Access Control

Access Control and Door Entry Systems

T H WHITE Energy, Fire & Security offers the latest access control and door entry technologies and features from Paxton AccessControlsoft and Honeywell Security UK.

We have worked with all sizes of client on all types of job, installing and maintaining single control point solutions through to multi-entry role-based site access control systems including gate entrance with ANPR cameras at schools and commercial sites.

Access control (otherwise known as Door Entry system) performs authorisation identification, authentication, access approval, and accountability of entities through login credentials including passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), biometric scans, and physical or electronic keys.

 

Before we explore the types of door entry systems available, it is necessary to understand how having one may help your business or premises.  We will therefore discuss the level of control and accountability you require when scoping your needs.   A basic system uses a keypad or swipe, but there are applications that offer higher security that request multiple authentications (for example the combination of a card and thumbprint). When choosing a system, you may need to consider the level of redundancy you deem fit for your type of business. This determines your choice of technologies available and how each works.

Review our types of door access control systems below or learn more about our suppliers:

Controlsoft        Paxton       

Honeywell 

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Types of door access control systems:

Stand-alone Locks

Stand-alone locks are installed to control access on a single door. The lock’s operation is aided by internal replaceable batteries and can be unlocked using a keypad, a card or both. The benefit of a stand-alone lock is the fact it can be operational in minutes after installation. Some versions come with hand-held readers that can extract an audit trail from the door’s lock. However, these types of locks cannot be used in a broader network.

Proximity Readers

This is the most common option door entry system. The system is easy-to-use and in the event a user loses the card, making a replacement is easy. One can also deactivate the card easily and issue a new one. Additional verification methods like the use of photo IDs may also be included in this technology. Time and attendance packages can be added to the basic system to allow effective and efficient access control management.

Biometric Systems

Biometric systems use the physical characteristics (example: retinal scans, handprints or fingerprints) of users to identify them. By far, biometric systems are the most secure access control methods. However, they are costlier than other methods mentioned above and can appear invasive to people who are forced to use them frequently. Additionally, they are suited to places that do not experience high flows of human traffic.

Network Access Control

Networked access control systems provide affordable and expandable access control solutions. They also offer a multitude of administrative benefits, including time and attendance, fire roll call reports, security lock down and anti-pass back. You can integrate a networked access control system with other systems such as your fire alarm or intruder alarm and commonly with CCTV. An example of this would be an integrated CCTV connection resulting in an alert where someone unlocks a door using a pan tilt zoom (PTZ) camera. The camera can then point at the specific door and start recording. It can also alert a camera to start recording at a higher frame rate when the door opens. With most systems, you can also access CCTV footage via the access control software as well as receive email and text alerts when a person opens or unlocks a door or leaves it open.

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