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Traditional lock-and-key systems pose serious security risks and consume significant time and money for businesses. That’s why door access control systems are important solutions that help businesses manage access while simplifying the administration process. These systems also grant greater visibility across facilities, which helps with investigations and reporting.
For these reasons, you need a physical access control system for your doors, elevators, parking areas, and other access points. This guide will walk you through how to choose the best system for your business, including how they work, costs, features to look for, and more.
A door access control system is a security solution that manages access to secured doors within a facility.
The system determines who is allowed to enter and when they can enter based on permissions configured in the management software. To verify identity, users are assigned credentials such as PIN codes, key cards, fobs, mobile credentials, or biometrics.
Access control systems for doors can serve a single door in a small business or thousands across multi-building properties. The systems
Door access control systems are preferred over traditional locks and keys because they’re more secure and easier to manage. Operators don’t have to manually rekey locks or replace lost keys. Instead, credentials can be deactivated automatically based on the user’s employment status. Credentials can also be updated to reflect new permissions without having to replace the physical card or fob.
Above all, door access control systems can be managed while on site or remotely. This way, operators can manage permissions, update credentials, review access logs, and more, no matter where they are.
A door access control system consists of several components working together to verify a user’s identity and determine whether they should be granted access. Although the technology behind these systems can vary, most follow the same basic process.
Credentials are assigned to users and serve as their method of identification.
Common credential types include:
When users want to access a door, they present their credentials to the nearby reader.
The reader receives the credential information and sends it to the controller for verification. Depending on the system, this may involve reading a card or fob, receiving a mobile credential, or scanning a biometric identifier. Readers are located on the door or on the wall nearby.
The controller is responsible for making access decisions. It verifies the user’s permissions against the rules configured in the access control software.
If the user is authorized to enter, the controller signals the locking hardware to unlock the door. If the user doesn’t have permission, access is denied.
The locking hardware physically secures the door and responds to instructions from the controller. Common examples include electric strikes, magnetic locks, and electronic door locks.
Once access is granted, the lock temporarily releases to allow entry before returning to a secured state.
The management software serves as the system’s central hub.
Administrators can perform the following:
The software also maintains an audit trail of activity, allowing operators to see who accessed a door, when they entered, and whether any access attempts were denied.
Door access control systems can work with all types of doors and entryways. However, every organization has varying levels of security needs. So, you should choose an access control door system that meets your facility size and the level of control you need.
Single-door access control systems are designed to secure one entry point. They are commonly used by small businesses that are only looking to secure their front door.
Of course, other organizations may use them for their server rooms, storage areas, maintenance rooms, and other locations with a single entrance that needs securing.
These systems provide a cost-effective way to improve security without the complexity of managing multiple access points.
A multi-door access control system manages access across multiple entry points from a centralized platform. Depending on the system, they have the capacity to manage a handful of doors or hundreds across one or multiple sites.
Access control systems with multi-door capabilities enable centralized, remote management for simplified operations. These platforms allow businesses to create access schedules, manage credentials, review activity, and more.
Office environments often require different levels of access for employees, clients, visitors, and vendors. A door access control system for office buildings helps organizations manage these permissions more effectively while reducing reliance on physical keys.
Access control systems also serve as visitor management systems, enabling temporary users to access the areas they need for a specified period. Office access control systems also integrate other access points like elevators and parking areas for a more centralized approach.
Exterior doors are often the first line of defense for any facility. These entrances typically require additional security measures because they regulate access between public spaces and secured areas. Exterior door access control systems help businesses monitor building entrances and perimeters where threats often begin.
Exterior entryways extend beyond doors. Access control systems may incorporate gates, parking areas, docking bays, and other exterior entries for a more effective, holistic approach.
While exterior doors protect the perimeter, interior doors help secure specific areas within a facility. These systems are used to manage access to server rooms, inventory storage areas, HR offices, executive suites, research and development spaces, and other sensitive locations.
By controlling access to interior spaces, businesses can better protect critical assets, sensitive information, and restricted areas without limiting movement throughout the rest of the building.
Access permissions can also be customized based on departments, job roles, or security requirements, ensuring employees only have access to the areas necessary for their responsibilities.
Not all door access control systems offer the same capabilities. When evaluating solutions, businesses should look beyond basic door management and consider features that improve security, efficiency, and long-term scalability.
Here are the features you should look for:
Door access control system installation involves more than choosing readers and credentials. Businesses should evaluate their facility requirements and long-term goals before selecting a solution.
Start by determining which entrances, exits, and interior spaces require controlled access. Be sure to consider access points and exits that go beyond simple doors.
Access control can be leveraged across all types of areas:
Consider who will need access and what level of access they require. Different employees, contractors, and visitors often require different permissions based on their roles and responsibilities.
Ensure the system you choose is a role-based solution, allowing you to assign users specific roles with predefined permissions. That way, you can easily change permissions based on any promotions or job changes.
Existing doors, locking hardware, network connectivity, and power availability can all influence installation requirements. Understanding these factors early helps ensure a smoother deployment.
The complexity of the installation may also influence the type of system you install. If you don’t already have the infrastructure in place, a cloud-based access control may be easier to deploy. Meanwhile, on-prem access control is more suitable for high-security environments that already have the wiring in place.
Regardless, consult your security dealer or manufacturer to determine which system is best for your business security needs.
While your current needs may be limited, your access control system should be able to grow alongside your organization. Selecting a scalable solution can help avoid costly upgrades or replacements later.
Most commercial door access control system installations are performed by qualified security professionals who can design, install, and configure the system for optimal performance.
The cost of a door access control system depends on several factors but is typically priced per door. However, there are several factors that can impact that price, especially when it comes to choosing the system you want and any additional features.
So, here is everything that will impact your door access control system cost:
INFINIAS is the right door access control system for your business. INFINIAS Access Control supports on-premises and cloud-based deployments, aligning with your security needs.
Additionally, INFINIAS is easy to deploy, thanks to the EIDC+, a compact 2.8” door controller. This compact single-door controller makes it easy to deploy INFINIAS Access Control to a single door or hundreds. INFINIAS also supports additional hardware to meet your credential preferences, such as PIN codes, key cards, fobs, and mobile credentials.
Schedule a demo today to learn more about 3xLOGIC’s door access control system, INFINIAS.
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