No one wants to think about their home being in danger. At the same time, the security of your home is among your highest priorities. This is why you need to think about effective ways of keeping your home as secure as possible. One way of providing the safest environment for your home and family is with door access control.
You may think of door access control as the kind of thing more commonly found in high-security sites like hospitals and schools. But door access control for your home is a relatively easy way of making your home safer, and the initial investment pays off in the long run.
You do need the elaborate systems you see in large operations for your home. There are door access control systems made for the home. Besides added security, there are practical benefits to door access control for your home. Door access control eliminates the need for keys and locks, and offers a simplified mode of access for everyone.
What is door access control? How does door access control work? And what are the benefits of door access control for your home? This guide will offer an in-depth explanation of door access control.
What is door access control?
Door access control is an electronic and digital system whereby access to a specific place can be electronically controlled and recorded. With door access control, entry to the site is only possible with a digital entry mode, a key car, badge, key fob, etc., and the system collects and retains data of all entries to the site.
Door access control systems replace old-fashioned locks and keys with electronic entry methods. These methods are far more secure than keys, which can be duplicated or lost, and the access granted with these electronic methods can be configured at any time.
Because door access control systems store all data from each time it is used, you can track who is using the system and when they are using the system. This also means you have instant notifications of unauthorized attempts to enter, and this is linked to your security system. An attempt at forced entry, for example, would instantly notify you and the police.
How does it work?
The way door access control systems work is fairly straightforward. Rather than a lock and a key, entry to the premises is controlled with a digital system. To gain access, authorized people use an electronic access mechanism. This would be a badge, key fob, access code, or other methods by which the system recognizes who is trying to enter the building.
Each time someone uses their access mechanism, a record is made of this activity and stored. Since the system is controlled electronically from a central site, the entire system and individual access can be configured to your needs. For example, in secure sites, different levels of access can be configured into the system. You can allow some people to have full access and others would only be granted limited access.
Data records all use and activity, and you can review this data at any time. Unauthorized attempts to access your property would be recorded along with the comings and goings of those who are authorized to gain entry.
Door access control systems can also be linked to windows and other potential points of entry. These too would be linked to your main security system.
Importance of having door access control
The main reason to switch to a door access control system is increased security. Door access control systems are far more secure than locks and keys. Keys can be duplicated. They can be lost or stolen. If the access code or badge for your door access control system is compromised in any way, you can reconfigure the system immediately from a central point. All entry to your home or building would be shut down until new entry codes could be configured.
Door access control systems save you money over the long term. Because keys need to be replaced and locks get expensive to maintain, you can eliminate all of this with a single system that does not require these things. Door access control systems can simply be reconfigured as needed and used indefinitely.
To maintain the security of your home or building, the main points of entry need to be secured first and foremost. Door access control is the most effective method of security for access to your building. Since door access control systems can be extended to all doors and windows, the main points of entry are guarded at all times and linked to your central security system.
You can also configure different alarms for different purposes. Attempts at forced entry would send a different signal than a failed attempt to use the system. This cuts down on false alarms and costly overreactions.
Benefits of door access control
Door access control systems have increasingly become a standard for businesses and institutions. The tremendous benefits of door access control systems, and the variety of these systems, have now made them realistic options for homeowners. Some of the benefits of door access control systems include:
Removing traditional keys
There are drawbacks to conventional locks and keys. For instance, you may want to allow access to people other than family, and this might mean configuring different areas of access. Door access control systems make it possible to allow access to certain parts of your home while keeping other parts restricted all without the problems and hassles of multiple keys.
What is more, keys can be lost, they can be duplicated, and they can be easily damaged. Each time keys are lost or stolen, you must replace the keys, and you often need to replace the entire lock system. Door access control systems eliminate these problems. If a key badge or key fob is lost, you simply reconfigure the access codes and keep everything secure.
Keep track of who accesses
Door access control systems allow you to monitor and keep track of who is entering and leaving your building. This information can be stored and you can keep all the data. This is helpful when you need to keep an eye on activity in and around your home or building.
