Access Control: Securing Facilities of Any Size
The greatest security vulnerability is the human element. Whether it is employee turnover, procedural lapses, unauthorized key duplication or device tampering, controlling access is a challenge for every facility. There are multiple avenues to mitigate risks caused by these sources including key control, secured keyways, and access control. Today we are going to look at 3 tiers of access control systems to explore which system can best meet the needs of your facility.
Critical Questions:
Before viewing specific system types, take a moment to weigh some important questions about your current and future potential. How will employees, visitors and vendors navigate your controlled access doors? What access devices would you like to allow? How many doors will you need to add in the foreseeable future? How will changes be made to access credentials? Which departments/people should have access to the credentialing system? An example of why these questions are important is vendor and visitor management. In many facilities, it is critical to keep vendors and visitors out of key areas. Some of these systems are flexible enough to enable you to temporarily grant access to specified areas for vendors and visitors. Whether you have preset fobs or cards for different types of groups, or would like to program them as needed during the sign in process, there are systems flexible enough to accommodate these needs. You will need to answer questions about your current and projected needs to be sure you are buying the right type of system the first time, protecting your investment in a workable system.
The systems referenced here are all scalable to varying degrees, and the process of adding additional doors or sites is seamless. Choosing a system that can grow with you, and handle the methods of operation that will work for your company will prevent paying to replace a system rather than choosing a system capable of flexible expansion.
Access Control: Offline, Standalone Option
This tier offers simple code access for your facility. These systems feature code access locks with LED status indicators, and require manual programming. While there are some models in this tier with more advanced features such as audit trail, they are largely bare bones, simple and reliable. We typically recommend Trilogy for this type of access control. They are consistently durable, with an operating temperature range between -31F - 151F, and are rated for indoor and outdoor operation. They are generally battery powered, with AA batteries that can run 60,000 - 120,000 cycles depending on the model. Each unit features low battery alerts to help ensure your system can operate continuously.
Optional Features:
They can be ordered to fit IC cores, so the key backup can likely work with your existing Interchangeable system. Some models offer an increased number of user access codes, ranging from 100 to 2000 unique user access codes. There are also solutions for more unique access control situations such as openings that require keypad entry in both directions. More advanced models in this line can allow for user access scheduling and software-based credential control.
Access Control: Hybrid System
For facilities that would benefit from a more hands-on integrated approach to access control, a hybrid system can be a great fit. These systems offer a blend of smart phone, fob, code or card access, managed via an app or on a PC. These systems do not live update, as the lock is not directly connected to the cloud. Instead, the lock sends and receives information through the app when users interact with the lock using their smart phones. As users enter codes, cards, or fobs, the audit information is saved in the lock and that information is transmitted the next time someone enters using a smart phone. Communication occurs in both directions, so the lock may be updated in this way as well. Low battery warnings and device alerts are communicated through the app as well. We recommend Centrios for hybrid access systems. This system is compatible with iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge. This system grows with your business, allowing up to 200 devices in one system. It features end to end encryption for security, can support multiple access methods on the same device, and offers 3 different models to suit varied needs. The cloud service carries a low monthly fee, but is free for facilities only requiring up to 5 locks.
Features:
The Smart Reader model takes wired power, and works with nearly all doors that have powered openers, gates, a mag lock or electric strike up to 2 Amps. Rated for indoor and outdoor use, it operates in temperatures ranging from -40F - 122F. There is also an option to add an expansion unit with an LED that relays lock status and features a button to allow you to end passage mode with one touch.
Cylindrical locks in this system are battery powered with a 9vdc power backup. This allows for both mechanical key and Bluetooth access.
Padlocks: The padlocks in this series can operate for up to 6 months on a single charge. It also allows for Bluetooth connections with your phone. It carries IP67 waterproof and dust proof ratings, and is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. Spray tested with salt water for 240 hours, and operates within the -2F - 120F temperature range and a 32F - 113F charging temperature range. The warranty covers mechanical, finish and electronic issues for 2 years. Access is granted and revoked via the app.
Access Control: Full Service
The top tier carries the full spectrum of features. The locks are connected to the cloud, and the entire system is fully controllable through either the app or a PC. The database lives in the cloud, so there is no on-premises database or dedicated PC needed to run the system. They carry two options, one for small businesses that feature cloud-based app-only management, and desktop or app access for large or multi-site businesses. Switching from small/medium to a large model is seamless and instantaneous as the upgrade is limited to the cloud. No database transfer needs to be managed by your employees, and no additional hardware beyond any additional locks for your doors. Designed to grow with you, this system is scalable from 1 door to thousands of doors without needing to update existing hardware. Programming changes can be pushed to the lock remotely, allowing for quick systemwide updates. Adding hardware to your system is seamless. There are no subscription fees, just a flat per-door up front cost.
Features:
We recommend the Napco MVP system for full service access control systems. There are many features available that enhance both security and ease of use. Video integrations with DW, Hanwha Wave, ExacqVision and Milestone XProtect VMS enable access with live and recorded video, alarms, users and remote door control from a single interface. The system allows your facility to streamline onboarding, print and issue access cards from the BadgeHub mobile app, and update automatically. Account admin allows customizable add/delete settings, remote door controls, emergency alerts, and enables lockdown when needed. Designed to handle up to 25,000 stored cardholders, this system is designed for scalability and flexible function without sacrificing ease of use throughout, and works with a wide variety of hardware styles.
