Access Control

Why use access control?

Access control enables you to control who has access to your building.

Locks and keys also allow you to secure you building, but when keys are lost or stolen, the inconvenience and expense of changing locks and re-issuing keys can be considerable. Keys may also be copies, creating even more security risks.

All businesses, whether small, medium or large, have assets that need to be protected from theft. There is also the issue of protecting staff and their property. It is common in buildings that are secured by locks and keys for doors to be left locked all day. This opens up the possibility of opportunist theft and malicious damage.

Electronic access control provides the most efficient and convenient way of securing your building and assets. Installing an access control system means that you will never have to change a lock again. Tokens or proximity cards are issued to allow access through the controlled doors, and are easily barred from the system if they are lost, stolen or just not returned by someone who leaves your company. Barred tokens will not allow access through the controlled doors.

 

Once an access control system is installed, all door controlled by the system will automatically lock when the door is closed. Anyone without a PIJ or access token is unable to enter. If necessary, doors may be set to unlock during a designated time frame.

Access control can also offer flexible control over users access rights. For example, all staff gain access through the main door of a building, but access to internal areas may be restricted by time, only granting access to particular users at certain times of day or night.

Which system?

There are two basic types of access control systems

1. Standalone access control

This type of system may be used to control access on one or many independent doors in a building. Access is gained by using a numeric code, or PIN with a keypad, or by presenting proximity or magstripe token, depending on which type of reader is fitted.

These systems are programmed at each door. If tokens need to be barred or codes changed, this action must be completed at every door on the system.

Typical applications

  • Learning Institution
  • Small business premises
  • Sports clubs
  • Storage units
  • Any small or medium sized site requiring access control

2. PC based access control

Referred to a “PC based” or ‘Network’ access control, these system may be used to control one or many doors in a building. Access is gained by using a numeric code, or PIN with a keypad, by presenting a proximity or magstripe or by “possession” with hands free tokens on which type of reader is fitted. PC based access control offers central control, via a network.

This means that commands given at the PC are sent to each of the doors. A token can be barred from all of the doors instantly. Another benefit of system is flexible control, allowing you to grant different permissions for individuals or groups of user.

Reports mat also be generated to see who went where and when. Many systems allow control of additional buildings via existing LAN/WAN. PC based systems are increasingly being used to control other services, for example intruder alarms, fire doors, lifts and lighting.

Typical applications

  • Small/medium premises – The Claredon apartment complex
  • Large corporate premises – Eskom Bellville
  • Multiple-site premises – Belmont Park
  • Government buildings – Klarinet S.A. Navy
  • Universities – University of Cape Town
  • Sports clubs – Pearl Valley Golf State
  • Car parks – Hiddingh campus

PC based systems are great for medium to large sites as they make managing large numbers of doors and users easy. The system can be extended very easily, and advanced features such as event reporting and integration with CCTV and other systems make such a system much more than just a replacement for a bunch of keys.

One of the biggest installations of access control in the country is the University of Cape Town with approximately 1000 door, 140 000 users, 30 vehicle barriers, 70 turnstiles and 15 vehicle gates. We have 10 members of our staff doing maintenance on a full time bases at the University. Our installation includes carpentry, integration of the doors or vehicle gate with the fire alarm system, networking of door and a complete design.