Access Control is the means of restricting access to a property, building, business and/or room to authorized persons by use of human intervention, mechanical means, technological means, or a combination of all three. We in the Life Safety and Electronic Security space typically take it one step further, and correlate the granting of access through the use of credential-based systems, which are governed through the use of control panels, card readers and their associated software. This may be referred to as Electronic Access Control and is often known as “card access systems”.
Electronic Access Control Defined
The use of hardware components and its associated management software to establish rules for virtual and physical environment(s). These rules are programmed to trigger associated outputs (such as door strikes, magnetic locks, audible alarms, electronic notifications, etc.) when a pre-defined input is activated (such as a card reader, motion detector, push button, etc). System administrators assign user-based entry to physical spaces within the software based on pre-established permissions. Simply put – users of the system are assigned what doors they can and cannot use, or what happens when they take a specific actions.
For example, a manufacturing facility may assign people designated “Management” as having access to all doors at all times, while restricting the Afternoon Production Crew’s access to all doors associated with the Production Area and the Lunch Room from 12 PM through to 12 AM, Monday through Friday. If a person in the Afternoon Production Crew were to attempt to gain access to those doors using their assigned access card of fob outside these pre-defined hours their access would be denied, and the door would not allow entry.
Access Control System Types
There are many different types of Card Access Systems, ranging from single-door applications with only a few users, to multi-building enterprise-level access control systems that may handle multiple buildings in various locations with many layers of levels of users. Access to these systems could be controlled through access cards, fobs, keypads or even biometrics (for example, fingerprints).
To understand what is best for your building or business, Bulldog Fire & Security, (the Integrated Systems Division of Fire Monitoring of Canada Inc.) will take time to understand your situation, and find the right system for you. We take a consultative sales approach to all of our customers – we understand that one size doesn’t fit all.
Contact Us
For nearly 25 years, Bulldog Fire and Security, the Integrated Systems Division of Fire Monitoring of Canada Inc., has been an expert in Access Control System Design, Installation, and Service, having installed a variety of systems across Ontario.
If you’re interested in learning more about access control, call us at 1 866 513 2882, email info@bulldogsecurity.ca, or fill out the contact form below.