Most people likely associate door access control systems with commercial and institutional buildings. We commonly see door access control systems in places like hospitals, schools, large corporate buildings, and other places that need to maintain tight control over who can enter the premises. But door access control systems are a great way to make your home or business even more secure.
Door access control systems for your home or business also offer some conveniences and may even save you money in the long run. Door access control systems let you get rid of keys, for one thing, and all of the hassles that come with keeping track of keys. With door access control systems, you simply configure something like a key fob that grants access to approved people, and you never have to think about keys or changing locks again.
Door access control systems for your home or business also grant you the ability to carefully control who can enter your home or building. What is more, you have a digital record of all entries to the buildings. Door access control systems simply offer greater security, freedom, and control than conventional locks and keys.
What are door access control systems? What are the different types of door access control systems? And what are the benefits of door access control systems for your home or business?
What are door access control systems?
Door access control systems make it possible to secure entry to a building with an electronic and digital system that can only be operated with an approved mode of entry. Rather than conventional locks and keys, door access control systems use electronic locks that only work with something like card readers, key fobs, access codes, or other forms of electronic access devices.
Because door access control systems are digitally controlled, they also keep track of all access to the building. This data is stored so that you have a record of everyone that entered the premises and when they entered the premises. Door access control systems not only make your home or business more secure, but they also give you greater control over who enters the building.
Door access control systems are also connected to your alarm system. This means any unauthorized attempt to enter the building, or any forced entry will trigger the alarm. You have total control over how this alarm interface is configured. You can configure the door access control system to set off alarms, notify you, and notify the police in the event of any unauthorized attempts to enter the building.
Types of door access control systems
The technology of door access control has led to multiple types of these systems. Each satisfies certain types of needs. The main types of door access control systems include:
Mandatory Access Control, or MAC
This type of door access control system gives access only to the owner or custodian of the system. No one else has any control or privileges over the system. MAC systems were originally the most secure systems available. They came with configured designations like Classified, Secret, and Unclassified. Mac door access control systems make it possible to configure varying levels of access based on codes. For example, if 600 provided full access, anyone with a code of 500 or lower would automatically be restricted to specific areas or restricted entry at specific times.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Role-based access control configures access based on the roles individuals play in having access to the site. These systems make it possible to grant full access to some, such as managers and top-level personnel, and restrict access to others. These systems make it easier for administrators to set the parameters of access without having to sort through who is entering the premises at all times. For example, there is no reason why custodial staff would need to have access to areas where highly sensitive information is stored. At the same time, custodial staff does need access to some parts of a building when others are not typically in the building. With RBAC door access control systems, you can determine ahead of time different levels of access based on what people need.
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
The discretionary access control system is more restrictive than other models. DAC systems give one person complete discretionary control over access to the site at any time. It also allows the administrator access to everything on the site. The main disadvantage of DAC systems is that the discretionary user can access anything at any time, which means the danger exists that this use could compromise the system.
Role-based Access Control (RB-RBAC)
These systems grant access to certain individuals based on what they do on the site. For example, if certain people need access to some areas of the building, or some types of files, only at certain times, the RB-RBAC will grant that access during designated times and deny access the rest of the time. This means people who need access to computer systems, for example, during working hours would not have access to those computer systems at any other time.
Door access control systems benefits in Florida
Door access control systems offer tremendous benefits in Florida. There are plenty of obvious reasons to maintain security for your home or business in Florida, and some homeowners and business owners can qualify for insurance breaks in Florida by installing door access control systems. Some of the immediate benefits of door access control systems in Florida include:
Get rid of traditional keys
Conventional lock and key access have obvious disadvantages. Keys get lost easily. Once someone loses a key, the locks need to be changed and new keys need to be issued. This means going through everyone who needs access to a building and determining who gets the correct keys. With door access control systems, lost access passes, cards, and key fobs are simply rendered unauthorized, and new access configurations are made. Nothing needs to be changed other than the configurations at the central administration point.
