Access Control Systems: Choosing the Right One for Your Building 

It’s necessary to be aware of the many system types and that access control systems are not universal when thinking about establishing or upgrading one to suit your company’s needs.

This article will discuss the need for access control, how access control operates, and how a real-time access control system can help your business streamline operations.

First, what is access control? A security system can include an access control system. It controls access to both physical and virtual systems by identifying users and confirming their multiple login credentials. When a potential user is confirmed to be authorized, the access control system will authorize the proper access level and link it to the user’s credentials.

So, what are the 4 Types of systems of Access Control?

• Mandatory Access Control: This type of access control is the most restrictive and secure because only the product owner or administrator has the authority to manage access. Therefore, different information clearances and security levels are assigned to users. Mandatory access control is most commonly used in sensitive settings, such as the military or government.
• Role-Based Access Control: The system is increasingly overtaking all others as the most often used one since it allows the administrator to provide each user only the level of access necessary for them to perform their duties successfully. It typically saves time when setting up or changing a system user and is also very beneficial to business owners and IT administrators.
• Discretionary Access Control: The system offers the most liberty and is regarded as the least restrictive. Access control with discretion is a simple-to-use technology that works best for businesses that want flexibility. However, since the operator may not be the only individual who has access, it could not be fully secure as it should be.
• Rule-Based Access Control: The system is dependent on several characteristics and external variables, such as the time of day and the location, for example. When using a rule-based system, you can define the conditions under which access to data, office space, and similar things is allowed.

How to choose the right one for you? There are several factors you should think about while determining which choice is best for you.

• What kind of security do you need? Identifying your building’s present security needs and goals is the first step in choosing the best one. Because most access control systems are adaptable, you can expand or reduce your usage as needed.

Evaluate what hazards to your company are coming from the inside and the outside before installing an access control system. You need it to be flexible enough to accommodate the changing nature of your company while still ensuring the protection of your assets, personnel, and data.You should also decide who will assist you in making your choice at this time, as well as your budget.

• What kind of system are you planning to use? When trying to decide, you’ll discover that you have choices: based on which best suits your security needs, you can select a more conventional keycard system or something more modern, like a biometric system.

Each technique has benefits and drawbacks. Keycards are a simple example, yet they can be misplaced. It is possible to use a key code, but your staff may choose to record it on paper so they can keep it in mind, risking the security of the company’s system, or they may just forget it.

Instead of using a physical keycard or fob, a Bluetooth-enabled system enables you to gain access using a mobile application. These appear to be the best controls and are simple to handle.
Biometrics, such as employee faces, fingerprints, or retinas, offer the highest level of security if you require enhanced security. Even more, security can be achieved by using two-factor identification, which requires two different forms of identity to enter, such as a keycode and a retina scan. These are more costly yet provide the greatest level of security.

• What about a combined surveillance system? Your company can benefit from the effectiveness of an interconnected system, which includes camera surveillance as a component of the access control, by implementing an access control system. You can utilize the data from these systems to determine who is accessing your assets and facility. Real-time data from an interconnected surveillance system can efficiently guarantee the safety of your institution. Combining the two can help you cut costs since your system will only need to be handled by one company, making security easier to manage and lower expenses.

Every company can profit from having an access control system, but not everyone is familiar with the different types of their options. You can ensure you have the ideal security solution to serve the demands of your organization now and in the future by scheduling an evaluation with a professional security company.