There was a time not too long ago when entering an office or business building required signing a register, getting patted down and then entering the main lobby. The days of a visitor or guest having to awkwardly access residential or commercial building are over, thanks to the access control system . The ever-evolving nature of technology has made what was once a difficult and time-consuming process. Many large businesses spend a decent amount on an elaborate access control solutions to wow their guests and turn a chance encounter into a fruitful commercial relationship. This blog is an attempt to describe, from the perspective of a curious onlooker, the range of emotions one might feel when first encountering a technological innovation i.e. access control system.
Access Control is a technique of security that restricts entry in both a physical and virtual setting, requiring authentication credentials to be presented in order to get entry.
“Virtual” Access Control is a method that restricts connections to computer networks and data by authorising users with passwords and pin codes. This is a secure means of authorising users.
‘Physical’ Access Control is a method of managing who can access an area, location, or building as well as when they can do so by employing a safe authentication mechanism such as an ID card or biometric identity, for example, as authorisation. This can be accomplished by using a secure authentication method.
When referring to a ‘physical’ Access Control system, this often includes closed gates, doors, or barriers that can be opened using identity authentication methods such as RFID access cards, pin codes, face recognition, finger prints, or cellphones to allow admittance to a building or specified area. These methods can be used to grant access. This technology is also capable of providing data that may be used to track how a building or site is being utilised, such as patterns of utilisation based on frequency and length of use.
An Access Control system allows full control of which users have access to different areas/zones. Once authorisation is given, an employee can access all the areas they need for their job. Using a key card or inputting a PIN for example, the employee can access different doors, gates & barriers, or designated routes with ease. In every offices, there are certian zones, where access control is very necessary. For example an area where office servers are kept, needs to be protected from any unwanted visitor. Through access control system, companies can easily decide whom to allow entry in the sensitive zone. The card provided to employee can be programmed to allow or restrict access, safeguarding the premises completely.
Using conventional keys comes with a wide variety of drawbacks. For instance, if you wish to restrict access to various locations, you will need different keys for each area. Therefore, the more locks and separate keys that are required for each user, the larger the structure and the greater the number of places it contains. Because of this, it’s possible to become confused about which keys do what. Not only can an access control system help individuals who must enter restricted areas save time, but it can also eliminate the need for trips to the locksmith in the event that keys are misplaced or stolen. A security risk is introduced when an employee leaves their position and doesn’t return the keys, when the keys are lost or stolen, or when keys may be easily replicated because of this. These issues are mitigated to a considerable degree by electronic access control .
You will spend less money on locks and on security personnel if you use access control security. Because unmanned access devices can verify a person’s identity in an accurate and secure manner, the requirement for a security guard to check identification and grant authorization is no longer necessary.
Integration with third-party systems, such as those controlling lighting and temperature, is another option for implementing access control. When individuals enter a room, the lights can be programmed to turn on, and when they depart, the lights can be programmed to turn off. When no one is in a room, the temperature can be adjusted to save even more money on heating and cooling expenditures. Once access control system is installed, the technology starts working for you immediately.
The products that Novus has developed are not only user-friendly but also extremely durable. Customers are able to integrate the platform with compatible third-party partners in an efficient and problem-free manner as a result of this feature.The application programming interface (API) that is built into this platform makes the process of linking various services and tools much easier, giving businesses the flexibility they need to thrive in the digital age.
You will receive data from an access control system that records who enters and exits a building or room as well as the time of their entry and exit. This can be put to use for tracking staff attendance, managing fire safety, and keeping an eye on employees in the event that any problems or crimes are reported at the location.
Controlling who enters a building is a critical component of any effective security system. It ensures that only authorised staff are able to access the premises, so preventing any intruders or unauthorised guests from entering the building. Turnstiles, swing gates, flap barriers, and full-height turnstiles are only some of the sorts of entrance control systems that are used in different types of institutions to achieve this goal. Because of its adaptability and capacity to offer reliable protection against unauthorised access, the P type gate is a frequently selected option. Because these systems for controlling entrances are in place, establishments are able to guarantee that they are adequately safeguarded against any potential hazards or risks.
Utilising systems that control access allows for the exclusion of unauthorised individuals, which is one of the system’s many advantages. Because credentials are required before a door will unlock, entry can only be granted to those who have been given the appropriate access credentials. You can be sure that everyone in your facility is where they are supposed to be now that this system has been put into place.
Because employees may work different shifts at different times, it is important to install an access control system so that workers can enter the building whenever they need to without having to wait for someone to unlock the doors or having a door that is always open without any security measures in place. Therefore, not only are you in a position to provide employees with flexible work schedules, but thanks to access control, you are also in a position to monitor employees’ arrivals and departures without having to be present in the building yourself.
Primarily, there are 3 types of access control system which are mentioned below:
Mandatory Access Control System :- The most restrictive protection is the Mandatory Access Control System or MAC, where system administrators decide access. That means users cannot modify permissions to enter or exit different locations, securing sensitive data.
It even limits resource owners from granting access to system items. An employee enters the system with a unique link of variable “tags”—like a digital security profile—that indicates their access level. Thus, based on the sensitivity of a user’s tags, they will have limited access to resources. Because of its confidentiality, government agencies use this smart technology.
Discretionary Access Control System :- However, a discretionary access control system gives leadership more control. Even if the system administrator creates a hierarchy of files with permissions, they decide resource access. Access is granted with the appropriate credentials.
The only drawback is that end-user security control requires oversight. Since the system requires more active permission management, actions can slip through. MAC is rigid and low-effort, while DAC is flexible and high-effort.
Role Based Access Control System (RBAC) :-Business roles determine user permissions in role-based access control. RBAC, the most popular access control system regulates access by user role to prevent lower-level employees from accessing high-level information.
This strategy bases access permissions on company characteristics like resources, needs, environment, employment, location, and more. Many CEOs appreciate this technique because it’s easy to classify personnel by resource needs. Human resources doesn’t need private marketing materials, and marketing doesn’t need employee pay. RBAC is versatile, increases visibility, and prevents breaches and data leaks.
Despite the fact that access control has transitioned from safeguarding physical documents in physical premises to cloud-based technologies, the concept of safeguarding the resources of an organisation is not going out of style any time soon. The more proficient we get with various forms of technology, the wider our range of available possibilities will become. Your choice will be easier to make if you have a good understanding of the relevant aspects, such as the size of the organisation, the resources required, and the locations of the employees.
Do you want to find out more about the ways NOVUS AUTOMATION helps companies and industries in providing cutting edge access control solutions ( Hardware and Embedded solutions)? Then visit our website where you can choose the product which is most suited to your business needs.
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