Access control technologies and principles play a vital role in safeguarding people, assets, and properties. Recent studies indicate that nearly 30% of businesses have witnessed a rise in physical security incidents, prompting leaders and security professionals to seek enhanced defense strategies.
Over the past few decades, the tools and technologies for developing modern access control systems have advanced significantly. Electronic access control systems, coupled with smart software solutions, enable organizations to better manage and monitor their premises.
In this detailed guide, you will discover the modern electronic access control (EAC) systems and devices, the evolution of these technologies, and the benefits of adopting contemporary solutions.
Understanding Electronic Access Control
Electronic access control systems, or EAC systems, encompass a variety of technologies designed to help stakeholders manage entry to private properties using electronic locks and credential readers. Evolving from traditional mechanical lock and key solutions, electronic access systems provide greater flexibility in the design and operation of security systems.
Unlike mechanical systems, EAC systems can be monitored and adjusted remotely, ensuring continuous property protection. Leaders can select from a broad range of credential types, including key cards, mobile credentials, and biometric readers, allowing security teams to create customized solutions for different scenarios and layered protections for high-risk areas.
Electronic door access systems offer more functionality than mechanical locks. For instance, staff can monitor access events and track occupancy levels. Alerts can be sent remotely to notify administrators of suspicious activity, and permissions can be modified as needed to enhance physical security.
Components of Electronic Access Control Systems
Electronic access control systems comprise five primary components for managing entry to private locations. Authorized personnel and guests receive unique credentials that permit entry to specific areas, with readers and locks configured to analyze credential data.
Access Credentials Credentials, akin to physical keys in EAC systems, verify the identity of individuals requesting access. They can take several forms, including physical tokens like key cards and fobs, PIN codes, biometric identifiers, and data stored on personal smartphones. Users present their credentials to gain property access.
Credential Readers Credential readers, installed next to each access point, receive and analyze credential data to confirm or deny access. Users present their key cards, fobs, or other identifiers to these devices when requesting entry to secure locations. The reader then sends this information to a centralized control panel before granting access.
Access Control Panel The access control panel is the core of the EAC system, processing all access requests before granting entry. It contains a database of all issued credentials and their associated permissions. Access is approved if the presented credentials match the stored data.
Electronic Access Locks Electronic access locks engage or disengage in response to electrical currents. Connected to a control panel, these locks remain engaged until a verifiable access request is received. If the control panel accepts a user’s credentials, it sends a signal to the corresponding locks to disengage and allow entry.
Management Solution Digital access control systems often include a centralized management solution, enabling administrators to manage devices remotely. This allows security personnel to control access from afar, with features to alert staff of suspicious access attempts and revoke permissions if necessary. This capability ensures facility security even when security personnel are not on-site.
Types of Electronic Access Control Systems
Electronic door access control systems come in various forms, each designed to meet different security needs. Here are some common examples:
Keypad EAC Systems
Keypad EAC systems grant access when users enter a specific PIN code into a reader, eliminating the need for physical credentials. Some systems use a single code for all users, while others allow administrators to create multiple unique PIN codes.
Keypad readers are among the most affordable EAC options. However, the potential for users to share or inadvertently reveal codes makes them less secure. Keypads are typically used for low-risk areas like communal spaces in residential buildings, office supply closets, and outdoor locations such as courtyard or garage gates.
Key Card and Key Fob Solutions
Key cards and key fobs are commonly used in electronic access systems. Each user receives a unique card or fob containing a personal access code. Touchless solutions utilize Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or other technologies to communicate credential information between tokens and readers.
Card and fob systems offer higher security than keypads, as credentials can be encrypted and easily deactivated if lost or stolen. These systems are frequently used in office buildings, hotels, and apartment complexes, allowing security teams to quickly issue new or temporary credentials.
Mobile Credential Systems
Mobile credential systems store and manage security credentials on smart devices. Administrators can send unique credentials directly to users’ smartphones, which are stored in designated apps. Users present their phones to readers to request access via wireless communication.
Cost-effective and user-friendly, mobile credentials add security layers using the built-in biometric authentication tools in modern smartphones. This versatile type of access control is suitable for securing various locations, from commercial offices to residential buildings.
