This article contains all the information you need to know about the access control system and the answers to all questions.The safety and security of your enterprise are the top priority. Having a business access control system is critical to protecting your employees, property, and company information. Learn how to protect your business and make informed decisions about your access control system in this comprehensive guide.
1. What is Access Control?
Access control is defined as the process of selectively restricting and managing the ability to enter or leave a specific area. The purpose of the commercial access control system is to provide authorized personnel with access to buildings, rooms, or other areas while restricting unauthorized personnel. Preventing unauthorized access is essential to minimize risk.
The access control system you choose needs to play a role because it will play a role in your daily operation. The scope of the business access control system may be complex and have multiple functions. An effective system provides fast and convenient access for authorized personnel, while securely restricting others.
The picture above shows the commercial access control system. In terms of protecting your employees, property, and data; Choosing the right access and security system is critical. That’s why Umbrella Technologies is helping. This detailed guide will give you a better understanding through the following chapters:
2. Type of Access Control System
Over the years, with the increase in business security requirements, access control systems have also been developing. The electronic access control system does not rely on mechanical keys, security personnel, and paper registration forms, but uses computers and advanced technology to improve control and monitoring.
1) Contactless Access Control
Covid-19 has changed people’s preference for access control technology.
For access control, people no longer touch public door handles, press elevator buttons, or swipe inductive card readers. On the contrary, they prefer non-contact, non-contact, and hands-free access control. The purpose of non-contact access control is to provide employees and visitors with a non-contact way to enter the facility. With the contactless access control system, you can eliminate any need for physical contact. Employees can enter the building using facial recognition, hand wave technology, or mobile applications without touching the keyboard or buttons.
2) Manage Systems and Users
There are two different types of access control systems: networked (IP) systems and traditional independent systems. There are three main ways to manage access to these systems. The system type most suitable for your business depends on your security and business requirements. Here are some quick questions that can guide you in the right direction:
- Are you managing a single building or multiple building locations?
- How many doors do you need to protect in the facility?
- Do some areas require higher restrictions?
- Do some users or groups need different permissions?
- How do you want to manage, track, and report?
- What existing software or hardware does the system need to integrate?
- Do you need to schedule the visit date and time?
- Are there industry compliance requirements?
3) Independent and IP network Access Control
An Independent system is a traditional method to manage access control of small facilities. The system is managed by the access control panel. The panel connects various card readers, electronic door locks, and cameras through power and communication lines. The control panel can only manage a limited number of doors, usually less than 10, so it is very suitable for small environments.
With the expansion of business and security requirements, IP network systems become more and more popular. In this system, access control components are directly connected to the network using wireless or Ethernet connections. Information is sent in real-time, which allows users to manage, track, and audit. This setting also eliminates the number of doors that are usually associated with independent systems.
4) Type of Access Control
There are many ways to manage user access control rights. The type of access control depends on how users are assigned and how access rights are managed. The three most common access control permission types are role-based access control, mandatory access control, and autonomous access control.
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
Role-based access control (RBAC) is the most common form of managing user rights. In this method, permissions are granted to roles, which are then assigned to users. This method includes access control based on permissions, which depends on attributes such as work, resource requirements and environment.
RBAC enables administrators to easily manage users in role-based groups. These groups can be broken down by position, location, authority, or any factor that is meaningful to your business. Generally, the system is designed to allow users to access only the information, areas, and schedules required for their work. Therefore, users cannot access sensitive data that is not needed to perform their duties. This is particularly important when working with contractors, third-party organizations, large companies, and the healthcare industry. Role-based security is a flexible and secure user rights management method.
- Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Mandatory access control is the most restrictive access control for user and privilege management. In this method, the administrator must assign a label to each person. This label is based on the access control policy uniformly implemented for all users. Any action taken by the user will be tested according to the standardization policy to determine whether the action is allowed.
MAC is designed in hierarchical order. This makes it a common method for organizations (such as military agencies) that pay more and more attention to confidentiality and proper classification. Users cannot override access control policies for themselves or other users. This helps ensure that access control policies are implemented consistently.
- Autonomous Access Control (DAC)
Autonomous access control is the least restrictive way to manage permissions. In this method, the administrator is responsible for deciding who can access a specific place.
DAC allows individuals to have full control of any area they supervise and the associated equipment in these areas. Autonomous access control provides more flexibility, but administrators may grant permissions to users who may not need it. This method is usually contrasted with the unified application of permissions in mandatory access control.
