What is an Access Control System?

Security breaches are a huge source of stress for businesses and homeowners alike. From concerns of physical safety to the risk of theft, it’s enough to keep you up at night. This is why investing in an access control system is a compelling consideration for gaining peace of mind.

But what is an access control system comprised of exactly – and are these solutions really worth the upfront cost?

These systems combine technologies like robust security fences, driveway gates, electronic locks, biometric scanners, wireless intercoms, and more. They control who enters and exits the premises.

The right system doesn’t just keep intruders out, it gives you a record of who is coming and going – making them an essential component in any residential or commercial security system.

Discover how these systems can safeguard your assets below, where you’ll also find tips on picking the right system for your specific needs. If you’re in Texas and are ready to put the stress of security in the past for good, get in touch with Viking Fence today.

Find out firsthand why we’re the #1 choice for an access control system in Austin TX!

What is an Access Control System?

Let’s start with the basics – what is an access control system? This is an integrated security solution that regulates who can or cannot enter a specific area, be it a building, a room within a building, or an outdoor space.

It ensures that only authorized individuals can get in, protecting the premises from unauthorized access, theft, or breach of confidential information. We’ll unpack all the key components below and show you some of the different types of systems you have at your disposal.

What is an Access Control System Comprised of?

Part of what makes Viking Fence the #1 choice for Austin commercial security systems is that we can customize your system to meet your specific needs. You can have as many or as few working parts in your ACS as you deem fit! That being said, here are the most common:

Authentication Devices: These include card readers, biometric scanners, keypads, or smart devices that recognize and verify a user’s credentials. Whether through a PIN, a swipe card, a biometric scan (such as fingerprint or facial recognition), or a mobile app, this is the component that ensures access is granted only to authorized users.
Entry Points: These are physical barriers like doors, gates, turnstiles, or fences that control access into and out of a property. These can range from standard chain link fencing to more robust wrought iron or steel fencing, sometimes, even with electrification.
Entry Control Units: Also known as access control panels, these are the brain of the system. They take the information from the authentication devices and make the decision to either grant or deny access. They’re often networked to a central management system that monitors and records entry and exit activities.
Locking Mechanism: This part of the system physically secures the entry point. The locking mechanism (which can be magnetic locks, electric door strikes, or turnstiles) will either unlock to grant access or remain locked to deny entry upon receiving a signal from the control unit.
Surveillance Systems: CCTV cameras and recording systems are often integrated with access control to monitor and record entry points and secured areas. This provides visual verification of who is accessing the property and can deter unauthorized access.
Alarms and Notifications: In case of unauthorized access attempts or breaches, the system triggers alarms and sends notifications to the designated security personnel or central monitoring station.
Management Software: The software is the interface through which administrators configure the system, manage user credentials, monitor real-time events, and retrieve activity logs. It gives you a comprehensive view of the access control infrastructure and its operation.

Different Types of Systems

You understand all the different pieces making up the puzzle of access control systems – but what are the different types of systems? This can be more or less broken down into three categories:

Standalone Systems: These control access at a single entry point and operate independently of any network. They are suitable for smaller spaces with fewer access requirements. Do you just want a driveway gate for your property? Chances are a standalone system will work perfectly.
Networked Systems: These connect multiple entry points across a facility or multiple locations, allowing centralized management of access rights and activities.
Cloud-Based Systems: These systems use cloud technology to offer remote management capabilities, enabling administrators to control and monitor access from anywhere, anytime.

Access control systems can also vary based on the authentication method used within these various systems.

For example, there are simple card-base systems that use a magnetic strip or barcode to gain the user access. There are also mobile access systems, which require a smartphone app to gain permission.

The most sophisticated of all is the biometric system, which uses physical biological traits as the access data – be it a fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scan, or anything in between. While this used to be something you’d only see in spy movies, it’s becoming more and more accessible and commonplace.

What is an Access Control System Good for?

Now, what is access control system going to do for your property that makes it such a compelling investment?

You are probably already starting to get a sense of the benefits these have to offer – protection and thus, peace of mind. As the name suggests, they control access, prevent unauthorized entry, and monitor movements within secured areas. They also control evacuation routes and lockdown areas to safeguard individuals from harm during emergencies.

These systems also boost operational efficiency by reducing the need to manually check credentials. You can save time and resources without compromising on security.

Certain industries have strict regulations regarding access to sensitive areas, presenting another compelling use case for this system. It ensures compliance with these regulatory requirements.

You can also use these systems to log entry and exit, collecting valuable data for analyzing traffic patterns, optimizing workforce management, and investigating security incidents. So, let’s get into some tips on choosing the right system so you can reap some of these benefits yourself.

Tips on Choosing the Right System

Just as with choosing the best security fence or the best commercial security camera system, picking the optimal access control system requires a considerable amount of research. But, we’ve streamlined this for you by highlighting some of the most important considerations below.

Assessing Your Needs

Start by identifying all potential entry points that require securing, including doors, gates, and barriers. Consider both internal and external access points for comprehensive coverage of your property.

It’s also important to align your system with your specific level of security. High-security facilities, such as financial institutions, might require stringent measures like biometric authentication. In contrast, a small business office may find electronic keycards sufficient.

User management will play a role in choosing your system, too. Think about how many people will need access to your property. An ACS should efficiently manage and track user access, including employees, visitors, and contractors. Don’t just think about your user base today but down the road, too – scalability is an important aspect.

