Access control systems grant access by using advanced authentication methods such as biometrics, smart RFID cards, or unique PIN codes via RFID readers for secure and authorized entry to protected areas.
In simple words, you can decide the level of access to every door, barrier, and gate at every location of your company’s physical space. You can create custom access control rules to manage permissions effectively.
These rules enable you to precisely determine who has access to specific resources, under which conditions, and for what intended purposes.
Access control systems are important to protect physical assets from unauthorized access and to grant temporary access to visitors while maintaining control over their movements.
In this blog, we will discuss what an access control system is, how it works, and the alternatives available for your business.
What is an access control system?
Access control systems manage and monitor entry to specific areas, ensuring only authorized individuals gain access.
This access is managed via credentials such as key cards, fobs PINs, and biometric data (retina, facial recognition, iris scan, thumbprint, etc.)
Credentials serve as the means of authentication in access control systems, ensuring only authorized individuals gain entry.
You can monitor live videos and recorded footage to match access events with what you see. Some systems have mobile apps for monitoring from a distance.
You can use these apps to get alerts, check access records, and control the system from anywhere.
Why is access control important for businesses?
Access control is important for businesses across all industries because their primary goal is to keep people and assets safe. The stronger your security, the less convenient it is for criminals and troublemakers to cross security breaches.
If access management is simple, employees will feel happier and more secure to be part of a robust access control system.
For instance, in a busy truck yard with significant foot traffic, implementing an easy access control system, such as a simple swipe mechanism, can enhance overall security and streamline operations.
Components of an access control system
Access control devices and components are the physical interfaces that authenticate and authorize individuals. Access control systems consist of several components:
- Identification: verifying the identity of a user.
- Authentication: Confirming the validity of the provided identity.
- Authorization: Granting appropriate permissions based on the authenticated identity.
Authentication is the first step in the access control process which involves the validation of presented credentials.
Once authenticated, authorization checks make sure that the user has the right to access the requested entry point.
Upon authorization, the access control system triggers the door hardware to unlock, tracking the user’s activity.
Components of RFID access control
An RFID access control system uses a tag, RFID reader, access control panel, and lock to grant access to individuals.
In the access control process, you present RFID cards to the RFID reader, initiating communication with the control panel. The panel verifies access permissions and activates the locking mechanism based on the presented card’s validity. If authorized, entry is granted; if not, access is denied.
Access is authorized based on access control system software, which is designed to efficiently manage user credentials, permissions, and access logs.
Different types of access controls
To maintain a high level of security businesses adopt various types of access controls across various industries.
These access controls are differentiated based on their job roles in the organization or depending on the number of footsteps per day entering and exiting the commercial building.
Healthcare and finance often rely on biometric access control systems, utilizing fingerprint or retina scans to authenticate individuals. This ensures control over sensitive areas and protects confidential information.
In industrial settings, proximity cards and key fobs are commonly used to restrict entry to designated personnel. Here we have listed a four major types of access control:
- Discretionary access control (DAC)
- Mandatory access control (MAC)
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Rule-based access control (RuBAC)
Discretionary access control (DAC)
An access control system that grants access as you please, you can make it as discreet as possible. It means you decide who has access to what. It is suitable for smaller areas within a larger organization.
Another use of a DAC access system may be in areas where very sensitive information or assets are stored and you want to closely monitor who enters or exits that area.
Mandatory access control (MAC)
An access control system that is considered to be the most secure and most specific is mandatory access control made by one authority.
That authority may decide whether to deny or accept permissions to access. Mandatory access controls are used by financial institutions and government institutions.
RBAC access control (role-based access control)
Role-based access control assigns permissions to users based on their roles within an organization. This approach simplifies management by associating permissions with specific job functions, making it easier to regulate and control access to resources.
Role-based access control (RBAC) is widely adopted in the technology and corporate sectors.
Rule-based access control (RuBAC)
Rule-based access control uses a set of rules to decide whether the person is to be allowed access to a particular location. It does not at all depend on the role of the person in that organization.
