What is an Access Control System?
The increase in technological solutions for security purposes has given rise to one of the most effective security solutions are an access control system. An access control system regulates the entry and exit of personnel as well as guarantees the protection of resources that are in their view or use in any organization.
With the use of authorization and identification, an access control system ensures that the identity of the person matches the records and has proper access to the organization's data. Overall, access control systems provide security and control to organizations, at certain dates and times, allowing them access to specific areas of the building.
The Three Elements of Access Control
The access control system is one of the best fundamental practices for security that applies to almost all areas, like physical security, information, and data security, and so on. The application of access control ranges from monitoring access at homes to highly secured government areas. Therefore, it is necessary to understand fundamental security concepts. The three key elements of the access control systems are as follows:
1. Identification: The role of access control is highly valuable in correct identification of an individual to ensure the security of any form. The identification can take place in the form of image capture, thumb impression, video surveillance, face recognition, identity cards, and so on. The access control system matches the data entered with one that is stored in the memory to provide access to an individual.
2. Authentication: To provide access to an individual, it is vital to verify the information obtained. The individual should be the right person to access the information. Authentication involves verifying a password that is linked to the username, matching fingerprints, face details, smartcards, and so on.
3. Authorization: Once the access control system matches the information that is entered to the one that is stored. The permission is granted to an individual to access the facility or any information, if the data does not match, immediate action is taken with the help of an alarm system or by sending notification to the security unit.
Why is Access Control an Important Aspect in Security?
Access control is an important aspect of security as it can be used to monitor and control the accessibility of an individual to office buildings, data resources, and other information or places. The key goal of an access control system is to provide a high level of security that reduces the risk to an organization by helping to keep facilities, data, buildings, information, and employees secure. The following are a few points that highlight the importance of access control systems in maintaining security:
- The data is only accessible to authorized personnel. Therefore, the data is safe and secure.
- With the use of video surveillance, you can keep a check on the movement of people.
- The data is protected from theft or any kind of harm.
- There is a control in the accessibility to the building and information.
- Permissions can be easily provided and blocked as per the change of roles in the organization.
- Any type of unauthorized entry can be detected quickly.
Increased Control and Security
The access control system has the biggest advantage for a building that needs to be secured. The traditional keys do not provide user-level access control that access systems control systems can provide you, and they definitely cannot give you a log of every entry and exit.
The access control system can overcome the limitations posed by the mechanical keys and enables an organization to acquire greater control. Also, an electronic access system will help you give permission to specific people to access certain areas in your facility. Majorly, it helps to manage the following important aspects of security:
Who has the access?
The access control system can control who has the access to the building or information. For example, you want only the top-level managers to have access to some confidential files in a room.
Which doors do they have access to?
There might be some restrictions for some employees to enter a certain area. Thus, the access control system permits only selected individuals to access certain doors or rooms. For example, you want only certain lab technicians to access chemicals in a cabinet.
What times they can gain access?
The accessibility to some places can be set as per time. The access control system can help to manage at what certain employees can gain access to a specific place. For example, you can allow junior employees access during appointed shift time whereas other senior employees can access the building any time during the day.
Under what conditions are they allowed access
There can be some pre-determined conditions where an individual is permitted to access the area. For example, a visiting technician is allowed only if they show their certificates.
Conclusion
Access control systems are an essential part of the entire security framework of any business or organization. They provide protection against insecurity, thefts, threats, vandalism, and a dependable access control solution.
The ability to control the accessibility to the building at any time is essentially crucial for the security, safety, and health of the people who work or spend time in a facility. The major benefit of an access control system can be particularly obtained by the business or organization with heavy foot traffic.