Biometric Access Readers
Biometric readers secure high-risk areas such as server rooms, cash counting areas, and stock rooms. This credential type is difficult to duplicate, as access is controlled by unique facial, retinal, or behavioral characteristics. Biometric readers are often combined with additional credential types to enable multi-factor authentication.
Key Benefits of Electronic Access Control Systems
Electronic access control systems provide greater versatility than traditional mechanical solutions, offering security teams more flexibility in creating, issuing, and managing access credentials. Here are a few examples of how EAC systems enhance property security:
Reduced Risk of Credential Misuse
One major concern with mechanical access systems is the risk of keys being lost or stolen. Electronic access systems mitigate this issue by eliminating physical keys or allowing for the immediate revocation of permissions associated with lost or stolen key cards, fobs, or phones. Biometric credentials are particularly hard to fabricate. EAC systems can also integrate with existing security devices to trigger automated responses supported by alarms, environmental sensors, and security cameras.
Time and Role-Based Controls
Security staff can apply unique time and role-based controls to electronic access credentials, automating security management. Readers can be programmed to accept credentials only during certain hours, ensuring doors are locked outside regular business hours. Specific roles can be assigned to credentials, restricting high-risk area access to select individuals and minimizing intrusion risks.
Remote Access Control Features
Many electronic door access control systems can be monitored remotely via cloud-based management solutions. Administrators can create, adjust, and revoke permissions at any time and grant temporary access to guests remotely. This feature allows security staff to monitor access events in real time and respond promptly to potential issues.
Multi-Factor Authentication
To strengthen security, multiple credential types can be added to electronic access systems for high-risk applications. Simple keypad readers can secure low-risk areas, while advanced mobile and biometric credentials protect high-risk locations, allowing for versatile security systems tailored to specific regulations and requirements.
Simple Scalability
Electronic access control systems can easily scale with changing business needs. New readers can be added as required, and some EAC systems support multi-site functionality. This enables leaders to manage access for multiple properties using the same platform, streamlining business-wide security system management.
Features to Look for in an Electronic Access Control System
Business and property owners have many options when it comes to electronic access control (EAC) systems and components. To help leaders select the ideal solution, here are key features to consider:
- Cloud-Based Management One of the primary advantages of EAC systems is the enhanced threat response capability through real-time information. A robust EAC system should be linked to a cloud-based management platform, allowing security teams to monitor access events, adjust permissions, and issue temporary credentials remotely at any time.
When choosing a cloud management platform, prioritize systems with strong cybersecurity features. Look for solutions that use end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication to ensure data security.
- Visitor Management Features Commercial businesses and multi-tenant residential properties frequently need to grant access to visitors, couriers, and contractors. EAC systems with visitor management features can simplify this process, including video management software for pre-registering visitors and creating temporary or time-based access permissions.
Mobile credential systems are particularly useful, enabling admins to send temporary access codes directly to visitors’ smartphones. Alternatively, one-time PIN codes can be created for keypad EAC systems in low-risk settings.
- Integration Capabilities Integrating EAC systems with other security devices enhances overall functionality and building management. Choose solutions that can integrate with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, security alarms, and CCTV cameras, allowing security staff to develop automated responses to common threats.
- Future-Proof Technologies Investing in EAC systems is a time-consuming process, but the benefits should be long-lasting. Ensure the components you choose utilize future-proof security technologies that can adapt to changing requirements.
Look for features such as AI-powered software for analyzing access events and identifying suspicious activities, and cloud-based solutions that can be updated and maintained automatically. Also, prioritize EAC systems that function both online and offline to ensure continuous operation regardless of network availability.
Summary
Electronic access control systems offer greater security, simpler management, and easier scalability compared to traditional lock-and-key solutions, enabling property owners to better protect people and assets. However, given the variety of EAC systems available, selecting the right solution requires careful planning and a clear understanding of security needs. Leaders should choose suitable credential types for different locations, ensure management systems support remote functionality, and facilitate the issuance of temporary credentials to visitors. The best EAC systems will also support integration with broader security technologies, helping teams create intelligent installations. By meeting these criteria, electronic access control systems can significantly enhance commercial property security.