5) Function and Application of Access Control System
Different enterprises and industries in Chicago may have unique access needs. Fortunately, there are many ways to configure the access control system. With all customization options, you can easily design and expand the security system to meet your unique operational requirements. Some functions of the enterprise access control system include:
- Set security requirements to restrict access to different areas of the facility
- Manage permissions at the individual employee level
- Schedule user access based on time and date
- Keep track of which access points are activated and by whom
- Track and report user movements
- Restricted workstations, file/server rooms, printers, and entrance doors
- Receive message alerts of suspicious activity
- Provide scheduled code access for delivery, frequent visitors, and members
- Use the Internet or mobile application to remotely manage your system
- Integration with security camera and biometric technology/face recognition technology
- Two to thousands of doors that can be expanded to hundreds of locations
- Compatible with existing hardware, including card reader, strike, and maglocks
3. Access Control Components and Parts
The business access control system is highly customizable and can be designed according to the specific business needs of Illinois. There are various access control components, devices, and components that can be combined to design a complete security system. The following are some of the most commonly used components in the commercial access control system.
1) Reader and Credential
A reader is a device used to “read” credentials electronically. When a credential is presented to the reader, it will send the information of the credential to the control panel or networked system hub to determine whether access should be granted. If approved, the reader will send an output signal to release the door lock mechanism. Readers usually have the ability to identify the most common forms of credentials, including cards, key cards, and smartphones. Some readers use the keyboard to enter passwords, or more advanced readers use biometric scanners and face recognition.
2) Key Card and key Chain
Card vouchers can be divided into various technologies for interacting with readers. The main feature is that each card is uniquely encoded into the user profile. When reading the magnetic stripe or barcode on the card, you can physically insert or swipe the access control card.
There is also a key card access control system based on distance or contact. These credentials are stored on the key card or key card. There is a small security token on the key card or key card, which can be connected to the card reader using RFID. With the help of induction technology, the card or key chain can be read only by putting it close to the card reader. The reading range determines the distance the card transfers data to the reader. This flexibility allows the credential to be added to the ID badge as a sticker, or it can be a larger key chain suitable for the key ring.
3) Keyless and Smartphone Credentials
Some readers have been developed to interact with smartphones without requiring physical keys or remembering passwords. Mobile credentials can be directly sent or added to the user’s smartphone and stored in a secure application. With these credentials, the user’s smartphone will use low-power Bluetooth (BLE) or near-field communication to communicate with the card reader. Mobile access control can be used to replace or supplement traditional physical credentials, providing greater flexibility for your business in Chicago.
4) Access Control Module
The electronic access control system needs to be able to control the locking of the door. This is where these four access control components play a role.
Electronic door lock — electronic door lock is a locking device to prevent door opening. These locks are not controlled by mechanical keys, but by credentials that interact with other parts of the access control system.
Maglocks — Maglocks use current to prevent doors from opening. When access is allowed, the current is suspended and the door to be opened is released. (Maglocks are fail-safe: when the power is turned off, the lock will be released)
Electric shock — electric shock is an electromechanical device installed in the door frame and interacts with the locking mechanism of the door. When access is granted, the hinge in the electric lock will move to allow the door to unlock and open. (Available in fail-safe or fail-safe mode — fail-safe models require power to unlock the door, so the lock will not automatically release).
Buttons and switches — Switches and buttons allow the door to be unlocked remotely when the user activates the switch. Additional functions such as delay, instant release, continuous-release, and emergency release provide more options for operators.
5) Physical Access Carriers
In addition to the locked door, there are many physical access control elements that can be used to prevent access to an area. Physical barriers are often used to protect densely populated or vulnerable areas. Obstacles to prevent entry include turnstiles, fast doors, safety revolving doors, door barriers, and interlocking devices. Physical access can also be used for control and protection through non-traditional methods, such as frosted glass and interior layout design.
6) Tiered Physical Access
When designing a business access control system for enterprises in the Chicago area, it is very important to consider physical security by planning hierarchical security. Perimeter solutions can keep intruders away from the property. The access card can prevent unauthorized personnel from entering from the outside door. Advanced user rights restrict access to areas within the facility to prevent theft. For layered physical systems, many different security measures must be violated before security is threatened.
7) Border and Surrounding Management
Perimeter access controls help limit access to facilities outside the building’s exterior doors. Perimeter access components help manage unique elements within Illinois facilities that may require additional security measures.
- Access control
Gates and fences can more easily protect the perimeter of the property. The entire property line has been better protected through the collection and connection of limited entry points. At the door, you can use the card reader and credential system or send a guard to prevent entry.
- Parking lot access control system
The parking access control system is used to control vehicles entering and leaving the parking lot. This is not intended to collect revenue for parking facilities, but to manage which vehicles can enter the parking lot. The remote reader uses credentials that can be read in the range of 10–25 feet. These vehicle credentials are usually installed on the windshield, license plate, or hand-held key chain. Typical uses of parking systems include commercial parking lots, hotel parking lots, private residential areas, and employee parking lots in the Chicago area.
- Elevator access control management
The elevator access control management system is used to restrict access to specific floors. Chicago has many enterprises or large buildings that need specific permissions based on floors that can benefit from elevator safety management. Adding elevator control to an existing system is easy, and you can use the same credentials.
