Electronic Access Control Systems have many advantages including the ability to monitor real time activity, on site and remotely off site. There are a variety of ways for you to gain access, the most commonly used is the fob or smart access card, however biometric technologies include fingerprint, facial recognition, iris recognition, retinal scan and voice, which are also available.
The advantages of using an electronic access control system include:
- the ability to monitor real time activity, on site and remotely off site
- staff time keeping logs
- emergency evacuation call list logs
- secure room access activity logs
- the ability to unlock doors remotely or via schedule
- to reduce your costs and increase service levels to staff / visitors
- provide occupancy levels
We are frequently asked about power failure and how it can affect the electronic access control. Where possible we install Power over Ethernet systems and install uninterruptible power supply (UPS) which will support the required number of access points with the correctly calculated power demand to cover your business needs and keep your mind at peace.
We are an NSI Gold-accredited company in respect of the access control systems we install. To achieve NSI Gold, we have to demonstrate that Ecl-ips operates a Quality Management System (QMS) and this QMS is compliant with the BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Standard. Implementing a QMS affects every aspect of an organisation’s performance.
What is Access Control?
Access control is the ability to permit or deny the use of a particular resource by a particular entity. Mechanisms can be used in managing physical resources (such as a cinema, to which only ticket holders should be admitted), logical resources (a bank account, with a limited number of people authorised to make a withdrawal) or digital resources (for example, a private text document on a computer, which only certain users should also be able to read).
Electronic Access Control System components
An access control point, which can be a door, turnstile, parking gate, elevator, or other physical barrier where granting access can be electrically controlled.
Typically the access point is a door. An electronic access control door can contain several elements. At its most basic there is a stand-alone electronic lock. In larger applications involving more than one door, electric strikes or magnetic locks are used. The lock is unlocked by an operator with a switch. To automate this, operator intervention is replaced by a reader. The reader could be a keypad where a code is entered, it could be a card reader, or it could be a biometric reader. Readers do not usually make an access decision but send a card number to an access control panel that verifies the number against an access list.
To monitor the door position a magnetic door switch is used. In concept the door switch is not unlike those on refrigerators or car doors. Generally only entry is controlled and exit is uncontrolled.
In cases where exit is also controlled a second reader is used on the opposite side of the door. In cases where exit is not controlled, free exit, a device called a request-to-exit (REX) is used. Request-to-exit devices can be a push button or a motion detector. When the button is pushed or the motion detector detects motion at the door, the door alarm is temporarily ignored while the door is opened. Exiting a door without having to electrically unlock the door is called mechanical free egress. This is an important safety feature. In cases where the lock must be electrically unlocked on the exit, the request-to-exit device also unlocks the door.
Access Control systems installed and maintained by Ecl-ips
We install access control systems from leading brands like Paxton and Avigilon to match your specific security needs.
Paxton Access Control
If you’re looking to enhance your security systems and improve safeguarding for everyone on your site, while also providing cost-effective, easy access, then the electronic access control solutions from Paxton are the ideal choice. Paxton Access designs and manufactures intelligent, innovative electronic access control products, and its solutions are straightforward for those responsible for access management in businesses, schools, colleges, and other organisations, while remaining intuitive for end users.
Avigilon Unity and Avigilon Alta
Avigilon offers its on-premise, Avigilon Unity, and cloud-based Avigilon Alta solutions. Avigilon Unity is 100% browser-based access control system and requires no software installation, and can be fully integrated with Avigilon Unity Video.
Avigilon Alta delivers reliable keyless, mobile access control with smart video, intercom capabilities and cloud-based access control software.
Ecl-ips can provide single-door solutions to enterprise-wide access control systems across multiple sites that integrate seamlessly with our CCTV systems. Our experts design cost-effective configurations tailored to your business.
Nick Pinfield, Managing Partner of Chartered Accountants Pinfields, explains how installing access control has helped his firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is access control?
Access control is the ability to permit or deny the use of a particular resource by a particular entity.
What is touchless access control?
Touchless access control systems can complement or replace traditional access card methods, enhancing hygiene and convenience as they do not require the user to physically touch the reader or door handle to gain access. A touchless door handle or touchless door knob can be integrated to work with different types of credentials, including proximity cards, biometric indicators and app-based controls, with none of these methods requiring physical touch to unlock doors.
What are the components of access control?
An access control point, which can be a door, turnstile, parking gate, elevator, or other physical barrier where granting access can be electrically controlled.
Why do I need access control?
Access management allows you to manage your building access efficiently, enhancing overall site security. They give you the ability to monitor people entering buildings, or parts of your site both if you are on site or off site via remote access.
What are the benefits of having access control?
The benefits of having electronic access control include:
- the ability to monitor real time activity, on site and remotely off site
- staff time keeping logs
- emergency evacuation call list logs
- secure room access activity logs
- different security levels for staff, visitors, and contractors
- the ability to unlock doors remotely or via schedule
- to reduce your costs and increase service levels to staff / visitors
- provide occupancy levels
What is the advantage of keyless access control?
Traditional keys can be copied or stolen, and locks can be picked. In contrast, a keyless lock system, particularly those with encryption, can offer improved security. Touchless systems that do not require fobs or cards could be regarded as the most secure.
What access control solutions can you offer?
Our main access control partner is Paxton Access Control, a UK manufacturer specialising in building access management solutions, but we also offer solutions from Avigilon, Videx and for access control within IT spaces we have the APC Netbotz solution.
What are the main access control solutions from Paxton?
Paxton’s main access control solutions are Net 2, Paxton 10, Paxlock and Paxton Door Entry.
Can you integrate access control with other security solutions?
Yes, the Paxton Net 2 access control software can be integrated with intruder alarms and CCTV systems. Additionally the Avigilon Access Control Manager can be integrated with the Avigilon Control Center CCTV software.
