Physical access control protects your assets by preventing unauthorised people from entering buildings, offices, or rooms. Nowadays, logical access control, preventing unauthorised access to digital assets, is another area of concern.
The lines can become blurred. For example, a person who is able to breach logical access control systems can tamper with physical access control protocols, making it easier for unauthorised personnel to enter restricted areas. And, since your data assets are valuable in themselves, no security system is complete without both physical and logical access control systems.
At Advantex, we address both digital and physical access control concerns using the latest technologies. But, though it’s important to recognise the overlaps between the two types of access control, we’ll focus primarily on physical access control systems in this article.
Types of Physical Access Control Systems
On-premises Physical Access Control
As the name implies, on-premises physical access control systems are installed on site. The software is installed on on-site servers and access control data is stored within the same system. However, this eggs-in-one-basket approach has its drawbacks, in particular, high installation and running costs. If there are technical errors, repairing them can be time-consuming, and system maintenance and scaling are costly. It can also be difficult, even impossible, to integrate on-premises physical access control systems with other security systems.
Cloud-Based Physical Access Control Systems
This type of access control system does not rely on on-site servers and is generally more cost-effective and adaptable than on-premises systems. Because they can be managed and maintained remotely, there’s less need for people who are qualified to do so on site. In addition, they can be integrated with other security features, allowing all of them to work together for improved security.
Building managers or security can also access systems remotely, allowing them to receive alerts and check in on activity no matter where they may be. Should there be a network outage, on-premises controls take over, ensuring that access control is always effective.
How Physical Access Control Systems Verify Authorised Access
Access control systems don’t rely on old-fashioned keys. Instead, they apply various approaches to verifying whether access is permitted, and record access-related information. For example, keypad access control has advanced. Beyond requiring a user to input a personal ID code to gain access, an access control system may use IP surveillance or biometric identification like facial recognition to add an extra layer of security.
Another approach is to use cards, fobs, or smart devices for access, and once again, surveillance technologies can include biometric verification. This closes loopholes in your security. For example, cards, fobs, devices, and even access codes can be stolen. It also helps to keep your employees safer since any attempts to coerce them into granting access can be spotted by IP cameras, triggering alerts.
Integration of Access Control Systems With Other Systems: The Benefits
Integration between cloud-based access control systems, CCTV systems and intruder alarm systems has obvious security advantages. When something seems amiss and you receive an alert, you can check in to see what’s going on without physically having to be on site. Alarms from IP camera systems will trigger rapid responses that might save the day in the event of an emergency. For example, an intruder might be caught after gaining access through “tailgating,” slipping into an area behind a bona fide personnel member.
Beyond this, there are material advantages to an access control system that can integrate with building management systems. For example, you can improve energy-efficiency and save costs by automating heating and air conditioning systems based on occupancy. The larger your facility, the greater these savings will be.
What to Look for in an Access Control System
When choosing a physical access control system, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, you want an easy-to-use system that lets authorised personnel in and keeps would-be intruders out. But that’s just the beginning. Look for:
- Scalability that allows your organisation room to grow
- Integration with building management systems, security cameras, and alarms
- Remote monitoring features
- Real time monitoring and alerts
- Data gathering and analytics features
- The services and support your provider offers
Last, but not least, choose a company that specialises in multi-technology solutions. To keep your assets safe, you’ll need robust physical access control, but you’ll also need strong logical access control in the form of cyber security services.
At Advantex, we specialise in technologies that work together to protect you. And, since access control, whether it’s to safeguard your physical facilities or your data, is rooted in technology, our expertise matches your needs for enhanced overall security. Contact us to find out how we can help you integrate digital and physical security for a holistic risk management solution.