Technology and Features

Once you have a better understanding of your needs you can start to piece together the specific technology, components, and features you need. There are things that are essential and things that are nice to have – your budget will determine which pieces of the ACS fall where for you.

Authentication Methods: Choices include traditional keycards and PIN codes to advanced biometrics and mobile access. The method should align with your security needs and the ease of use for end-users. Biometric systems offer high security but require more significant investment, whereas keycards are cost-effective but can be lost or stolen. Wireless intercoms are one of our top recommendations here.
Integration Capabilities: An ACS may just be one aspect of your commercial security system – so it should integrate with surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and fire safety systems. This provides a unified response to incidents and streamlines management.
Remote Access and Control: Look for systems that offer web-based or mobile app interfaces, which allow you to adjust permissions, monitor access events, and receive alerts in real-time, regardless of your location.
Data Analytics and Reporting: This includes detailed access logs, user behavior patterns, and potential security vulnerabilities. Having access to this information informs ongoing security assessments and empowers you to make calculated decisions about security policies and practices.

Considering Costs

There are so many different commercial security system costs you’ll need to juggle – the electric driveway gate cost, security camera installation, and more.

It can quickly become overwhelming when you realize just how much it all adds up to. Just remember – you get what you pay for. So, assess how the the system will save you money in the long term, through improved security, operational efficiency, and potential reduction in theft or vandalism.

At the end of the day, you’re paying for peace of mind. What sort of price tag can you put on that?

Finding a Provider

Once you have a better idea of what your budget is and what your security needs are, it’s time to find a provider that can offer what you’re looking for. Ideally, they’ll be able to install it too. But what should you look for in a company?

Determine the quality of their solutions – after all, you need to feel confident that you can rely on your system to work diligently around the clock.

You can ask them how their systems are made/where they’re sourced from, or better yet, look to reviews from past customers. This gives you a much better idea of what you can expect in terms of dependability.

To a certain extent, the provider should also offer customized solutions that fit your specific needs and provide comprehensive support and training. They should be willing to help you make the most of your system.

All this being said, you should take your time to research the local options you have at your disposal and get a few different quotes. But if you’re a Texas resident and/or business owner, you can rest assured you’re partnering with the pros when you choose Viking Fence.

Enjoy Peace of Mind Knowing You’re Protected by the Pros When You Partner With Viking Fence!

Viking Fence has been a Texas tradition for more than four decades and counting. We’ve earned a reputation as the premier provider of all things fencing and access control since then through our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Our access control systems are built with military-grade materials, ensuring durability and longevity. The Maximum Controls gate operators we use are equipped with brushless DC motors for a long life, efficiency, and energy optimization. They’re capable of fitting almost any layout while allowing for component customization

We also engineer our own gearboxes so that we can maintain high-quality standards and ensure your solution is truly built to last. Service is plug-and-play with a USB diagnostics system that simplifies maintenance and support.

Choose from features like solar panel cells, keypads, radio remotes, and magnetic lock systems to tailor your security setup to your specific needs.

Whether it’s the high-traffic capacity of our swing gate operators or the unrivaled speed of our slide gate operators, we offer solutions that don’t compromise on performance.

Meanwhile, our wireless intercoms utilize powerful 900MHZ technology, allowing for hands-free operation with background noise immunity and full duplex audio, enhancing the user experience and integration with your gate systems.

You can feel confident partnering with us knowing your ACS is protected by a warranty of up to 8 years. Plus, we back your system up with extra batteries and lightning protection, ensuring they remain operational regardless of the circumstances.

We aren’t just the #1 fence company in Austin, though. We also serve the following cities with the same commitment:

So, get in touch today to take the first step towards complete peace of mind knowing your property is protected by the best in the industry!

Making the Most of Your New System

Before wrapping up our guide we want to leave you with a few tips on making the most of your new ACS, regardless of whether you get your system through us or another provider:

Training Necessary Personnel: This includes understanding how to grant or revoke access, respond to security alerts, and utilize the system’s features.
Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine checks to identify and rectify any issues before they escalate into serious problems. Being proactive minimizes downtime and extends the lifespan of your system.
Access Levels and Schedules: If applicable, customize access levels and schedules to match the specific needs of your organization. By restricting access to sensitive areas and setting schedules for when access is permitted, you can further enhance the security of your premises.
Data Analysis: Monitoring access patterns and identifying unusual activity can help you detect potential security threats and improve the overall efficiency of your access management strategy.

After we get your system set up we’ll offer insights on how to use it effectively and make the most of it. So, with all that being said, get in touch today and put the stress of security breaches in the past for good!

Wrapping Up Our Beginner’s Guide to Access Control Systems

In summary, what is an access control system?

This is a security solution that manages who enters and exits your property, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. With a system tailored to your needs and powered by advanced technology, you can protect your assets and maintain peace of mind.

Our blog has more resources like how to build a driveway gate, how to electrify a chain link fence, how to install outdoor camera without drilling, what is chain link fence made of, how to repair an automatic gate, the ideal security fence height, and more.

But remember, you don’t have to worry about any of these things with Viking Fence just a click or call away. We are the experts in protecting your premises, and you can trust us to handle all this on your behalf. From simple fence installation to robust, integrated commercial security systems – we do it all!

So, take control of your property’s security with Viking Fence today. Get a quote or learn more about our systems now.