Everyone in this world is busy and must be able to protect themselves. We also need to keep our belongings safe.
The best way to do this is with an access control system that can monitor who is entering and leaving your home, business, or any other location you want to be protected.
When choosing an access control system, you must consider the type of protection you need, which will determine the system you should purchase.
It is also essential to consider whether or not the system needs to be wireless or if it can be wired into your home’s electrical system.
Consider Access Control Policies, Models, and Mechanisms
Access control policies are rules that specify who has access to what. An example is that only validated users will access the accounting department.
Access control models define how an access control system operates. There are three different types of models:
Discretionary Access Control (DAC) – DAC allows the owner of a file or object complete control over who can do what with it.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC) – MAC restricts users’ ability to access data based on their group memberships, which means that you can allow members of a particular security group to read some documents.
Still, not others, depending on which groups they belong to. This model is most often used by governments and large companies when they need extra security measures for sensitive information such as financial records or personnel files.
For this type of system to work correctly, there needs to be some way for administrators from different departments within an organization to know exactly where each person belongs so that they can assign appropriate access privileges appropriately.
This could be done manually through paperwork, but it would become cumbersome if there were many users.
Automated methods like electronic badges with radio frequency identification tags embedded inside them are commonly used instead.
Each badge has a unique identifier number that identifies one user in its vicinity, and RFID scanners detect these tags when someone travels across them. Thus, computers directly connected to both networks immediately know each person’s role.
Consider the Level of Security
One of the essential things to consider when choosing an access control system is the level of security you need.
Most systems are designed with physical, network, and user authentication in mind—but some plans may offer additional features like integration with other systems or encryption.
You should also check whether your desired system has been tested by an independent third party such as UL, ETL, or CSA.
Choose an access device that is safe, convenient, and appropriate for the environment.
Before you choose an access device, consider the environment and how much access you need. A single-door reader that accepts different cards may be sufficient if only one door provides access to a building or room.
However, if several doors are used as entrances to different buildings in your facility or if employees must enter a secure area after hours, then multiple readers are needed.
You also need to determine how many people will be using your system. For example, if it’s used by employees who have regular business hours but occasionally let other people in (such as guests), then adding more readers will allow everyone who needs access to use their card without having duplicates made for them individually each time they visit the site.
If security concerns these facilities, consider using biometric technologies such as fingerprint readers on doors leading outside into public areas where there may be no valid reason why someone else should gain entry without authorization from authorized personnel with proper clearance levels granted before the registration process.
Know the Type of Hardware You Need
At the core of every access control system is hardware. This includes any physical components that make up your access control system and help it operate. Hardware can have card readers, keypads, door locks, cameras, and other security devices.
Hardware comes in two forms: wired and wireless. Wired means that cables connect all components to a controller or a computer hub.
The cables then transmit signals between each piece of hardware using a protocol like RS-485 or Ethernet cable (wired Ethernet).
Wired systems are typically more secure because they’re harder to hack than wireless ones; however, they can be costlier due to all those cables you have to purchase (plus wiring them up).
Manufacturer Reliability and History
Before you get too far into looking at solutions from a specific access control manufacturer, you should ensure they are the right fit for your business.
First, look at how long the company has been in business. If they’ve been around since 1905, chances are they’re doing something right, and their brand has stood the test of time.
You should also check which other companies or industries they sell to—if it’s mostly automotive dealerships or school systems, then chances are that’s what their products will be best used for.
Next up: customer service and reputation for product quality. How often have customers had problems with this company’s products?
Do they have an established customer support team that helps resolve issues quickly? This can be extremely important if a customer discovers a problem with their access control system after installation but before deployment (as this can lead to costly delays).
Choose a user-friendly software application that offers a cloud or web-based solution.
Because these systems are web-based, they’re easier to manage than on-premise solutions.
They also scale better because you can add more users and devices without buying a new system or hardware. You can customize the system’s look and feel to fit your company’s brand.
Operating Systems and Connectivity
The operating system is the software that runs on your access control system. It allows you to manage users and their credentials and grant them access to restricted areas.
The operating system must be compatible with your environment, however. For example, if all of your computers run on Mac OSX but you purchase a PC-based access control system with Windows 7 Professional as its built-in operating system, there will be issues when trying to set up user accounts.
Connectivity refers to how devices communicate within an IP network or using Wi-Fi signals outside an IP network (i.e., Bluetooth).
Conclusion
The access control system is a complex system that needs to be carefully planned and installed. It is, therefore, essential to consider all the relevant factors for your business, such as budget and security requirements.
With careful consideration, you can find an access control system that meets your needs perfectly and enhances the security of your company or premises.
