What is an Access Control System?

Computerized card access control systems are used in many departments throughout commercial facilities.  Typically, a card access system is implemented to authenticate and gain access into restricted areas via interior/exterior access doors, gates or turnstiles.  Unlike physical keys which are cheap and easy to duplicate, access control system gives you control through programming.

Are there choices of medium I can use for my access control system?

With a card access system, you can choose either a keypad PIN system, a Proximity Card System or a Biometric Fingerprint system.

I am worried about employees repeatedly losing the cards as was the case with the key system.  Is the Keypad PIN system a reliable method of Door Access?

Keypad PIN only card access system is convenient and easy to use. All you need is to remember your PIN number and by entering the correct 4 or 6 digit PIN. We do not however suggest using it for external doors. It is quite easy for strangers lurking in the passageway to note the PIN entered and hence breaching the security.

Would you recommend the use of a Card Access System?

It is definitely the more secure method of access control. Every proximity card has a unique address, which is set at the factory setting and cannot be altered or duplicated. It is highly improbable to find another proximity card with the same address since allowing access involves pre-programming the address of the card to the relevant reader(s), so even if there is a duplicate card, it can only work if it is used on a reader whose database contains that same proximity card.

What about Biometric Fingerprint Systems? How do they compare to Card Access Systems?

Biometric Fingerprint Readers read your fingerprint and compare it to the fingerprint pattern stored in its database - if they both match, then a door is released. Compared to a Card System, it is better because unlike a card, which can be passed around, you cannot pass your fingerprint to others. Not even if you were to chop off your finger as most up-to-date readers can differentiate between a dead finger and a live one!

What is a networked door access system?

Unlike smaller home-based units that monitor an individual door or even a few doors, an enterprise-level server is required whenever you have more than one door that you wish to control. The networked system allows you to keep track of your staff movement as well as add or delete users from the central server console. This would of course provide greater versatility allowing you to, for example, dial-in remotely and control all access doors which one could not otherwise do with single unit reader-controller combos.

I now have a Card Access system installed; does this mean that my office is secure?

Even with a Card Access System, you should complement it with Burglar Alarm and CCTV Systems. The Card Access can only control who has access but does not detect intrusion. For example, if you have a glass door, even though the card access system can deny the intruder access, there is nothing to stop him from breaking an entry.

I want to upgrade my card reader, must I change everything?

If you have an existing system that is still working, you may not need to change everything. It is quite possible to re-use your lock sets, break glass and push buttons and change only the reader.

I need more proximity cards, are we able to obtain additional cards from you or do we have to go back to the manufacturers supplier?

Yes. Most Proximity Cards used are generic and for most cases, there is no problem getting cards from us.