Access control systems: What are they and what are the options?

If several people are to have access to a location, surveillance is  often complicated. But there is a clever solution: access control systems make it possible to monitor access to facilities, premises and premises. This article explains how an access control system works and what possibilities it offers.

What is an access control system?

Simply put, access control systems are tools used to monitor which people gain access to a place and when. Access control systems are used extensively, especially in buildings. In a company building, for example, employees, visitors, or contractors could enter the premises. However, terrain, individual rooms or cupboards can also be monitored with a corresponding system.

Physical access control systems should not be confused with virtual access control systems:

• A physical access control system helps to monitor access to premises or buildings. It is intended to increase safety.

• Virtual access control systems , on the other hand, are used when logging into a computer network, for example.

Access control systems are therefore indispensable for achieving optimal site and building management.

How does a physical access control system work?

As a rule, an access control system is via an electronic system. It works with various identification features – with biometric data such as a face or fingerprint scan, a transponder or a key card.

By activating the electronic lock with the means of identification, access to certain premises is not only possible. At the same time, the access control system records who gain access and when this happens.

Such a system thus provides valuable data. In this way, building owners can monitor who is in buildings or on a site and when. This makes sense in various scenarios. On the one hand, it can be used to easily control the occupancy . On the other hand, in the event of theft or other crimes, it is practical to know who is eligible for it.

Access control systems and their various identification features

Electronic access control systems do not work with conventional keys, but with electronic solutions – for example, with a chip card. The access medium is simply held by the user to a reader located on the door. If the conditions for access are met – i.e., the necessary authorizations are available, the lock opens.  

Of course, there are not only key cards, but also a lot of other methods of identification. Biometric features such as fingerprint or iris scanning are considered particularly secure. PINs or passwords are also often used. And some systems work with transponders, which must be actively activated in order for access to be granted.

Each method of identification comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Which approach is best suited depends on the individual situation and the needs of the building. Some building owners also combine different methods to increase flexibility and security even further.

Advantages of an access control system

Mechanical locking systems that are operated with conventional keys are increasingly being replaced by electronic access control systems. The reasons for this are manifold:

• Loss of key: If users lose a key to a mechanical system, the entire system must be replaced at great expense. Otherwise, unauthorized use is possible, which endangers the security of the site. With an access control system that is managed with the help of software, the lost access medium can be easily blocked. This means that the building operator does not incur any additional costs.

• Traceable key usage: With conventional keys, it is not possible to check who entered the site and when. With an electronic access control system, on the other hand, administrators have a full overview and thus a higher degree of control.

• Key management: Mechanical locking systems are quite complex to manage. If a person needs access to several rooms and buildings, they carry several keys with them. If the permissions change, new keys must be issued or existing keys must be withdrawn. In addition, users often find it difficult to remember which key is intended for which lock. With an electronic access control system, users only require one access medium. All permissions are stored on it and can be adjusted individually and in real time if something changes.

Digital access control systems also offer the great advantage that they offer the possibility of determining which people  have access at what times and where. Doors can be flexibly restricted, so that only a small group of people have access to certain rooms and some can only enter the building at fixed times.

Electronic access control systems such as those from BlueID come with software that allows the system to be individually tailored to the company and its needs. This means that the locking system fulfils exactly the functions that are desired and needed.

Thanks to such applications, it is possible to change permissions at any time. This ensures a high degree of flexibility and targeted use of the system. In addition, administrators can define fixed access profiles. This is very practical in companies, for example: When a new employee is hired, all they have to do is select the right profile for them according to their activities and the configuration is already done.

Areas of application of access control systems

Access control systems are widely used. Companies in particular rely on technology to better manage and control the access of their visitors and employees. This means that everyone – whether a supplier, office worker or technician – can gain access to different areas of the company building without the users' keychains getting bigger and bigger.

But  an access control system can also be suitable in residential buildings. It is less suitable for a single-family home. But in an apartment building where several parties come and go, it can be advisable to rely on an electronic lock.

In addition, access control systems in public facilities or hotels are considered  a sensible solution. Users are given an access medium on which their individual authorizations are stored. For example, an access card for a hotel guest is configured so that he can only open the entrance door and his room door, but not the room doors of other guests.  

The aspect of the smart building in particular plays a role in electronic access control systems. Buildings with smart equipment cannot do without such systems. New buildings in particular rely on smart access control systems from the very beginning.

Conclusion

Access control systems offer many advantages over conventional, mechanical locking systems. They are used extensively – especially in company buildings and public facilities. In order to obtain a system that  fully meets individual requirements, it is important to find a provider who offers tailor-made solutions for your own needs. At BlueID, we are happy to help to build owners find a suitable access control system.