Importance of Having an Access Control System in Your Business

Access control is the regulation of networks to allow authorized users to enter protected resources. The main purpose of access control is to prevent unauthorized access by just simply allowing selected authorized users only. Physical access control, on the other hand, guards the protection of assets and personnel from unauthorized access. Logical access enables only authorized users to obtain confidential and personal information. Various options need to be considered when designing an access control system and the factors to consider include the level of security needed, the number of authorized users, and the assets to be controlled.

Access control systems are divided into two categories. Physical access controls to secure physical entrance to a facility while logical access controls to secure information communication in a facility. Both can use technology to regulate access, but physical systems are normally more secure due to physical barriers. An example of a physical access control system is a secure door system that requires a key to open and restricts unauthorized entry with a magnetic strip or bar code. Electronic locking systems are also used that require authorization via card or PIN before access is permitted.

Why is Access Control Important?

The main purpose of electronic door access controls is to restrict access by controlling the movement of people. Electronic gates secure a given area by applying a varying amount of electronic charge to the conductors. These charges lock the door from the unwanted passage. Manual locking mechanisms are used for restricted areas or for areas where visual inspection may not readily reveal entrances to restricted areas. These mechanisms use mechanical locks or simple manual push buttons for the main purpose of stopping unauthorized entry. Manual door entry systems are suitable for restricted areas, where visual inspection of all doors does not reveal entries that fit the desired access pattern.

For industrial, business or service applications, the main purpose of access control is to prevent and record unauthorized entry. Electronic locks are effective for preventing unauthorized entry, where visual inspections cannot reveal unauthorized areas. This includes protecting access points from employees and visitors, inventory tracking for service and product security, and employee scheduling for shift work. This also includes preventing employees from using work or employee facilities for non-business hours and controlling access to telephones, computers, or other electronic devices used in the workplace.

The main purpose of an access control system is not only to prevent unauthorized entry but to record information about individuals who have acquired access to a restricted area. This includes storing and retrieving data from a computer system or hard drive or creating a database of company information for authorized access. Electronic or manual methods of accessing this information may be expensive, slow, or impossible. For instance, storing information in a database that is regularly accessed by employees can quickly become impractical.

Access control protects against unauthorized entry at the work level by regulating access to physical premises, equipment, documents, and resources. It also controls access at the physical level by regulating access through different physical means, for instance: by preventing unauthorized access by requiring identification at the point of entry, inspecting the premises, physically supervising employees, and enforcing restrictions on the use of particular facilities. Physical inspection and supervising employees are necessary to determine the suitability and appropriateness of a resource or equipment and the extent of their access. Mechanical inspections are also required when a resource or device is being replaced, repaired, or added to the inventory. Allowing personnel to gain unauthorized access into a facility can lead to catastrophic accidents, damage to equipment and documents, and loss or contamination of the work environment.

In many companies, it is important to restrict access to sensitive information or classified information by physical means. Security systems, such as biometric authentication systems and procedural authentication methods, are effective ways of controlling access to sensitive information in most situations. They are also useful in preventing the accidental clearance by employees or visitors of classified information. However, physical security measures may not be enough in some cases. You may need access control software. Software is designed to provide controlled access by categorizing controlled access areas, users, and locations.

Control and authentication are interrelated concepts. The purpose of authentication is to control access without requiring physical access and the level of authentication controls the access authorization process. This prevents unauthorized access by ensuring that only the intended user is allowed access to sensitive data or information. It also ensures that all users have read/write access to their allocated areas.

Your local Philadelphia Network Cabling team is very versatile in the brands that we have mastered in the Access Control field, The Bridge Cable Senior Technicians is able to set up your full install all the way to activating your key cards or fobs! We can have our computer experts set up your entire system including when each person may have access to which door at what time and even the entire system’s door schedule. We can also assist with helping you figure out if you want people only to have to scan coming into the door or both in and out. Lastly, our team can also install fingerprint, facial recognition, and even elevator door access systems. Reach out to us, we can help!