For the business premises that you occupy, your basic security provisions must include the ability to control who enters, where and when. Access control systems provide a range of technical solutions to a single problem; the need to allow free flow of authorised people whist denying entry to unwanted guests
Controlling who comes in through the front and back door is essential. However, this is only a small element of the full potential that access control systems offer. Sensitive areas such as the Manager's office, I.C.T room or Safe room may need special protection as well as preventing the staff from attack.
There are different types of Access Control system. They vary considerably from simple PIN number keypads to Swipe cards. One of the most common types of Access Control is the simple keypad type where you key in your access code to gain entry and use a button or switch to exit. This controls a lock on the door giving you a set amount of time to enter or exit the building. Simple keypad style Access Control systems can have up to 10 user codes per system.
Some units come with a speech panel built-in so customers can ask to be let in or a camera so you can also see the customer. Staff can hear or view and also let the customer in from the comfort of their own office or anywhere within the premises. The more advanced versions of Access Control use readers instead of keypads, these readers have no buttons but detect fob style key rings or credit style cards to let you enter and exit the premises. Reader style Access Control systems usually can have up to 1000+ user fob/cards per system.
Most Access Control systems can and should be connected to your Fire alarm system (If you have one) so in the case of a Fire alarm activation, the access control system is turned off and all doors connected to the Access control systems are unlocked.