Security is a critical aspect of organizations that keeps people and property safe. Therefore, it should never be compromised. Besides, it eliminates human-induced hazards and prevents physical and intellectual property loss. For small firms, security is an afterthought as they kick off with simple doors, passwords, and computers. However, as they grow, security becomes a concern; therefore, they think of security auditing, planning, and implementing security systems. One of the indispensable plans is the physical security access system described below.
What is Physical Access Control?
Physical access control refers to barring unauthorized individuals from accessing a certain physical space. It can be a lockable door, fence, or turnstile.
Physical Security Access Control System
Physical control access is controlled by physical access control systems which are hardware and software that work with electric doors and authorization guidelines. The work of the physical security access control system is to interpret authority guidelines on who has access to equipment, rooms, and other company property and verify their identity. Subsequently, access can be given or denied.
The system has a database with a list of people categorized into access levels. With such a database, the physical control access systems control locking and unlocking based on the access level of the individual providing the credentials.
Physical access control systems have the advantage over keys since they can dictate which credentials unlock certain doors. Furthermore, you can limit access credentials in case of a threat. In addition, it’s unlike keys which can get lost, triggering expensive door lock expenses.
Types of Physical Access Control Systems
There are two categories of physical access control systems:
- Traditional systems
- IP or cloud-based systems
Traditional Systems
Traditional systems are the oldest. They use a credential scanner at the access point and a control box above the access door. The control box has a linkage with the computers, credential scanner, and locks.
Merits
They are dependable: traditional or legacy systems have been in operation for many years; therefore, they have been proven to work without major difficulties.
Secondly, they are hardwired, which makes them less vulnerable to hacking. By many, they are considered more secure.
Demerits
- Integrating traditional systems with other building systems, such as video surveillance and guest management, is hard.
- They are specific: the control boxes are designed differently for each area; therefore, to transfer a control box, you must adjust it.
- It is very expensive to install since each access point or door requires its control box. In addition, links have to be made with computers, scanners, and cameras.
- It requires several installations, including scanners, cameras, and control boxes that are hardwired.
IP or Cloud-Based Systems
These modern, internet-based physical access control systems don’t require a control box. Verification occurs at the scanner connected to data sources.
Cloud-based physical security access systems are further categorized into two:
- Web-based systems: are accessible via the internet. Maintenance and updates are the responsibility of the manufacturer.
- Network-based: are connected to an organization’s network. The connections can be wired or wireless. The organization’s computers and servers usually maintain and control the system.
Merits
- One can control hardware remotely, including triggering unlocks and lockdowns from anywhere.
- There are fewer equipment requirements, and thus are relatively cheap for businesses. in addition, it is easier to scale up as the organization grows.
- The IP system can receive real-time notifications for threats and access events.
- They can revoke access instantly.
- Cloud base physical access systems have great functionality and are easy to upgrade.
- There is instant credentialing of new users.
- Cloud-based systems have automatic updates from the cloud; thus, you will always have the most recent security measures.
- Integrating the system with other security software such as video surveillance, communication tools, visitor management, and space management solutions is possible.
- You can troubleshoot a cloud-based system remotely; you don’t have to be at the premises.
Demerits
- Ip systems depend on the network to function efficiently. Therefore, if the network goes down, security will be severed. However, a modern system stores information in case of a network outage.
- Secondly, a cloud-based system can be hacked. If one gains access to your network, they most likely also access locking systems. This phenomenon is a major concern in a web-based system where huge amounts of data travel through the internet.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, effective security begins with controlling physical access. An organization has to know whoever is on their premise and whether they are authorized to be there. The tool that will enable you to do this is a physical access control system.