FAQ
Access Control Systems
I want to control some of the doors at my offices. What are my options?
You have a variety of options. Firstly, you have to decide how many
doors you want to control initially, and how many you are likely to
want to control in the future. You need to decide if you want to link
a variety of sites together, so that a person can be given access
rights to a variety of doors in a variety of properties – the
‘One Badge’ principle.
There are a whole host of solutions, from a single door keypad, to
1000+ door, IP networked systems. Here are some of the pros and cons.
Single Door, Stand Alone Electronic Code Keypads -
You have to consider how effective door control will be if everyone
gets to know the code. Also, how much aggravation is involved if you
have to change the code or codes every time someone leaves? In our
opinion, these kind of locks can give a false sense of security, as
anyone could be given a code.
These are great for stock rooms or file rooms, where only one or two
people need access. They are not good for a main entry door.
Multiple Door, non-PC controlled Access Control systems –
These systems are cost effective, but once again, can be time consuming
to control. Each use is issues with a fob or card. You ‘enrol’
users onto the system using a master fob. When someone leaves, you
can disable their fob or card form the main controller. These systems
give very little reporting, and its impossible to find out who came
in at a certain time. They are ideal where very few users need access
to 1 or 2 doors. They are more convenient than having 2 separate stand
alone electronic keypads, and more secure as codes are not given out.
They are not good for a large amount of doors or a larger amount of
users.
Wire-free Stand Alone (or Networked) Euro profile lock replacement
system -
This system is brilliant. Essentially all the technology is actually
built in to the lock. If you have Euro profile locks fitted, we can
install a system very quickly, and very cost effectively. Individual
doors can be controlled by a small key fob radio transmitter. There’s
even a finger printer fob too! The system is scaleable, which means
it can be expanded up to 1000+ doors and can be controlled by PC.
It’s a very difficult product to describe here and needs a demonstration
to understand its true capabilities.
PC controlled Access Control Systems –
there are many manufacturers of these systems, and a wide variety
of ‘bolt on’ options. It’s critical to choose the
right system or ‘platform’ as you will be stuck with it
in the future. Once you have made the investment in the software,
training, badge technology and hardware, its prohibitive, in terms
of cost to switch to another manufacturer.
The principle of these systems is that from a central location, you
can truly control who goes in or out of any particular door, anywhere
on the system, during what hours. There are a variety of alerts that
can be enables, such as if a door has been held open, or forced open,
or if the emergency break glass has been broken.
Typically, there is a reading device at each door, which accepts swipe
cards, or more typically is a proximity reader. This device is able
to ‘read’ the information on a badge or fob from 2 or
3 inches. There are other readers with a longer read range, that help
people comply with the Disabled Discrimination Act.
How many people can I control?
From one person to thousands of people. There is no limit, in terms
of technology, to how many people, or how many doors you want to control.
Isn’t it simpler to have a mechanical code lock on the doors?
No. These locks fail regularly, are difficult to change codes and
give very little protection. You are better off giving individuals
a key to the door.
I already have an intruder alarm, can this control some doors?
Yes - Some more advanced alarm systems have the capacity to control
doors as part of their standard feature set. Changes to Police requirements
have meant that most of the users of our Intruder Alarm systems have
been given fobs. The fobs are attributed to an individual within the
software of the system so you’re halfway there. These systems
are clearly not as advanced as a full blown PC controlled system,
but are ideal for controlling up to 8 doors in an SME sized company.
We have some software that will help you log people on and off. It
is a very cost effective solution.
If my alarm is no good, I need a dedicated Access System then?
Again it depends on how many door, people you want to control and
how much money you have in the budget. You could upgrade your alarm
system, or invest in a PC based system. Our Surveyors can advise you
of the most cost effective and practical solution.
Do I always need a PC based system?
We think so. Stand alone systems are a pain to manage. By having the
software on a PC, you have total control and easy access to reports.
What do people need to carry with them?
There are a variety of options. ID badges, key ring fobs, stick on
fobs (ideal for sticking on the back of mobile phones) and others.
We just need to find a solution which suits your needs best.
What about finger prints?
Finger print readers and other Biometric solutions are becoming more
reliable and cost effective. If you have over 200 users, a finger
print reader becomes less effective as the sole means of identifying
a person. This is because it has to trawl through the database trying
to find a match. This can add a delay in opening the door which becomes
tiresome. Typically these types of solutions are for enhanced security
applications and we install combined finger print and PIN number readers,
or combined finger print and proximity card readers. This speeds up
the process as the badge or PIN number only has one person’s
fingers associated with it.
For any other applications or technology, such as Palm Recognition
(which is excellent) or Retina Reading, please contact us.
If we want badges, how do we get badges printed?
This is simply a numbers game. Allcooper have a Badge Printing Bureau,
and can design and print badges incorporating your logo. If you have
a large number of staff, or a large turnover of staff, you can invest
in your own Badge Printing Bureau.
What else can a PC controlled Access System do?
It depends on the sophistication of the system you choose, but some
features are Visitor Management, Time and Attendance, Asset Tagging,
Asset Management, DDA Compliance, Turnstile Control, Cashless vending,
Log-on to PC control, Car park Management, Vehicle and Freight Management,
Alarm Control, CCTV, Membership Control and so on. It’s almost
the case that whatever your problem, we have a solution – try
us out.
So I don’t need a stand alone CCTV system anymore?
Not really. If you choose the right platform, you can record into
your Access System. The real benefit is that you can link video footage
to any event on the Access System (as long as there is a camera covering
the area concerned). This means that if someone props a door open,
the Door Held Open alert would come up on the PC. There is a camera
icon attached to event. Just click it and you can see who did it.
You can then email the person or his boss with the footage and a request
to close the door and desist from this activity. Traditional Access
Control systems would just show that there is a Door Held Open. The
security officer would physically have to go and close the door, and
investigate a VCR or a DVR. The chances are that this would actually
be ignored.
So is this what would described as an Integrated System?
You’ve got it. The Access Control system is the major component
of your security system. You can keep adding features listed above
to the system as you require it – as long as you have chosen
the right platform in the first instance.
Who can access the information?
Anyone who has access to your network with the correct level of authority.
What are the options for locks?
Locks are critical. Your access control is only as good as the lock
is. There are a massive variety of locks available, depending on what
your door is constructed of, what locks are existing, whether the
door is on a fire route, what level of security you need, and the
aesthetic impact on your property. Our Surveyors will be able to advise
you of the best solution for you.
What damage is going to be done to my doors?
Again it depends on which locks you go for. The Euro profile locks
we fit simply replace your existing barrels. That’s it. Other
locks, such as maglocks need surface fitting to your doors and frames.