Protection
Door access control systems ultimately provide greater security than conventional locks and keys. Because these systems are electronically controlled and regulated, it is nearly impossible to get around them by any mechanical means. And you know who is using the door access control system at all times. These systems keep your home safe and protected. Since door access control systems are tied into your central security systems, they are just as much a part of the alarms and notification protocols you have in place for every other part of your security system.
Safe environment
Door access control systems keep you and your family safe. If you are a property owner who rents your property, these systems keep your tenants safe. This means enhanced safety and reduced liability. In the final analysis, having door access control systems in your home provides an additional layer of safety for your home.
Data breach
The data generated and stored by your door access control system is itself secure. There is no danger of a data breach that would compromise your data. You can even store this data offsite in things like cloud storage which is itself secure and safe from data breaches.
Increase ease of access
Ease of access is a practical concern. Keys and locks can be cumbersome and problematic at times. With door access control systems, entry to your home is as simple as the swipe of a card. No more fumbling around with keys while juggling bags or other items. Door access control systems are just easier to use than locks and keys.
Best door access control system
Door access control systems come in three basic types. Each of these will have manufacturers who excel at this particular type. The best door access control systems include:
Cloud-based systems
Cloud-based door access control systems use offsite servers to communicate. These are connected to the internet and to your personal devices. This allows maximum control and full control even from remote locations.
Since these systems use cloud computing and include regular updates, they generally have a licensing fee that needs to be paid to keep the system working. This fee ranges depending on the type of system you choose.
Openpath is one of the best cloud-based door access control systems. They offer four different ways to gain authorized access, touchless reader systems, and keyless entry. You can choose a mobile app, wave-to-enter, or encrypted key fobs or cards.
Network systems
Network door access control systems connect through your local network. They use cloud-based integration but generally do not have monthly fees. Network systems are some of the most reliable door access control systems.
CDVI is a leader in network door access control systems. It is one of the bedrock systems in the field. These systems support scan, touch, automatic, voice-activated, and biometric access options.
Standalone systems
Standalone door access control systems differ from other types because they are generally installed as separate lock systems and each is programmed individually. There is not always a central point for configuring the system.
Standalone systems are in many ways ideal for homeowners because they provide solid access restrictions for a few specific points of access, which is most often all you need for your home. These systems will work with cards, fobs, biometrics, and mobile identification.
Alarm Lock is a leader in standalone door access control systems. These systems are used by airports, educational facilities, and healthcare facilities. Alarm Lock also makes the alarm systems that can go with these door access control systems.
Door access control FAQs
What is door access control?
Door access control is an electronic and digital system whereby access to a specific place can be electronically controlled and recorded. With door access control, entry to the site is only possible with a digital entry mode, a key card, badge, key fob, etc., and the system collects and retains data of all entries to the site.
How does it work?
The way door access control systems work is fairly straightforward. Rather than a lock and a key, entry to the premises is controlled with a digital system. To gain access, authorized people use an electronic access mechanism. This would be a badge, key fob, access code, or other methods by which the system recognizes who is trying to enter the building.
What are the benefits of door access control?
Door access control systems eliminate the need for keys, they provide maximum security for your home, and you are able to track who is entering your home and when.
Circle Security Solutions provides full-service security consulting, installation, monitoring, and maintenance for all your security needs. With over 40 years of experience serving the greater Miami area, Circle Security Solutions knows exactly how to address your security needs.
Circle Security Solutions can install, maintain, and monitor door access control systems in your home or business. We know exactly how to guide you toward the door access control system that will best meet your security needs and your budget.
Wrapping things up
Security for your family and your home is your first priority. Above all else, you need to make sure your home and everyone in it is safe and protected. This is why so many homeowners have invested in security systems. Yet another line of defense for the security of your home is a door access control system.
Door access control systems are safer than conventional locks and keys. They make it virtually impossible to gain access to your home without authorization. What is more, you have full knowledge of everyone coming and going from your home with the digital monitoring you get from a door access control system.
Door access control systems are also simpler than conventional locks. You can safely do away with keys and all the nuisances that come with them by switching to a door access control system. With these systems, you are safer, your home is protected, and your investment pays off in the long run. Circle Security Solutions can get you started on a door access control system that fits your needs.
