let's initiate
13 Oct 2022 • Dylan Brink

Controlled Access Doors

One way to limit who can enter a building is by using door access control systems. A door access control system may be installed at one or more doors to ensure that only people with permission may enter. Any area of the building, such as the main entrance, service or back entrances, individual apartments, etc., can be used as the location for the door holding the access control system. Whether you own or operate a business or multifamily complex, a door access control system is essential for ensuring the security of your tenants, staff, and property.

The most common technique of entering an automatic door is, without a doubt, using a traditional lock and key. However, this puts your building in danger because keys are so simple to lose or steal. A key fob system, keypad, or intercom with an electronic controller are the usual components of electronic door entry systems. Electronic controllers can be configured to restrict access to only authorized users. A mobile door access control system is the most practical option given how pervasive the Internet of Things (IoT) has grown in modern culture - it controls our smartphones, televisions, watches, and even certain automobiles. In high-security commercial buildings, automated door access control is standard.

What advantages come from using Controlled Access Doors?

01. Keys and mechanical locks alone are insufficient

Keys and locks partially control access door systems. The owner of the correct key is the only one who can unlock a door after it has been locked, depending on how the lock is configured. Mechanical locks and keys may be helpful for domestic access control systems because they do not limit the key holder to specific times or dates. However, they are not the best option for remote installations. This is true since mechanical locks and keys don't have a set time or date. It is simple to copy or distribute keys to unauthorized people because these door access control systems do not track which key was used on which door. Whenever a mechanical key is lost, or the person who previously held the key is no longer permitted to enter the restricted area, the locks must be rekeyed to maintain the business's security. From a security perspective, the most crucial aspect to consider when contrasting mechanical and electronic door entry systems is the capability to cancel access. 

02. Any homeowner who wants to grant or deny access to others must make a choice

either they either repair or rekey the locks to ensure the security of the property, or they must permanently trust those people once the keys are returned. The advantage of being substantially more secure than traditional locks is that of electronic locks. When using electronic keys, the option to deny access is simpler and more likely to be used.

03. Security and Reliable Door Access Controls

Computers are used in electronic central doors and access systems to get beyond the limitations of mechanical locks and keys. There are several different methods for replacing mechanical keys. You may unlock your doors using a key fob, a swipe card, a password input on a keypad, or even a biometric scanner that reads your fingerprints or iris. A multi-door access control system's main objective is to provide authorized people quick and easy access to your remote sites while preventing unauthorized people from doing the same. Whether or not an entry is granted at a single door depends on the credentials submitted to an IP-based RTU (remote telemetry unit). One of three methods—locally by the door unit, remotely by a central management system, or collaboratively by exchanging login information and access requests—can be used to make this choice. 

04. Offering a variety of entrances will help with this

The Entry Control Unit can have a smart card entry system and a keypad. Each of your sites with access restrictions will have this RTUs installed, enabling you to implement them. The central management system of your access control system is in charge of making decisions. The main file and database manager is this door access management program. Additionally, it sends data to and from RTUs and keeps track of system actions. The door will stay unlocked when access is permitted for a set amount of time, and the event will be recorded. The door will remain locked, and a record of the attempt will be kept if access is denied. The device will also keep an eye on the door and sound an alert if it is pushed open or left open for an extended period.

05. Installing a Modern Access Control System in a Building is Simple

Regardless of the size of your organization or whether you oversee a small business or a multinational enterprise, it is more important than ever to implement IP-based access control for your company in the modern world.

Numerous methods can be used to prevent theft and vandalism, including user-level permissions, detailed logging, improved notifications, and simple-to-install centralized management software. You might make your facilities more secure by installing a system of high-quality access door locks. Your access manager will have total control over door control and access control using DPS' IP-based door access control system, an electronic keypad, or a proximity card access door lock, as well as a log of who tried to access which doors and when (complete with security cards for doors and card readers). If you need to let someone into a location but don't have time to wait for them to finish their assignment, you can also use the available escape buttons. They press a button within the structure to unlock the door whenever they are prepared to leave. Since the door will automatically lock after them, they can go without taking any key cards.

What is the difference between door entry and access control?

01. The process of user identification and validation is known as access control

The phrase "access control" refers to a broad category of systems that identify users and validate their credentials, deciding whether or not the holder of those credentials is permitted access to a physical or logical asset. These systems can control access to both logical and material resources. Both analytical and physical access control manage who or what can enter restricted areas, whereas logical access control refers to a more amorphous access limitation. On the other hand, physical access control refers to the end of actual foot traffic to buildings, rooms, and other tangible assets. In contrast, logical access control restricts virtual access to data, digital resources, and computer networks.

