliable backup and restore capabilities so you won’t lose any important data?
7. Issues with compatibility: Can you change the system effectively? Can you easily maintain the system. Is your vendor offering maintenance services at low or no cost
8. Support and training: Does the vendor offer you enough training and support materials to equip the relevant staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the system runs smoothly?
If you’ve decided not to jeopardize your organization’s security, etc. and have planned to spend some fairly good amount on buying an access control system, then considering the above factors would definitely be helpful in making the right choice to a great extent.