Access control - What is it, types and security applications

More and more companies and individuals are betting on access control solutions that allow them to effectively control and protect their factories, offices, premises or homes. In this sense, being able to offer access control devices is an added value that complements the most advanced intrusion and video surveillance systems on the market.

If you still do not have access control systems in your portfolio, we invite you to discover more about them from By Demes, the leading distributor of security technologies in Spain. We will explain everything you need to know about access control: what it is, the types that exist and the security applications that you can use in your professional projects.

You will find the best and most advanced solutions from the leading brands in the market in the By Demes Access Control Catalogue.

What is an access control system and why can it be vital?

The concept of access control, in the general field of security, refers to automation systems that allow or deny the entry of people or vehicles into homes, companies or institutions, according to previously configured indicators.

We distinguish proximity systems, for which an object is required to authenticate and authorize entry (a card, for example), from biometric devices that authenticate the person by recognizing their physical characteristics (face, fingerprint or palm of the hand, for example), without the need to carry an additional object. They can be implemented at the doors of buildings, homes, premises, car parks and at all types of entrances.

These types of solutions can be essential for the management of worker access in workplaces, vehicles in shared parking lots and even the possibility of allowing workers to enter a home when the owner is not present. All this makes it possible to promptly prevent and identify a possible intrusion.

At the level of connectivity, there are autonomous access control systems and others based on servers. Below, we will see these in detail.

Autonomous access control installations

Autonomous access control devices, as their name suggests, allow you to authorize or prevent access to people without any connection and independently.

In general, they are small, easy to install and use. At the operating level, they need a previous configuration to indicate the desired parameters and thus manage the inputs and outputs autonomously, which provides great reliability and utility.

We highlight the U-Prox access control systems, which are generally applied to doors and car parks. It is easy to install, with little need for management and for a single door.

We recommend using the U-Prox access control system for:

• Community accesses
• Neighbour communities
• Offices
• Homeowners community access
• Warehouse entrances
• Vehicle access

Autonomous access control devices for businesses

Here is a small representative selection of products that you can use to protect small premises and businesses:

UPROX-044 Versatile reader

The U-Prox multi-credential reader works effectively with cards, Mifare, Mifare Plus and mobile credentials. The installation is especially comfortable and simple and it is easily adjustable from the user's own SmartPhone.

UPROX-045 Autonomous controller

It allows smartphones to be used as credentials with the U-Prox Mobile ID app and U-Prox ID mobile tokens. It incorporates a touch-sensitive exit button and allows the connection of an external reader of the U-Prox SL series.

Autonomous access control devices for vehicles

To protect and control vehicle entrances to private car parks, we recommend:

UPROX-046 Contactless identifier tag

It allows the authorization of users of the access control system in hands-free mode. U-Prox tag is for transmitting mobile ID included, available on-board activation button and only works with U-Prox SL (SmartLine) readers.

Autonomous access control devices for homes

SALTO-001 Danalock smart electronic lock

It can be linked with the VESTA Alarm System through the Z-Wave protocol for installation in a home, residential or vacation rental residence. This smart lock can be managed from a smartphone. Its installation does not require screws or drilling and is placed on the inside of the lock. In addition, it keeps a summary of activities and monitors when and who enters or leaves the home.

If you want to learn more about these security devices, check out our article detailing how smart electronic locks work.

Small and medium sized access control installations

At the level of small and medium-sized access control systems, between 3 and 4 doors, By Demes offers the widest range of solutions, adapted to all types of professional installations. ZKTeco's Atlas system, one of the most efficient and used ranges on the market, allows managing a maximum of 21 controllers and 84 doors, with advanced access control functions.

The devices offer the advantage that the management software is directly embedded within the controller, thus facilitating the management of multiple access control devices connected in various zones. It is designed to be used in small and medium-sized companies with a considerable number of doors, which do not require computer maintenance, and which in turn offer a more advanced event log.

ZKTeco Atlas System Small and Medium Size Access Control Device

In this case, there is the possibility of combining the following biometric reader with proximity readers:

ZKTeco ZK-160 fingerprint and card reader

The device allows the use of fingerprint or card and is compatible with Atlas controllers, but also with standalone devices. It has an LED and an acoustic indicator. It is ideal for installation on walls and thanks to its manufacture using stainless steel it has a long lifetime.

Server-based access control installations

The third and last type of access control that we will talk about is the one based on the server, that is, it is controlled by means of management software that offers different functionalities.

These types of installations allow managing multiple zones and access points with different technologies. They combine LPR, biometrics, proximity, visitor management... and are very useful for critical infrastructures and complex compounds such as large logistics centres that require advanced access control. In addition, they are adapted to the management of car parks with a high volume of spaces, large offices and business complexes, including access control functions by schedules and permits.

This type of access control also allows the possibility of integrating several devices into the security ecosystem and combining different brands and ranges, such as ZKTeco's ZKBioSecurity or Hikvision's HikCentral.

By Demes, as the leading distributor of security technologies in Spain, offers the largest and most extensive stock of products on the market, in addition to guaranteeing direct collaboration with manufacturers to all its clients.

For more information on access control, contact us using the By Demes contact form, our excellent sales team will assist you as soon as possible to answer your questions and advise you.