Access Control Systems for doors and gates are becoming more and more popular in Essex. With both business and home owners.
Why?
#1 THERE’S NO NEED FOR KEYS…
With standard locks and keys, there is a lot of hassle involved!
If someone loses their door key, your first thought is the need to change the locks. And getting new keys cut for the rest of the family or your entire staff.
If an employee leaves without returning their keys, the locks may need to be changed and new keys cut and given out.
Staff members who need access to lots of areas of the building can end up carrying around a massive bunch of keys…
And, if there is a burglary, keys have no audit trail so you have no idea who has had access to them.
These days you can use security equipment like electronic locks with fobs, keycards, codes, fingerprints or even retinal scans to control access to your home or business.
Whether it’s family, visitors, employees or customers.
These make it easy for you to track who has been in and out of your building. And which internal doors they have tried to unlock. So it’s much harder for thieves to operate.
And if someone leaves?
With the right system set up, you can just cancel their fob…
And no one else is inconvenienced.
#2 TAILORED GATE & DOOR ENTRY SECURITY
Modern access control is more secure than traditional locks and keys.
And it’s more convenient.
But these systems are also customisable. You can easily choose the level of security that is right for each individual who needs to enter your home or business. From basic entry codes to sophisticated biometric scanning technology.
When choosing your access control system, it is important to consider
- the level of security required,
- the number of doors or gates,
- the number of users who will need access, and
- the budget available.
Then you need to decide which of the THREE different types of access control system will be best for your situation.
#3 THERE ARE 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACCESS CONTROL
It’s not just about letting people in. It’s about keeping burglars and other bad guys OUT!
And not just from the building itself.
But also controlling access to specific areas within your home, office or premises.
So, access control systems come in three different types:
- Discretionary;
- Role-based; and
- Mandatory.
Discretionary (DAC)
DAC is a standalone system that only controls the specific door or gate itself. It isn’t integrated with other security systems you might have.
And you can give full access to that door or gate to anyone or everyone. They only have to have the code, card or fob.
But, once they have that critical piece of information, they have it. You cannot control whether they lend their card or fob to someone else or just tell them the code.
DAC works best for properties where security is required for just one or two doors. So it is ideal for homes. But also for small businesses.
Role-based (RAC)
RAC is more secure than DAC because it is customisable. You have the flexibility to choose levels of access depending on the role of the individual.
This works for both homes or businesses. For example, you can allow the cleaner access to certain areas of the property at certain times.
Mandatory (MAC)
MAC is the most secure option. The business owner or system manager is the only one who is allowed to manage the system. And they control each person’s level of access.
MAC is preferred by organisations that have highly sensitive data.
#4 THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF DOOR ENTRY SYSTEMS
Access Control For Visitors
For commercial offices or premises, blocks of flats or apartments or for larger properties with gates, intercoms are a good way to grant access to visitors or customers… AND keep out bad guys!
Intercom systems
Audio – A simple system where your visitor presses a buzzer on a keypad. You can talk to your visitor on the phone before you give them access.
Audio Visual or Video Door Entry – Your visitor presses a buzzer on a keypad. You can talk to your visitor on the phone AND see them on a screen. So you can request to see some official ID. These systems can be wired or wireless.
Access Control For Residents or Employees
For staff or regular contractors at a commercial premises or for residents of apartment blocks, automation can save huge amounts of time.
But it can also keep track of who is in your building. This can be especially useful if there is a fire or other emergency where a roll call is required.
Automated entry systems
Proximity reader – swipe a card or fob or wear a sensor based tag
Keypad – codes or passwords keyed in manually.
Biometric – these can include finger prints, hand prints or retinal scans for maximum security.
#5 ACCESS CONTROL FOR FLATS OR APARTMENTS
As mentioned above, there are various options. If you go with an audio-only intercom, you cannot see who you are letting in. You can only talk to them.
Thieves or vagrants have been known to press the buttons for all the flats and hope that someone will just buzz them in without checking. It’s much harder to get them out again once they are in.
Audio visual is safest for visitors as you can check the ID of your visitors.
Residents can be given access with a keypad or swipe card but, if the code is universal for all residents, there is a major drawback. You don’t have complete control.
As described earlier for discretionary access control. If a resident gives the code to someone else, the block may have to change the code every time your neighbour changes their partner or tenant.
#6 ACCESS CONTROL FOR AUTOMATIC GATES OR BARRIERS
Depending on your security requirements, these can be operated by intercom systems or automated with fobs or cards. For both commercial or domestic use.
The same drawback of a discretionary access control system applies here.
For commercial premises, it is better to have total control on site. So role-based access control or mandatory will limit access rights. This means only authorised people can get in to restricted areas.
#7 ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS – INSTALLATION
Most companies offer a free site survey where you can discuss your requirements with their engineers. You might need a simple system like a keypad and intercom system. Or a bespoke access control system which is integrated with your CCTV or intruder alarm… and remotely monitored so the security services can attend.
You should always check that the engineers who are installing your system are fully qualified to do the job. SFB do not have any gate accreditations so, when a customer requires gates, we always use a company that is Gate Safe approved. We then add the access control system.
ACCESS CONTROLLED GATES AND DOORS IN ESSEX
SFB is excited to show some recent access control systems that we have installed in Essex.
Industrial Unit in Rayleigh
SFB was asked to help control access for a national shelving supplier who had moved into a new commercial unit near the A127.
During the day the main entrance to the commercial unit was open so anyone from the street could pop in.
The client had been to several security providers but had not been happy with the options presented. SFB created a simple but bespoke access control system that met the customer’s needs and budget.
The door is controlled by a standalone keypad and intercom. But this unit has the ability to be upgraded in the future. Plus a magnetic lock. Employees and regular contractors can use a PIN code or proximity card to get in and out easily. And customers can buzz to be given access by their friendly team.
The client was delighted with our competitively priced solution. So happy that he asked SFB to quote to add CCTV equipment and an intruder alarm as well.
Smart Automatic Gates in Canvey Island
SFB try to provide Smart Security wherever possible. For this system, when a visitor presses the call button, a notification is sent to each mobile device registered to the system. And display the video and sound at the same time. The owners can see who is at the gate… from wherever they are in the world.
Integrated Smart Automatic Gates and Door Entry in Stock
Another smart system that can be operated via a mobile device. But this one also integrates a whole range of security systems. And SFB was able to be the sole contractor for this job. One point of contact to manage the entire process. And one person for the owner to liaise with.
Automatic Gates in Ramsden Bellhouse
SFB is very proud of this fabulous gate entry system in Ramsden Bellhouse. We used a trusted company just down the road to make the gate and automate and we installed the control.
Commercial Access Control For Essex Restaurants
SFB has worked with a number of Essex restaurants. Installing access control solutions that stop the public from getting into rear of house areas. Only staff with the correct authorisation are able to go beyond those points.
CAN SFB HELP WITH YOUR ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS?
If you’re an Essex-based homeowner or business owner who would like to control who goes where in your property, get in touch. Whether it’s letting the cleaner in on certain days. Or the dog walker. Or restricting staff from entering sensitive areas.
We can create innovative and cost-effective access control systems.
And…
We’re part of the Buying With Confidence Trading Standards Scheme so you know you’re in safe hands.
Contact us to speak to an expert.
For more information on intruder/burglar alarm installations, security products, CCTV or accreditations you can visit the below websites or contact us at SFB Solutions
Phone: 01268 937006
Buying With Confidence Trading Standards Scheme
Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board
National Security Inspectorate
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