The person will be locked out of that particular area if they don’t meet the criteria despite the level they hold in the hierarchy of that organization.
The best access control method
The best access control method depends on your specific security needs. If you aim to secure physical entry and exit points, then physical access control, involving barriers and gates, would be the optimal choice.
For maximum security, mandatory access control (MAC) is the best option. Overall, the easiest method to use is role-based access control(RBAC).
Alternative to access control system: Remote gate access control
An alternative to traditional access control systems is the implementation of remote gate access control. This system operates through a remote operator situated at a top-notch remote video monitoring center.
The remote operator at the remote operations center manages gate access, verifies credentials, and ensures secure entry.
How does an access control system work with remote video monitoring
The remote operators have comprehensive access to your access control system, providing the capability to open gates at your site remotely.
These access control panels feature one-way video and two-way audio, allowing operators to interact with individuals at the gates. They can verify credentials, ask questions, and grant entry only to authorized persons.
Step-by-step breakdown of the remote gate or door access control process:
Step 1 : User arrival:
A person or vehicle arrives at your gate.
Step 2: Operator alert:
The professional operator receives a video alarm on their workstations letting them know about the visitor’s presence.
Step 3 : Dynamic workflow response:
The operator follows your predefined dynamic workflow, responding to the scenario in alignment with your organization’s principles.
For example, the operator may use the bidirectional audio system to verify the credentials of the guest.
Step 4 : Guest accommodation:
Once the guest’s credentials are verified and approved, the operator lets them in. A report of the event is saved on your account. The case is then considered closed.
Step 5 : Readiness for the next guest:
The operator is now prepared to assist the next guest, ensuring a continuous and secure access control process.
Benefits of remote gate access control via a remote video monitoring center
- The greatest advantage of remote gate access control lies in efficiently managing visitor exits, adeptly handling issues like lost parking passes or malfunctioning credit cards.
- You can securely lock gates during specific hours, restricting both vehicle and pedestrian access. This measure is implemented to protect your site from potential threats like theft, damage, or loitering.
- Leveraging remote CCTV monitoring for gate control effectively combines human expertise and advanced technology. This approach enables critical decision-making, identity verification, and swift response to potential security threats, ensuring a dependable and sophisticated security solution.
Benefits of access control
Reduced risk of theft
Access control significantly reduces the risk of theft by implementing restrictions on door entry and regulating access to specific areas.
By controlling who can enter different parts of a facility or building, access control systems help create a more secure environment, minimizing the opportunities for theft and unauthorized activities.
Cost savings through access control
Implementing an access control system can lead to cost savings by reducing the need for traditional locks and security personnel. With an access control system in place, there’s no longer a requirement for a security guard solely for identification and permission purposes.
The risk of lost or stolen keys and unauthorized duplication concerns are addressed through the use of more secure and difficult-to-copy digital credentials. Key handover problems are eliminated by instant revocation when individuals leave the organization.
Protecting sensitive areas
Access control systems protect sensitive areas IT rooms, key rooms, the CEO office, warehouses, etc., ensuring that only authorized individuals with specific permissions can access these areas.
This targeted access management enhances security, creating a safe environment for sensitive information and resources.
Easier access for employees
Access control is important because it makes it easier for employees to enter different areas. With an access control system, authorized users, like employees, can use methods like key cards or PINs to access specific doors, gates, or routes based on their job requirements.
This ensures that employees can move around the designated areas they need to without unnecessary barriers.
Conclusion
A proactive security access control system, supported by its web-based features, devices, and specialized software, serves as a complete security infrastructure.
The advancement of technology has led to the integration of smart elements such as mobile devices, cards, fobs, NFC, WiFi, and Bluetooth into access doors, complemented by built-in video and intercom capabilities.
This guide has provided insights into the concept, functionality, and alternative options of access control systems. For expert advice on remote video monitoring access control, feel free to contact us today.