8) Access Control Software
Access control software is used to manage the system and allow authentication, authorization, access, management, audit, and reporting. The system can range from small institutions with only a few doors to multi-location enterprises with thousands of doors. Other functions allow remote management, monitoring security cameras, sending a large number of notifications, locking in emergencies, etc.
9) Access Control Panel
The access control panel is an intelligent controller used in an independent system. All-access control components in the building are connected to this panel to adjust permissions and grant access. The access control panel is located in the building, but usually in a private room.
4. How Does Access Control System Work?
The access control system improves security by controlling the people allowed to enter an area. Access control systems can have many components, but the working principle of most systems can be explained in five steps. Each of these steps plays a role in ensuring that the right people are allowed and unauthorized people are rejected. Let’s review the five steps of how the access control system works:
1) Authorization
The authorization step turns an unidentified individual into an authorized user. In this step, the administrator can track who can enter the facility or specific area. The company will use one of the access control (RBAC, MAC, or DAC) to establish access policies to manage access rights. Each user’s role will specify which doors or areas can be accessed, and then encode this information into the credentials. For places that often receive visitors or guests, it is very important to design a system that can grant temporary access rights to such guests.
2) Certification
In this step, a person shows his/her credentials (card, key card, smartphone, etc.) to the card reader. Then, the access control system will verify whether the user should be granted access rights by comparing the database of authorized users. Regardless of the result, the system will store the data of each interaction for later reference in the audit.
3) Visit
If the database recognizes the credentials as having the correct permissions, it will allow access to the area. This access is allowed by sending an output signal to the access control module (electronic door lock, electric lock, or magnetic lock) to release the door lock. In the case of a fail-safe lock, access is granted by suspending the current to the lock and allowing it to be released. On the other hand, the fault safety lock is released by applying current to the locking mechanism.
4) Management and Monitoring
Managing the business access control system includes adding or deleting credentials, changing permissions, adjusting plans, or adding alerts. This process is handled at the back end of the system software. Administrators can also monitor the login logs of users and access points. Modern access control software options provide cloud-based or smartphone-based management.
5) Audit and Report
Logs of user activity, location activity, and access logs can be created by administrators. Reports are necessary to investigate suspicious activities and to verify during security threats. This also enables Chicago enterprises to make informed decisions on their staffing and operating procedures, conduct standard security reviews, and maintain compliance standards.
The quantity and type of detailed data provided by the access control system depend on the integration, such as visitor, time, attendance, and video system. During the audit, it is important to identify the duration of data stored by the system, whether it is accessing 1000 logs or unlimited log records. After you understand your reporting requirements, you can create custom reports to save your time.
5. Why is Access Control System Important?
Access control minimizes the risk of allowing unauthorized persons to enter the security area. It is crucial to be able to control who can enter a certain area because it can protect physical assets, intellectual property/data, and employees while limiting the risk of injury and operation interruption to the enterprise. Access control does not need to guess who, what, why, and how.
1) Personal Safety and Security
Measures must be taken to ensure physical security to prevent attackers from accessing a location and simply getting what they want. Vandalism, robbery, and employee theft are all types of security risks that can be mitigated by using appropriate access controls to restrict who can enter your business.
Another benefit of enterprise access control is the ability to use integrated access control systems to solve emergencies and events. The building access control system can be designed with an alarm or PA system to help determine the fastest exit path during evacuation. Video monitoring can help to accurately and quickly identify the location of fire or natural threats.
In today’s world, it is important to be prepared for the potential threat that individuals want to harm others and the risk that your facilities may become the attack site. Security cameras can help prevent threats and escalation before they occur by tracking specific people moving throughout the building with guaranteed accuracy. The access control function can further prevent movement in the whole building and limit the intruder to the area without a life threat. Physical access control solutions are critical to the security and security of employees, equipment, infrastructure, and other company assets.
2) Data and Security Compliance
If an enterprise in Illinois does not properly maintain proper access control, all work done for data and information security may soon be lost. When attackers can directly access server devices, hard drives, and computers, firewalls, encryption, and other security functions still make information vulnerable to attack. Sensitive information can be stored on USB drives, laptops, smartphones, tablets, or any portable file storage device. Then, if there is no appropriate access control system, hackers can simply take your data and proprietary business information out of the front door.
3) Sensitive Data and Personal Information
Data is the new gold of modern society. Where there is personal data, there are people trying to buy or steal it. Hackers can sell valuable data on the black market of the dark network, including social security numbers, credit card details, birthdays, etc. Therefore, enterprises dealing with private information, personal data, or sensitive details need to control who can have direct access to these data and who can access the computers or devices that store these data.
