Would you let a stranger stroll, uninvited, into your home? We’re sure the answer is ‘No!’, and the same rule applies for a business.
Controlling who comes and goes from your premises is vital to protect your space and its occupants. Whether it’s a large building with high foot traffic, or a small business with less visitors, controlling access is an important part of any security system.
Keeping track of visitors entering your building is a full-time job, and many are reluctant to hire a team/individual to do this around the clock.
A WLS access control system is the solution. Tailor-made to suit your security needs, our systems save manpower, money, and the worry of tracking your building’s occupants. WLS has worked at the forefront of access control technology for 25+ years, so you can trust our systems are the most efficient and adaptable on the market.
But how do access control systems work? Our blog reveals all.
What is an access control system?
The name says it all: access control systems provide a way to control who has access to certain areas and resources. Their main function is to programme occupant data and use electronic automation to let the correct people in and keep others out (without manual intervention).
Different types of access control and their benefits
There are various types of access control, using different technologies. These can be used independently or can be integrated with one another, depending on the level of security you require and the size of the building:
Door entry: key fob or card access
How it works: Contactless cards or key fobs send a low radio frequency to signal a door reader, allowing a permitted visitor to enter.
Benefits: Electronic cards or key fobs can be programmed with different levels of access rights for each user, providing greater control over who can enter certain areas of the building. They also provide an audit trail showing where people have moved throughout the building, making it easier to track suspicious activity or unauthorised access. Cards and key fobs can be easily deactivated in cases where an employee or contractor fails to return them when they leave the site.
Biometric access control systems
How it works: These systems use biometric data such as fingerprints, retina readers, and facial recognition to identify and authenticate users. This technology is being used to secure physical locations, such as offices and warehouses, as well as digital assets like computers and networks.
Benefits: These systems offer more security than traditional electronic access control systems, because they rely on unique biological characteristics which are more difficult to steal or replicate. Biometric access control systems are more convenient than other systems, as users don’t need to remember a password, key or card.
Intercom devices
How it works: An intercom enables audio or audio-visual verification. A homeowner, resident or security personnel can speak directly to those wanting to gain entry to the premises and permit access accordingly.
Benefits: These systems provide a human touch and can be monitored remotely. Note: these systems require manual monitoring.
Electric gates
How it works: Electric gates are often operated in conjunction with other access control systems: regular users can open electric gates using fobs, keypads, remotes or an app connection; visitors can gain entry using an intercom system- these are either hard-wired to a physical handset/s in the building, or they can be wireless through GSM (meaning the call from the intercom is made to a landline or mobile phone/s).
Benefits: Electric gates are increasingly affordable, making them accessible for both residential and commercial properties. As they can be used in combination with other security systems such as CCTV cameras or motion sensors, they provide an extra layer of protection. Automated gates can be programmed to open/close at specific times, making them ideal for businesses that need to restrict access during certain hours or days of the week.
Access control security and CCTV integration
Integrating access control with CCTV has many benefits. Firstly, when someone unlocks a door the system can alert a pan tilt zoom (PTZ) camera. The camera can then point at the specific door and start recording. It can also alert a camera to start recording at a higher frame rate when the door opens. With most systems, you can access CCTV footage via the access control software. You can also receive email and text alerts when a person opens or unlocks a door or leaves it open.
Interested in hearing more? Our team can help.
What makes a WLS access control system superior?
Our experience, knowledge, and personal approach sets us apart.
WLS has over thirty years’ experience installing and maintaining access control systems and integrating them with other systems.
We are NSI Gold accredited and approved installers of most access control brands. These include Paxton, TDSi, Vanderbilt SiPass, BPT Impro, Honeywell Pro-Watch and Salto.
We offer a bespoke service, discovering your specific security needs, and designing a system that works best for you.
Call us about your access control system installation on 020 8676 4300, or fill out a contact form.
