Every organization aspires to have a safe working environment, and to achieve this, an access control system is a must have. Access control solutions have a significant impact on helping organizations strengthen zone limits and enhance on-site security. This article is an excellent place to start if you are considering an access control system for your office. To aid you in making decisions, we delve deep and give detailed descriptions of each solution.
Biometric Access Control
When people are exposed to the idea of biometric access control, they are often doubtful and presume it is not something that can be useful in regular businesses, however, this could not be further from reality. Although it is much less common in the office setting, it is fast becoming a feasible solution to different office and facility settings.
As the name implies, biometric access control uses a person’s bodily features and distinctive traits to permit them entry into a space. As shown in science fiction movies, this is often accomplished with a fingerprint, face or retina scan. The system checks the distinctive identifiers with a copy of the data that was previously saved. The system then confirms the user’s identification and permits entry if they match. The entry points remain closed, and access is prohibited if the data does not match. Biometric access control systems can assure improved security and offer trustworthy data for attendance management since these distinctive traits are unique to everyone.
Card Access Control
It’s most likely how you entered your hotel room the last time you stayed at a major chain and is one of the most widely used and well-known types of access control. Similar to key fob access control, card access control uses a credential that is fashioned like a credit card rather than a fob. To determine whether the user will be permitted entry or not, credentials of the card are verified by a card reader and or a controller connected to the card reader, which is often fixed on the door or the wall adjacent to it.
A notable downside to using access card-based access control is the potential loss of the card, which could jeopardize the security of the system. They are also easily exchangeable, thus increasing the chances of a security breach. Therefore, access cards are best suited for low-risk offices with less stringent access control policies.
Mobile Access Control
Mobile access control is the most recent development in access control systems and the most convenient in the opinion of many. Mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches serve as a person’s access credentials, allowing or preventing access in accordance with pre-set access permissions.
In most applications, the system often connects between the phone and the reader via Bluetooth. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which automatically couples the device with the reader, is used to create a secure connection eliminating the need to manually pair them.
It is also possible to utilize NFC (Near Field Communication) to link the two systems. NFC&’s one flaw is that it only enables a very short range of communication, enabling the system to connect from a few inches away. While Bluetooth allows users to communicate with the reader from a distance of a few feet.
Multi-factor Authentication
The term ” multi-factor authentication” refers to the use of at least two different biometrics to prove identification or acquire access. To establish your identity or obtain access, you must use at least two different methods or credentials. It is recommended to employ multi-factor authentication for increased security especially in high-risk areas.
QR Reader
Modern establishments are increasingly using QR Codes as an ideal authentication method, especially in situations where access is granted temporarily. The solution typically includes software that quickly generate a unique QR code. These temporary codes can be set to allow access for a limited amount of time, certain days of the week, a limited number of uses, and entry limited to certain areas, floors, or zones of the building. The user only needs to display the QR code from their smartphone, and the reader will instantly scan it to verify their access privileges within the predetermined time/use conditions.
UHF Reader
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) is the term used to describe the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) band that spans 300 MHz to 3 GHz. Through an RFID antenna, the UHF reader emits radio waves at specified frequencies. The waves ”charge” the tags, allowing them to communicate by producing a distinct ID. After recognizing and validating a UHF-equipped vehicle, the reader activates the output, which opens the access barrier and grants entry. UHF allows for vehicle entry to be restricted using specific user-defined criteria, especially at important sites where authorized admittance is necessary. The tags do not need batteries and can be used for very long periods.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition – ANPR
Conversely, this might not be the most critical or pertinent aspect of any office’s security plan. It might be a crucial component in maintaining the security of your business and controlling external access. Automatic Number Plate Recognition is a type of access control system that reads a car’s license plate and compares it to a database to determine whether to allow admission (due to pre-authorization) or to allow the driver to purchase or obtain a pass. When utilized properly, they can be a vital component of an office’s security strategy and prove to be worth their weight in gold.
Conclusion
How can you be sure that the partners you find are of the highest caliber and that they can integrate with your building’s existing systems as you search for the best access control system? The answer resides at USS; we guide you in selecting a solution that will work with the entire platform and increase the degree of security at your location. Our products not only enhance working spaces and make them more appealing to employees and guests, but they also help you in keeping up with the changing demands in a technological world that is becoming increasingly complicated.