The Security Network - Access Control


	Access Control


	To allow the free flow of authorised people whilst denying entry to unwanted visitors is Access Control. By excluding unwanted trespassers access control helps prevent the loss of stock and personal possessions, increases the safety of employees and helps protect confidential information.


	We provide leading edge solutions to protect offices, factories, hospitals, public buildings, shops, schools, colleges and your home.


	How access control systems can help you:

Know who has entered your premises; where and when. Protect employees, family, visitors, property and confidential information. Secure just certain areas of a building Reduce timesheet procedures, clocking personnel in and out. Integrate with HR systems for ease of monitoring and data management. Increase security with Photo ID Cards. Control access to a wide variety of other facilities or equipment, such as vending machines or PCs.

	During our survey we will consider the following:

Location and number of premises Number of areas and points to be controlled Layout of the building Number and turnover of employees Number and access required internally for visitors Disabled access How the system will be managed internally Future growth of the organisation Level of security required Need to incorporate other requirements such as library cards


	Access Control – Technologies

Cost Effective Technologies

Keypad code entry:
One of the most common types of unit is the keypad system. This comprises a terminal with a series of numbered push buttons connected to the door lock release mechanism via a control unit inside the protected area.

Magnetic stripe swipe cards:
This technology is widely used and has the card reader installed adjacent to the entrance door. The card is “swiped” through the reader to gain access. Cards are the same size and appearance as credit cards and work in much the same way.

Proximity fobs or cards:
The advantages of this technology over magnetic stripe lies in the fact that the card does not come into physical contact with the reader it only needs to be held about 100mm from the reader.. It is more vandal resistant and reduces the wear and tear considerably.

Other Technologies

Smartcard Readers:
Smartcards and readers have the advantage of being able to store additional information which can be used for other services, such as library membership, cashless vending or storing biometric templates. They can be supplied in ‘read only’ or ‘read/write’ formats to suit needs. There are two variants of smartcard readers:

Proximity (contact less)
Insert (contact chip)

Biometric Readers:
This type of reader allows entry only if the authorised user’s unique human characteristics are recognised. This raises the security level significantly. Different types are available, which store the geometric patterns of the user’s retina, hand, face or fingerprint in an electronic memory.

Hands Free Readers:
Using active cards which transmit a signal, you can automatically unlock or open a door when the receiver detects the card. This makes it ideal in respect of the Disability Discrimination Act, as no action is required by the card bearer.