Access Control Systems Who gets in, and when
How access control works, card vs PIN vs fingerprint vs face, electromagnetic locks vs electric strikes, fire-exit safety, attendance and boom barriers.
01How access control works
Access control decides who can open which door, at what time, and keeps a record of every entry.
02Choosing how people identify themselves
| Method | Good | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| PIN code | Low cost, nothing to carry | Codes get shared; change them regularly |
| RFID card or tag | Fast and affordable | Cards can be lent or lost; block lost cards in the software straight away |
| Fingerprint | Cannot be lent to someone else | Some fingers read poorly (dry, worn or dusty hands) |
| Face recognition | Touchless and quick | Needs good lighting and correct mounting height |
| Mobile phone | Convenient for staff and visitors | Depends on the phone, battery and network |
Many sites combine two methods, for example card for everyone plus fingerprint for server rooms.
03Electric locks and door hardware
A strong magnet holds the door shut. It releases when power is cut (fail-safe), which is why it suits escape routes.
Replaces the strike plate in the door frame. Available as fail-safe or fail-secure.
A bolt drops into the floor or frame; common on all-glass doors.
Every controlled door also needs an exit button inside, a door closer, a power supply with battery backup, and on escape routes an emergency break-glass release.
04Fire safety comes first
Doors on escape routes must open in an emergency. Connect the access control system to the fire alarm so these doors release automatically when the alarm goes off, and fit an emergency break-glass unit beside them.
Fail-safe locks unlock when power is lost; fail-secure locks stay locked. Choose fail-safe for escape routes and fail-secure only where your fire consultant agrees it is allowed, such as store rooms.
05Standalone or networked?
| Standalone | Networked | |
|---|---|---|
| Set-up | Each door is programmed on its own device | All doors managed from one software |
| Best for | One or two doors | Offices, factories and multi-door buildings |
| Extras | Basic logs on the device | Time rules, instant blocking, reports, attendance export |
The same face or fingerprint terminals can also record attendance, giving you in and out times you can export for payroll.
06Boom barriers and vehicle access
- RFID tags on residents’ or staff cars open the barrier automatically.
- ANPR cameras read number plates and open for registered vehicles.
- Safety sensors or loops stop the boom coming down on a car or person; never skip them.
07Planning checklist
- How many doors, and which ones matter most?
- Who needs access, to which doors, and at what times?
- Door type: glass, wood, metal or shutter?
- Is any door on a fire escape route?
- Do you also want attendance reports?
- Should it link with CCTV, lifts or the fire alarm?
08Maintenance
- Test exit buttons and emergency releases regularly
- Check backup batteries
- Remove ex-employees and lost cards immediately
- Clean readers and fingerprint sensors
- Check that locks and doors stay aligned so they close properly
Our AMC plans cover these checks.
09Common questions
Will the door open if the power goes off?
It depends on the lock. Fail-safe locks unlock; fail-secure locks stay locked. A battery backup keeps the system running for a while during short cuts.
What if an employee loses a card?
Block that card in the software at once and issue a new one. The old card stops working immediately.
Can the system mark attendance?
Yes. Most face and fingerprint terminals record in and out times, which can be exported for payroll.
Can visitors get temporary access?
Yes. Networked systems can issue cards or codes that work only for set times or days.
Need help choosing?
Tell us about your home, society, shop or office. We will suggest what fits, visit the site, and give you a clear quote. See our access control service.