Access control is the foundation of physical security for any business. But with dozens of technologies and hundreds of products on the market, specifying the right system can be overwhelming. Here's a practical guide to help you choose.
Types of Access Control
PIN/keypad systems: The simplest and most cost-effective option. Suitable for low-traffic areas where credential management is simple. The main drawback is that PINs can be shared or observed.
Card and fob readers: The most common commercial solution. Proximity cards (RFID) or key fobs are issued to authorised users. Credentials can be revoked instantly from a central management system.
Mobile credentials: Increasingly popular, these systems use a smartphone app instead of a card. Convenient for users and reduces the cost of card management.
Biometric systems: Fingerprint, facial recognition or iris scanning provides the highest level of identity assurance. Ideal for high-security areas such as server rooms or pharmaceutical storage.
What to Consider
Number of doors and users: Small systems with 1–10 doors have different requirements to enterprise deployments across hundreds of sites.
Integration requirements: Does the system need to integrate with your CCTV, alarm system or HR platform? Integration capability varies significantly between products.
Cloud vs on-premise: Cloud-managed systems offer remote access and automatic updates. On-premise systems give you full control but require local IT infrastructure.
Failsafe requirements: What happens during a power outage? Fail-safe doors unlock (for safe egress); fail-secure doors remain locked (for secure areas).
Next Steps
SecuraFence provides free access control consultations and specifications. Our team will assess your site, understand your requirements and recommend a system that fits your security needs and budget.
Learn about our access control services or get a free quote.