Intercom Systems with Access Control
Why use Access Control Systems / Warden Call Systems
Why get rid of keys? Access control gives you control over who gains entry to your building.
Keys also do this - so what is the difference?
When you lose a key, you have the expense and inconvenience of replacing locks and all the other keys, or you accept the building is no longer secure. With access control you simply void an individual token from the system. There is no need to replace locks or keys. The security of your building is always maintained.
Why use PC based access control?
- Central control - all doors can be controlled from one place
- Reporting - an event is generated every time a token is used to gain access
- Complete flexibility - access can be granted to users according to time and place
What are the advantages of central control?
“Full control of the system from your desk”.
- Users are added and instantly have the access rights that you permit
- Individual access rights can be altered, changes instantly update at the doors.
- Tokens voided - someone leaves without handing back their token, simply bar that user token from the system.
Modern multiple doors systems give a huge amount of flexibility to the end user. Generating water shed time control are available with these systems, this gives control over different types of groups. This extra level of control allows for a more flexible approach to room allocation and gives the opportunity to utilise rooms and spaces in a more dynamic way.
As well as providing a high level of access security these systems also allow for monitoring of people to location, this can also be referenced against time. This extra dimension to the system allows for further integration into people management. Fire alarm register or human resource management time keeping is available etc.
What different types of access equipment are available?
Keypads
Keypads are the most basic of access control entry equipment, whilst there simplicity can limit there functionality, they are easy to use and require very little maintenance.
SwipeCards
Swipe cards can be divided into three main sub-categories - Magnetic, infra red and Weigand. To the user they all operate in a similar manner, the card is swiped through a reader, but each category requires its own reader technology. The use of a card allows for extra information to be carried on it. For example a picture, text, bar coder, and depending on the card another data stripe, for example a magstripe can be added to an infrared card.
Proximity
Proximity readers offer a totally non contact solution. Unlike other types of readers proximity readers can be hidden behind walls or doors. These readers are very useful in places where vandalism is high or likely to occur. Proximity readers work in a similar way to the handsfree systems although allow for greater distances between the reader and the proximity device. It is possible to use proximity readers in conjunction with car park barriers.
Intercoms
Audio and video door intercom systems are ideal in situations where visitors are regular and their identity cannot be verified locally. The two main types of door entry systems are video and audio. Both of these systems grant access to a remote door.
As with single door access control solutions door entry systems can use the same types of locking mechanisms. Door entry systems can also be used in multiple locations; this is particularly useful in multiple occupancy environments such as a block of flats. Modern systems allow for communication between entrance stations and landline or mobile phones. This can be particularly useful in situations where access may need to be granted remotely.
Single Door Systems - return to top
Access control systems are highly secure and unobtrusive. A typical single door solution can be broken down into 5 key areas:
- Reader. The entry interface. This is usually a keypad, swipe card reader or a hands free unit or a combination
- Controller. The controller is hardware that allows information to be added to the reader in order to grant access right. Often in the case of small systems the reader and controller are combined.
- Electronic lock. An electronic lock provides the mechanical parts of the system and ensures that the system is secure. There is a wide variety of locks available to suit situation and requirement. Some locks utilise parts of the existing locking mechanism whilst others are operated using a powerful electromagnetic force.
- Exit device. The exit device allows for the release of electro-mechanical locks. There are many types of exit buttons or egress devices the most common resemble a large light switch. The type of egress device used is dictated by situation, suitability and budget.
- Emergency Exit The opening of the locked door in an emergency situation can be controlled by various means. We have listed the two most common types.
a) Emergency Break glass The emergency break glass exit forms part of a fails safe mechanism for the system in case of emergency the glass breaks and immediately disengages the locks.
b) Emergency fire alarm release relay This is achieved by the fire alarm operating a relay when in alarm mode. The relay disconnects the power to the locking mechanism.
The single door solution is the most basic form of access control.
Multi Door Systems - return to top
Multiple door access control systems use many of the same components as single door solutions. However, the need for more people, more doors and interconnectivity between the doors requires a network style infrastructure.
The controllers on the system have to be able to record and transmit data from multiple doors and communicate with one another and more often communicate with right permitted managed software on a dedicated access control PC.
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