Security Starts at the Door
If you’re serious about keeping a site secure, access control hardware is your first line of defence. It stops the wrong people from getting in while making access smooth for those who belong. But let’s be honest—there are many options, and not all will fit your needs. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what matters.
Readers and Sensors
These are the devices that verify who’s allowed in. Different setups work for various environments, so choosing the right one is key.
RFID Readers
- Use contactless cards or fobs.
- Popular in offices, car parks, and high-traffic areas.
- Low-cost and reliable cards can be cloned if security isn’t tight.
Biometric Readers
- Uses fingerprints, facial recognition, or even retina scans.
- No lost cards, no stolen fobs—your body is the key.
- High security, but can be expensive and might need regular updates.
Keypad Readers
- Simple and effective—enter a code.
- There is no need for physical cards or fobs.
- The downside? Codes can be shared, which weakens security.
Locks and Door Hardware
Your reader is useless if the lock isn’t solid. These are the go-to options:
Electric Strikes
- Swaps out the traditional door strike plate.
- It can be set to unlock with a reader, keypad, or software command.
- It is ideal for doors that need to stay locked but allow quick entry for authorised users.
Magnetic Locks (Maglocks)
- It uses a strong magnetic force to hold the door shut.
- Works well on glass doors and emergency exits.
- Requires power at all times—cut the power, and the door unlocks.
Electric Bolts
- It is best for doors that rarely need access.
- It uses a motor-driven bolt to lock/unlock.
- Great for high-security zones but slower than other options.
Turnstiles and Barriers
- Used for crowd control in stadiums, transport hubs, and high-security sites.
- It prevents tailgating (one person sneaking in behind another).
- Works best with RFID or biometric systems.
Controllers
These are the brains of the system. They decide who gets in and when.
Access Control Panels
- The central hub connects all access points.
- Works with multiple doors and integrates with alarm systems.
- The whole system can fail if this goes down—so redundancy is essential.
Door Controllers
- A more localised solution, controlling one or a few doors at a time.
- It is helpful for standalone systems without a complete control panel.
Networked Controllers
- Connects everything via the internet or an internal network.
- It allows remote management and is perfect for multi-site security setups.
- It needs strong cybersecurity protection to prevent hacking.
Software and Interfaces
Even the best hardware is useless without the right software. This is where control and monitoring happen.
Access Control Software
- Manages permissions, logs entries, and integrates with alarms or CCTV.
- Cloud-based options allow for remote management.
- It should be user-friendly to avoid headaches in day-to-day use.
User Management and Permissions
- Controls who can enter, where, and when.
- It can be set to allow access for specific timeframes (e.g., office hours only).
- It should be regularly updated to remove ex-employees or expired access cards.
Integration with Other Security Systems
- It works best when combined with CCTV, alarms, and intercoms.
- A good setup links access logs with video footage for real-time monitoring.
- It can trigger automatic responses, like locking down doors in an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Access control hardware is about more than just locks and cards. It’s about finding the right balance between security, convenience, and cost. Whether you’re securing an office, a warehouse, or a high-risk facility, the proper setup can make all the difference. Get it wrong, and you leave gaps that intruders can exploit.
If you’re serious about keeping your site secure, choose the proper hardware, keep your software up to date, and always stay ahead of potential threats.
