Access control systems(ACS)

As access control system (ACS) is a system to provide physical security to a premises by allowing entry only to authorized people. The system comprises of a control panel which has the complete intelligence /software in-built for controlling the physical access of people with various rules configured as per the user requirements and additional accessories like card readers , Biometric readers , Magnetic locks, access cards etc.

The features of the Access control systems vary based on the makes and models based on which the cost also varies. The implementation of the ACS provides automatic physical access control through the readers, locks and access cards thereby making the premises security management easier. The ACS also provides the information on the events of entry and exit of authorized people with the clear data on the time and date of the event occurrence. The ACS also provides special options for handling the access during emergencies like fire, an access card will be assigned as a emergency card which when used in any of the readers connected to the system will open all the locks so that all the restrictions are nullified for that moment.

Access control panel

The Access control panel is the main backbone of the ACS with the complete control of the whole system. The panel has various options which are configured as per the requirement and the controls /manages the locks based on the same. The control panel receives the access card credentials from the reader and compares the same with the rules configured for that access card and based on the same the access is allowed or denied and the door lock will open or remain locked. Each and every transaction results/logs are stored in a specific storage space defined. There are various type of control panels based on the technology they operate. The most common types are Serial controllers, Network-enabled main controllers and IP controllers. Depending on the requirement of the user the type of Control panel is decided.

Common features:

Graphical user interface for local configuration and mangement
Remote access thru Internet or intranet for easy configuration /management (network enabled panels).
Report generation based on various grouping like department, employee, visitors etc.,Exporting to MS Excel
Alarm notification via Email or Text messaging
Multiple access modes with user defined Pin codes Multiple-function access credentials
Advanced I/O programming
Anti-pass back feature ( allows a person out only when he has punched while coming IN)

Access control system components

Readers:

The access control readers is a one of the major component of a Access control system . Reader is installed near the doors and reads the encrypted data on an access card, then proceeds grant or block the access based on the card information with the feedback from the control panel. Readers are of various types with varying levels of sophistication and type of Access cards supported. Readers can be also classified in general as basic, semi-intelligent or intelligent readers based on their functionality/capability.

Biometric Readers:

These are special type of readers which reads the finger prints of a human being and sends data to the control panel for comparison and decision on the access allowing or denial based on the finger print data stored in the control panel during the device configuration. Standalone Biometric readers are also available which works independent of the Control panel for small installations. The need for these type of readers are nowadays increasing. The biometric system has found its applications at corporate offices, ticketing stations, safekeeping vault etc…

Access cards:

These are cards which has a unique credential using which a person gains access into a premises. Normally one card is assigned per user and configured in the control panel with specific rules based on the access rights allowed for that person. The details of the activities done using a particular card can be taken from the data log stored in the control panel.

Magnetic door locks:

These are locks which lock or unlock the door based on the instructions from the control panel and based on the rules configured in the control panel. Depending on the size/ height /weight of the door the magnetic lock also varies in size and strength.

Time and Attendance

The Access control system as a very important application of Time and attendance capturing which will use the access control system logs /transaction data and gives the detailed report on the no of times entry and exit of employees /persons who are required to be monitored for their time utilization and attendance for salary processing. The features of time and attendance solution/software vary depending on the requirement and are used along with the access control system. Since the time and attendance software is automated it helps to easily manage the pay and work rules – consistently and accurately – across the organization. It helps in simplifying timecard tracking and approval processing as manual data entry of attendance details are avoided thereby reducing the administrative time on attendance related processing. The software can be custom defined according to the organization’s policies, employee attendance tracking and easily scalable for large or small enterprises etc…It can also be utilized as an leave management system for features such as shift management, leave management, Auto E-mail, Auto SMS etc…The system data can be consolidated and exported to an XML sheet and compatible for import of data into payroll systems.

Visitor Management systems

A visitor management system regularly monitors and collects information about the visitor entry and time spends on each visit. The modern visitor management software’s has various functionalities including photo ID, CCTV monitoring, database management, partial visitor entry etc….A visitor management system ensures about the authorized entry and notification for any potential trespassing.A Visitor Management system actively tracks the entrance into a public building or residence. It is widely used at corporate building, office interior management, hospitals, hotels, government buildings etc.