Access Control Systems

More businesses today are enjoying the benefits of Electronic Access Control systems than ever before. Once thought of only as an option for high-security facilities or large corporations, advances in software and hardware have put the cost of Electronic Access Control within the reach of many small to medium-sized businesses. If your business has a need to control who can enter a building, where then can go, and even when they can go there, an Electronic Access Control system could greatly improve your security and efficiency.

An Access Control system generally consists of:

• Electronic Locking Device: These can be a variety of magnetic, electronic strike, mortise, cylindrical, or automatic door activation depending on the application
• Reader: An electronic device installed at a secured opening to a building. An authorized user presents their credentials to a reader, and is then granted access or egress based off of authorization of their "key" credentials. Some applications will utilize a keypad rather than a reader, requiring a user to enter a multi-digit code
• Credentials: This is what a user presents to a reader to activate an electronic locking device. The most common types of credentials are proximity, magnetic stripe, bar code, smart cards, and biometric devices (fingerprint, facial, retinal)
• Controller: A controller processes data when credentials are presented at a reader, and allows or denies access based on the currently configured access rules. Controllers can be a single unit controlling multiple doors throughout a building/facility, but modern systems typically use distributed controllers that are installed near or at the controlled door.

There are many benefits of access control that go beyond security.

• Key Management: In the event that an employee loses a key, there is no need for expensive re-keying of locks throughout the facility. An administrator simply removes the card from the system. The same is true when an employee is terminated but is still in possession of a key.
• Time and Attendance: Access Control may also serve as an electronic time card for employees
• Safety and Accountability: Almost all systems store the history of entries and exits from secured areas, providing an audit trail in the event that a safety incident or theft occurs

Guard-O-Matic offers a wide variety of systems to meet your unique business needs. Contact one of our customer service representatives at 480-831-8118 to learn more.