In addition, in the era of GDPR, people began to pay more attention to personal data and its use. If your business in the Chicago area does not take the correct steps, you may face legal and regulatory actions due to negligence in protecting personal data.
Following information and access control policies can help your enterprise protect sensitive information. With simple steps and appropriate information training, you can prevent 90% of network security attacks. Require users to create difficult passwords and log in using multifactor authentication to improve the security of enterprise accounts. Some industries in Illinois, such as healthcare and finance/banking, have improved the security standards and regulations they must comply with to ensure that data is not leaked.
4) Improve Business Operation and Efficiency
The development of customized access control systems is not only for security and safety but also a tool to improve business operations, reduce unnecessary expenses, and improve efficiency. With the access control system report, enterprises can make better and wiser business decisions.
Tracking hourly and daily customer traffic helps enterprises improve employee scheduling to improve efficiency.
- Enterprises can find trends and patterns that affect customer service according to time, date, place, and specific employees.
- By tracking the actions of employees and their time of entry and exit, employees can take more responsibility for attendance and lateness
- Monitoring passenger flow data enables retail stores to create a heat map of the in-store area to better promote high-profit products.
- Enterprise owners can grant or arrange access rights to other individuals or companies remotely, without having to visit the site in person.
6. Design A Commercial Access Control System
If you are not familiar with security, selecting the business access control system that best suits your needs may be a big project for your business. There are hundreds of systems with a series of products and components, and each system has different integration and functions. The open-source access control system consists of various components from different manufacturers.
1) System Planning and Installation
Planning electronic access control system is not easy. Here, security consultants like Umbrella Technologies can help you make decisions more easily. If you want to start the project yourself, you should consider some things in the plan. This is why Umbrella Technologies has developed an in-depth access control system design guide to help you organize and plan the operation and technical tasks of installing the access control system. Fill out the quick contact form to access the free downloadable PDF guide immediately.
In this guide, you will learn:
- design of access control system
- plan
- purchase
- project management
- test
- train
- participants
- establish operation level
- access rights
- set voucher
2) Manufacturer’s Comments and Recommendations
Umbrella Technologies independently reviewed many companies and products in the access control industry. As security consultants, our job is to distinguish “marketing hype” from practical and feasible methods. We provide a fair analysis of the product and whether it is suitable for a specific application.
In these comments, you can read our expert opinions on product manufacturers, their hardware, and software. Our comments will help you narrow your search for the best access control system for your facility. ou can also explore open-source access control options that allow you to customize your system with hardware and software from different manufacturers.
3) Configuration and Model
When you begin to plan the model and system configuration, it is important to identify the factors that may affect the function. It may be helpful to note which features are necessary and which are the best. An effective business access control system is the front line to protect Illinois businesses. When you don’t know what’s around the corner, cutting corners is not a good thing. You need to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the following contents discussed in this article:
- Networked or independent
- Door
- Number of access points
- External Exit
- Permission management
- Method voucher type
- trusteeship
- System installation mode
- Third-party or internal monitoring
- Additional functions (such as anti-echo, biometric scanning, face recognition, video monitoring and alarm)
7. Access Control Technology in 2023
This is a really exciting moment for access control technology. If you want to upgrade or install a new access control system in this year, it is important that the solution be scalable and compatible with future technologies. There is a great deal of advancement in access control components and parts. Today’s system integrates new functions to create a complete business security solution. With more and more data within reach, we need to adjust our position to make real-time decisions and stop problems before they occur.
1) Industry Status
The security industry needs to understand what we are protecting. We need to fully understand access control technology to create a seamless user experience, improve efficiency and maximize the security of our work environment. We need to recognize the threats and risks brought by network attacks, hacker attacks, social engineering, phishing, lost or stolen credentials, forced entry, and even simple user errors. There is no 100% impenetrable access control system. However, by having the right security and access control system, you can eliminate many risks.
Our daily lives have been transformed by technology. With more and more devices becoming intelligent devices and the development of the Internet of Things, it is very important to connect all parts to form a complete system. Many operators have begun to re-evaluate how to use various parts of their existing systems to use other parts of their operations to improve efficiency.
Access and security using your mobile phone are becoming mainstream. The younger generation is eager to try. Our smartphones rarely leave us. Now they use face recognition to unlock. Various security applications are increasing: the use of mobile credentials to unlock electronic door locks, digital student ID, use smartphone payment, multiple authentications, work attendance, and so on.
2) Planning for the Future
The future of access control systems will see an increase in biometric scanning and facial recognition technology. The biometric solution reads a person’s physiological characteristics to verify identity, rather than using standard credentials. Face recognition goes further. It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect faces from different angles. The system then matches the face with the identity to ensure that the person belongs to a specific area.
In addition to these trends in access control technology, it is also important to recognize the needs of emerging markets. The rapidly developing cannabis industry has brought a series of new challenges and opportunities for security and access control compliance.
