Access Control Systems

Access Control Systems can prevent un-authorized access to a facility and reduce costs associated with hard key systems and re-keying doors due to lost, stolen or un-recovered keys from terminated employees.  Card reader controlled doors with proximity or bio-metric reader technology are a cost-effective solution to key-less access control and will report door held-open or door forced open conditions to a security monitor.  Preventing “tailgating” however is a serious concern.  There are three critically important components to an anti-tailgating strategy: Guard force, employee education and technology mix.  Technology alone does not equal security.  An effective strategy requires all three components to achieve results.  The real question is do you want to Detect or Prevent tailgating?  This answer must be based upon several factors including location and throughput and will inform the selection of technology.

Detection can be achieved by using sensors to determine when tailgating occurs and then to sound an alarm.  The most common sensor technology used is optical or barrier turnstiles.  Turnstiles cannot prevent tailgating however they can require an overt action to gain un-authorized entry. This technology will require a guard and/or effective employee training to deter attempts.  Camera surveillance of the turnstiles is also recommended to record violations.

Prevention requires a full height turnstile, a revolving door or a mantrap portal.  The technology incorporated into these types of portals eliminates the need for a guard or supervision.  Camera surveillance is however recommended to record activity.

The electric locking door hardware for the card reader controlled door is a critical component of the access control system.  If the electric locking hardware is not code compliant and appropriate for the application the access control system may not work as intended.