02. Application of Entrance Access Control Policies

Entrance control is the system that enacts the decision made by access control, which is in charge of validating authorized persons using their credentials, such as their face, fingerprints, PIN, proximity card, etc. This method can allow users to cross a threshold or closed-to-bar access and possibly sound an alert. Although these turnstiles don't stop unauthorized people from passing through, they send a warning signal to security officers if someone doesn't have the proper identification. This alerts them that there has been a security breach. 

Facilities can record videos of any occurrences using additional security links like video systems. Security teams can utilize the footage to assess the necessary amount of response after identifying people who violate the stated access control restrictions. For instance, a staff member might have been rushing through the checkpoint and forgotten to provide their ID; in this situation, they should be reminded of the required protocol for maintaining security. Another option is that the person who must leave the property cannot be recognized because they are anonymous.

How Access Point Security and Entrance Security Can Work Together

You can regulate admission to a door by integrating an electronic lock and a card reader, but once the door is opened, you have no control over who, how many, or which way anyone can pass through it.

What different sorts of access control systems are there?

01. Required Regulation of access

The strictest type of access control currently available is widely acknowledged as mandatory access control. Since only the system's owner can monitor and manage access based on the criteria programmed into the system, this type of access control is exceptionally secure. These limitations cannot be changed or worked around. 

The privileges and permissions of an account do not depend on the end user. Only locations the system's owners have authorized them to access are accessible. MAC is typically used by places or organizations that want the highest level of security, such as government institutions, due to the high level of limitation that it provides.

02. Role-based access control

Because access is allowed based on a person's position within the organization, this type of access control is also known as non-discretionary access control. 

In these systems, predefined roles are connected to a variety of permissions. They give the administrator the ability to grant a user only the level of access necessary for them to perform their duties effectively. This type of access control is one of the most often used by businesses because of how simple it is to implement. However, there are a few drawbacks to RBAC. For instance, when an exception to the default permissions is necessary, RBAC cannot issue one-time access.

03. Discretionary Access Control

 Discretionary access control is the least restrictive type of access control. This method gives owners control over their possessions, including any programs connected to such devices. Then, users can decide who has access to their items and to what extent by configuring several security settings for other users. Programs and objects are both covered by this legislation.

04. Regulations control access management

The final of the four most common types of access control used in businesses is rule-based access control. Based on a set of flexible rules and limitations, the system's owner or administrator can grant or refuse people access. 

Depending on various factors specific to the user, such as the user's location, the time of day, or the device being used, these rules may limit access. Due to its flexibility to have rules and permissions that may be modified to the organization's needs, RBAC is the best type of access control for organizations that need a dynamic security solution.

How does the system that regulates door access work?

The door access control system's functionality is determined by the system type chosen. You'll be more prepared for future challenges if you install an electronic or mechatronic door entry system in your home or business. You'll feel more at ease knowing that a robust security system protects the facility. A door access control system's operational details can differ significantly between different systems. However, the bulk of electronic door access systems has similar fundamental parts.

The following are the four main parts of a door access control system:

  • Control panel access
  • Getting permission to access
  • Reader for credentials

The door's release mechanism

  1. Open up the control panel

The system's central processing unit (CPU) is the access control panel, commonly referred to as an access control door controller (CPU). It may be managed wirelessly from any location with internet access and is available as a physical device or as software stored in the cloud.

The building owner or manager can customize the tenant and employee data displayed on the control panel. The control panel will send an instruction to open the door if the database information and the access credentials are accurate.

  1. Identifiers for entering

Each user has a distinct set of credentials that detail the access permissions given to them. They may be one, two, or even more varieties, depending on the degree of defence needed for the structure. Examples of typical door access credentials include the following:

  • Keycards in the form of cards or fobs
  • Mobile application
  • Using biometrics
  1. An identity checker: An encrypted tag number is sent to the reader by the user when they scan their credentials using a credential reader. The control panel then decodes the data obtained from the door access card reader system. The data is then contrasted with the information stored in the system database of the control panel. The system will signal to unlock the door and let you know if the data is correct.
  2. The opening mechanism for the door: After verifying the user's identity, the control panel will broadcast an access signal to the door. An electrical or magnetic door lock release mechanism does this automatically.
Dylan Brink
8 years of Cyber Security experience, passionate about having a secured future. Focused on ensuring organizations have a strong and positive mindset towards security through the use of optimal solutions and products that seamlessly integrate with the day to day operations of companies.
Blog Post Form

Get a Free Quote Today


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA

More Topics

Automatic Door Access

What is access control?

Read More
support305

How to set up access control?

Read More
Automatic Door Access

Controlled Access Doors

Read More
2990 SW 35th Ave, Miami, FL 33133
+305-222-7711
Mon - Fri (9AM - 8PM EST)
Newsletter Form
Copyright © 2022 IT Consultant & Managed Service Provider Support305
General Terms of Service and Acceptable use policy’s
crossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram