Physical Access Control – The Basics

In this short article, we go over the basics of modern, hi-tech physical access control security, including:

• What is physical access control?

• What are the benefits of physical access control?

• What are the main types of physical access control?

The article has been created to give you a brief overview of physical access control systems, but if you’d like to find out more, contact your local access control specialist, who should be able to provide all the information you need.

What is physical access control?

Simply put, physical access control is a means to control who can, and who cannot enter a physical space, such as an office, a retail premises, a factory, a multiple occupancy residential property, or your home.

A physical access control system, such as key-scan access control, a video or audio entry system, an automatic barrier or bollard, or a GSM access control system, is usually central to a comprehensive, and rigid security plan.

What are the benefits of physical access control?

One of the best ways to visualise the benefits of a physical access control solution, is to first think of the more primitive solution of a lock and key, and the disadvantages this simple system has, including:

• A key can be copied: It doesn’t take much effort to get down to the local key cutters and replicate a key, but keeping tabs on how many copies of that key exists is difficult, and could become a serious breach in your security strategy.

• A key can get lost: We’ve all lost a key from time to time, whether at home or somewhere else. But, what about when that key is the key to the office, or the shop, and business get’s held up until the key is found, or a locksmith can be hired?

We could list more disadvantages of a basic key and lock system, but the point is, it’s an outdated system being quickly replaced by state-of-the-art access control systems, that in contrast:

• Can’t be copied: Whether it’s a GSM access control system, a video or audio entry system, or a key-scan system, those who want to enter your property can’t simply head down to the key cutters to replicate their means of entry.

• Can’t get lost: OK, you could lose your key card or key fob, but once you know it’s lost, with a modern access control system, you’re able to quickly reprogramme the key fob or card to render it unusable, and override the system to gain entry.

And there are more benefits to physical access control, including:

• Access control can be used to monitor visitor numbers: Think back to the start of the Covid19 pandemic, when retail and office premises had to limit the number of occupants at any one time.

  In similar situations, a modern access control system will be able to monitor how many people enter or leave the premises, and restrict entry once occupancy has reached the desired or legal level.

• Access control reduces the need for physical security: An effective, physical security guard or team, isn’t cheap, so one of the best ways to reduce or remove that cost, is with the installation of an access control system.

  Although it may not be able to tell if someone’s followed the dress code, a hi-tech access control system will only allow entry to those authorised, and to alert you if a person is attempting to gain unauthorised access.

What are the main types of physical access control?

There are many types of physical access control systems available, including:

• Video and Audio Entry

• GSM Entry Systems

• Key fob or key scan entry

But, to keep things simple, we’ve divided them into two groups, wired and wireless, and given you a few benefits of each.

Wired: A wired access control system, is a system where the means of entry (whether it’s a key fob or key card etc.), with the users credentials, is all contained within and connected to the locking mechanism in one complete circuit.

Wired access control system – the benefits:

• Reliability: Wired access control systems, or legacy systems, have been used for years, and users report very few issues.

• Security: A modern wired access control system is known for its dependable security, due to it being a contained unit.

Wireless: A wireless access control system, is a system that relies on users credentials being stored in the Cloud (an external, highly secure server), and not in the access control unit itself.

Wireless access control system – the benefits

• Lower cost: Because credentials are stored externally, there’s less physical equipment required at the location.

• Can be updated remotely: If a breach occurs whilst you’re in bed or on holiday, you have the means to disable, upgrade or reprogramme the unit remotely.

Access control Bedfordshire

Are you looking for an access control solution for your business? Then contact Gate Control, one of Bedfordshire’s leading access control specialists, providing the latest access control solutions and access control installation, to both commercial and residential customers.