How Access Control Can Be Tailored To Your Security Needs

Access control systems are increasingly important in the modern world. These systems go beyond a simple lock-and-key method of securing access. Instead, they let you tailor your security needs to individual situations, to changes in your operations, and even to meet needs for multiple layers of security.

How can an access control system accomplish this? By basing access control on one or more of these three methods: 

What the Person Carries

The first method of granting access is the most similar to traditional locks and keys. The authorized users are given something to carry that verifies their authorization and allows entry. This might be a badge, an ID card, a fob, or a key card.

This layer of security is the easiest for most users to adapt to. However, it relies on the users to carry the item with them and to prevent it from being stolen. And to change access requires returning or issuing new items to each person. So it's best used in areas with lower security risks and less frequency of change. 

What the Person Knows

A more modern variation for controlling access is to avoid having to carry physical items and instead use something the person knows. Usually this is through entry of a code on a keypad, but it can also be voice-activated. The advantage of using a code system is that no one has to keep track of access props like cards or fobs. There's also little risk of access being stolen or lost. 

However, security is at risk if employees give out their personal identification code. Therefore, this access control method could be best utilized along with verification of the person's identity by a camera or real person. The two-step approach heightens security for areas of medium-to-high sensitivity. For instance, you could use both a code and other employee verification to let people into accounting or inventory storage. 

Who the Person Is

Finally, the most up-to-date access control measure is to grant access based on who the person is. Biometric data, including a fingerprint or facial recognition, has the least chance of being forged or stolen. It can be the most expensive form of access control technology, though. And while it is easy to rescind, it may be harder to set up for new access. 

How might you use this in your business? Certainly, it would be the best way to protect areas where company secrets are kept, where sensitive customer data is housed, or locations with very expensive tech. 

When you understand the three main options for granting or denying access to different areas in your company, you can target each space's individual needs. Want to know more? Start by meeting with an access control service like the Videotec Corporation in your area today.