Keys can also be easily duplicated. There is no way to duplicate or counterfeit door access control methods. Access codes, cards, and key fobs are unique. In the event of unauthorized use of any of these things, you can reconfigure the access codes and deny access to anyone who has gotten unauthorized use.
Keep track of who accesses
Conventional access systems do not record who enters the property. Door access control systems are digital and record all points of entry. This data is stored. You and any authorized administrators can review this data at any time to keep track of who is entering the building and when they entered the building. In the event of a security breach or other unlawful activity, you can easily see who had access to the building at what time.
Protection
It is nearly impossible to breach doors and access points with door access control systems. There are no visible locks to breach, the system is completely seamless, and doors are not accessible to mechanical tampering. The digital system locks the doors from within the building, and the only way to open them is through the door access control system itself. What is more, door access control systems are tied into your full security system. Any attempt to breach the entry points will immediately trigger the security system, complete with alarms and notifications to the police. If anyone attempts to use the system in ways that are unauthorized there is a record of this that is stored in the data.
Safe environment
Door access control systems create a safe environment for your family and/or your employees. Since there is no way for anyone to enter the building, people can comfortably go about life without any concern about entering the building. Even while people are working or going about a normal day, the door access control system maintains a secure and safe environment in which no unauthorized entry can occur.
Data breach
All data for your door access control system can be stored offsite or in cloud storage. This means all of your access data is safe from a data breach. As noted above, some access control systems can be configured to control who has access to other types of data that pertain to your business. This too is monitored and recorded. Any unauthorized access or use of your sensitive data can be tracked and stopped to prevent a data breach. Door access control systems keep the grounds secure and your data secure.
Increase ease of access
Ease of access may be a specially important benefit for homeowners. Door access control systems are simply easier to use than locks and keys. You simply swipe a card or a key fob and you have access. Ease of access means people can get to a secure space with greater speed and efficiency than with older conventional modes of access.
Features to look in a door access control system
Before investing in a door access control system, there are some important things to think about. Features to consider before buying a door access control system include:
Access authority configuration
Access authority levels can be, and should be, configured for everyone who is issued an access mode like a card, badge, or key fob. With this, varying levels of access can be configured depending on what individuals do inside the building. You should be able to grant full access to some and restricted access to others simply by a central control point.
Automatic door management
Door access should be able to be managed for different times and different types of use. This means automatic doors should only be accessible during specific times. You should be able to easily reconfigure this access for other uses in the building, special events for example. There should also be an automatic lockdown mode that shuts off access entirely in the event of an emergency. You should also be able to configure these options differently for the various levels of access.
Unique alarm notifications
Another feature to look for is the ability to set different alarm notifications. This would mean different alarms for non-urgent, urgent, and emergency situations For example, there should be a different alarm for a non-urgent situation like when someone holds the door open than there would be for an urgent solution such as when someone tries to force entry.
Circle Security Solutions offers a full range of security services. We offer consulting, installation, monitoring, and maintenance for all security needs and systems. Circle Security Solutions has fully qualified staff who can install the correct security system for your home or business in Florida. With more than 40 years of experience serving the security needs of the great Miami area, Circle Security Solutions knows how to provide the right security system for your home or business.
The professional staff at Circle Security Solutions can offer the best door access control system for your home or business. We can also set up your door access control system so it is fully integrated into your security system.
Wrapping things up
Keeping your home or business secure is your main priority. Ensuring the safety of your family or your employees is always the number one concern for any homeowner or business owner. This is why it makes sense to consider switching to a door access control system.
Door access control systems do away with conventional locks and keys and all the complications that come with them. You no longer need to worry about lost or stolen keys. In the event that someone were to lose a door access badge or key fob, you simply reconfigure the access code from a central point. No need to change locks and issue new keys.
Door access control systems are also far more secure than key systems. You can configure varying levels of access based on varying levels of security, and you can do this from a central administrative point. This means high levels of security are kept in place where needed and all access can be granted where it is necessary.
To get started with a door access control system, consult with the professionals at Circle Security Solutions.
