The Changing Face of Access Control

Add value and intelligence to your specification

Access control today is much more than simply controlling entrances and exits. Sure, that’s still important but now it can provide new value to your security specification in ways you may not have considered.

The continued march of access control to the network, referred to as Internet Protocol (IP) transmission, offers additional possibilities and lends itself to bringing data, business intelligence and other functionality to the system. We’re well-versed in networking and work closely with IT departments and other stakeholders to ensure that cyber security processes, protocols and procedures are followed and no vulnerabilities exist during any stage of design-build, system commissioning or daily use. At APL Access & Security, we always work with the industry’s leading access control manufacturers and custom-design the specification to meet your specific needs.

Cards, keypads or proximity (hands-free) readers can control entrances and also be used to obtain productivity data and a history of who entered/exited and at what time. It’s perfect for human resources time and attendance functions and also to follow the occupancy of a space. For example, when a card initiates and opens a door to the facility, lights can be programmed to turn on and set HVAC running to normal temperatures for an occupied space. It can also be used in tandem with video surveillance. In this instance, the access control is integrated so as to start cameras recording at the door that’s being accessed, providing another level of accountability and a visual record of who entered or tried to gain entrance in the event of an alarm or an alert.

Exciting opportunities for access control

In a manufacturing or industrial facility, access solutions control machinery or restrict untrained personnel from using certain equipment, improving overall safety or ensuring workers are current with compliance regulations or training certifications. It can trigger inputs to turn machinery off or to lower, idling speeds after long periods of inactivity, reducing energy consumption.

Wireless access control has become more robust and reliable, with signal strength that penetrates the thickest walls and traverses long distances without signal loss or degradation. With wireless access control, you don’t have to dig and trench for cabling, which may be cost-prohibitive or simply impossible at some facilities. Wireless access control can be used for a full-deployment specification, or to fill in gaps at certain areas or remote buildings.

Biometrics increasingly find their way into security system designs. Their price continues to drop and users can take advantage of fingerprint, hand geometry, facial recognition or retinal/iris scans. The technology offers a higher level of security and of course a higher price tag, however, it is generally deployed selectively in sensitive or high-risk areas. Those areas could include: data centers, laboratories, computer rooms, healthcare pharmaceutical storage or rooms with expensive capital equipment.

Access control is a mainstay of physical security and can provide additional value to your specification. Contact APL Access & Security today to explore all the possibilities.