Determining the right kind of access control system for your business can be a complex process, depending on factors such as the size and specific needs of your organisation, and the level of security required.
SO WHAT IS ACCESS CONTROL?
Access control in security refers to the process of regulating who has permission to enter a building, room, or specific area, as well as the ability to monitor and track entry and exit.
The goal of access control is to ensure that only authorised individuals can enter a restricted area, while unauthorized individuals are kept out.
Access control systems can be used to secure physical locations as well as data, computer systems and networks.
There are several different types of access control systems, including:
- Card access systems: This system uses a card, such as a proximity card, magnetic stripe card, or smart card, to grant access to a building or room.
- Biometric access control systems: Use unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, to identify individuals and grant access.
- Remote access control: This enables authorized individuals to access a secure area remotely, using an electronic key or a device such as a smartphone.
Each type of access control system has its own strengths and can be integrated with other security systems such as CCTV, alarm, and intercom systems for more robust protection.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Points to consider when determining the right kind of access control system for your business:
- Assess your security needs: Consider the level of security required for your organisation and the specific areas or assets that need to be protected. Do you require entry and exit access, do you have data that needs restricted access?
- Evaluate the size of your organisation and the number of people who will need access to your facility. Consider the number of doors and access points that need to be controlled.
- Determine your budget: Access control systems vary widely in cost, and it’s important to determine your budget upfront so you can choose a system that fits within your budget constraints. However, it is also important to remember that a cheaper system may not be the best option in the long run if it does not meet your specific needs or does not provide the level of security that is required.
- Consider the level of scalability: As your business grows, so too will your security needs. Consider the scalability of the access control system you choose, so that it can grow with your organisation.
- Think about integration: Consider the potential for integrating your access control system with other security systems, such as CCTV, alarm and intercom systems.
- Check for ease of use: The system should be easy to operate and understand by all the users in your company.
- Using a consultant: We do recommend you consult with a security expert or a professional in the field to help you find the right system for your organization. Saving time and money, we can design, and install the best access control system for your growing business.
The experience we have gained in over 30 years of being leading specialists in Perth security systems, has led to our using 2 main access control product lines. Gallagher and Inner range.
Key features for both brands are.
GALLAGHER
Aimed primarily at the larger business client, Gallagher produces a brand of access control systems by Gallagher Security Management Systems, a New Zealand-based company. Gallagher access control systems provide high-end security at their best, with a range of solutions for complete site management, ensuring that levels of compliance are of the highest level.
The Gallagher access control system is a modular and scalable system, designed to meet the needs of businesses and organizations of all sizes. The systems control access to doors, gates, turnstiles and other access points, providing time and attendance tracking and visitor management functionality.
Some of the features of the Gallagher access control system include:
- Integration: The system can integrate with other security systems such as CCTV, Alarm, and Intercom systems.
- Remote management: The system can be managed remotely, allowing for changes to be made to access rights and other settings from anywhere.
- Scalability: The system can be customised to meet the needs of your business as it grows.
- Flexibility: Gallagher systems are compatible with various types of access control readers such as contactless card readers, linked to modular controllers, biometric readers and token-based systems.
- Reporting: The system provides detailed reporting and audit trails, making it easy to track who has access to which areas, when they accessed it and who authorised the access.
- Mobile Credentials: Users can use their smartphones just like a keycard using Bluetooth technology interfacing directly with the Gallagher Command Centre, adding a highly secure access credential, convenience and ease of use.
The Gallagher access control system can be used in a wide range of applications, including commercial and industrial buildings, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and government buildings. It’s also used in the transportation industry, hospitals and other critical infrastructures and other special purpose-buildings.
Castle Security is one of only a few companies who are officially licensed to install Gallagher security products – a world-leading supplier right here in Western Australia.
INNER RANGE
Inception is a brand of access control system produced by Inner Range, an Australian-based company specialising in security solutions.
The Inner Range Inception access control system is a highly advanced and feature-rich access control system that can be used to secure and manage access to buildings, sites and areas.
We believe that Inception is a good offering when you need all the quality of a high end solution but in a smaller package, for smaller to medium-sized businesses.
The Inception access control system is designed to be highly customisable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of an organisation. It can control access to doors, gates, turnstiles, and other access points, and can also provide time and attendance tracking and visitor management functionality.
Some of the features of the Inner Range Inception access control system include:
- Scalability: The system is scalable and can be expanded as the organisation’s needs change.
- Flexibility: Inception system is compatible with various types of access control readers such as card readers, biometric readers and token-based systems.
- Integration: The system can integrate with other security systems such as CCTV, alarm systems and intercoms.
- Remote management: The system can be managed remotely, allowing for changes to be made to access rights and other settings from anywhere.
- Reporting: The system provides detailed reporting and audit trails, making it easy to track who has access to which areas, when they accessed it, and who authorised the access.
- Advanced Permissions: The system allows for very granular control of access with time-based, event-based, and conditional access permissions.
- Mobile Credentials: The Inception system can issue mobile credentials to users, enabling them to access the building using their smartphones.
- Multi-site functionality: The system can be configured to manage access across multiple sites and locations.
- Easy to install and very easy to operate
The Inception access control system can be used in a wide range of applications, including smaller companies like gyms, apartment blocks, stores and smaller medical clinics, and doctors offices. Learning Centres and businesses with restricted hours like libraries or clubs are a great fit for the Inception access control system.
CLOUD BASED ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS
Cloud-based access control systems allow users to remotely manage and monitor access to buildings or other secure areas using an internet connection. This can include tasks such as adding or removing users, granting or revoking access permissions and viewing logs of access events. Cloud-based systems can also provide added benefits such as data backup and disaster recovery, automatic software updates, and the ability to access the system from any internet-connected device.
Our Castle Security specialists offer cloud-based capabilities with our recommended access control systems.
POWER OUTAGES
The behaviour of an access control system during a power outage depends on the specific system and its configuration.
- Some systems are designed to continue to function during a power outage using backup batteries or other forms of power storage. These systems can continue to grant or deny access based on the stored information, even if the power is out.
- Other systems may have a built-in fail-safe mode that automatically unlocks all doors in the event of a power outage, to allow building occupants to exit the building safely.
- Some systems can also operate on a standalone mode, which means all the access rights, rules, and users are stored on the controller and not on a centralized server, so they will still operate in case of a power failure or no internet connectivity.
It is important to have a plan and consider power backup solutions, in case of power failure, to ensure the access control system continues to function as needed for the safety and security of the building and its occupants.
Castle Security provides redundancy should the power go out. We ensure a battery backup is in place to keep the system powered for some time.
Should there be a power outage for a prolonged period of time internal doors are set to fail safe. This means they will be automatically unlocked. External doors are set to fail secure, meaning they will remain locked. So having a key override for at least one external door is required.
Here at Castle Security, we are more than happy to discuss with you, your access control needs and requirements. Contact us today to find out more.