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If you’ve decided to upgrade your Orange County business, office, hotel, or other facilities with a key card access security system, you are taking a step into the modern world. Old-school lock and key systems leave much to be desired when it comes to security.

Modern key card door access systems allow greater flexibility, customization, and security. The only challenge is deciding which kind of door access control system you should install.

Here’s what you need to know about the different kinds of electronic access control system on the market.

The Physical Side of Access Control Systems

When the time comes that you need to transition to an access control system, there are physical pieces of equipment that need to be installed.

The amount of installation required depends on the layout of your facility and the desired outcome. A business that wants a simple key card access control system from the front door is much different than a medical facility that requires access to multiple entries, floors, and entryways.
While there are tons of variations, there are three main types of keyless access control systems. All of these systems work in a similar manner. The user supplies some kind of input, whether it be a code, body part, or object.

The system checks the central database to determine if that user is allowed access. If not, the door or secure area remains closed. If the user does have access, the door opens.

More places are moving to these keyless entry systems not only for greater security but for other perks. For example, it only takes a couple of button pushes for an administrator to change someone’s access privileges.

From terminations to promotions, it’s easy to change someone’s access level. These systems also store information when used, such as date and time the system was accessed, the user who accessed it, which door or location accessed, and more.

Secure Access Control Keypad

These are relatively straightforward but offer a reliable way to secure one of your doors. When needed access to a room, a user, whether it be an employee, guest, or client, simply enters a code into the physical keypad. If the code is recognized and has the appropriate permission, the designated door will unlock or open.

Control keypads are very common in apartment complexes, parking garages, or even community gates.

Biometric Access Control Systems

When biometrics are involved, it means that some human characteristic is required to verify someone’s identity. Biometric scanners work with fingerprints, retina scans, and other unique human elements to determine who is allowed access.

Biometric access control systems are most often seen in the movies, but they are used in real life too, in places like hospitals, major corporations, and other facilities that require strict security may go this route.

Key Card Access Security Systems

The most popular physical systems to install are key card door access systems. These devices use a smartcard, or key fob is presented to a card reader. The card contains a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that is used to determine if that card should have access or not.

You’ll see key card access security systems everywhere, from hotel rooms to military installations.

The Software Side of Key Card Lock Installation

While the physical components of any security system are crucial, there is also software that plays a critical role in how the system works.

These different software systems can typically be set up on any of the physical systems. There are three main variations of access control systems, such as:

Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

DAC is the type of system that gives the business owner or controlling manager the full responsibility of deciding which people are allowed in specific locations. The person in charge can grant access to different people based on whatever criteria they deem appropriate.

For example, you might assign access to your security manager-employee. If that person leaves that role, you would have to assign all of the access abilities to the next person to take that job.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

MAC is a popular option for facilities that are concerned with confidentiality, like military installations and hospitals. The owner or an appointed person makes decisions about who has access to different areas.

The most often use for MAC systems are for specific levels or labels. If someone reaches that level of classification, they earn access associated with their label.

For example, an employee who reaches a certain level of classification could have the same access as a security manager. 

Role-Based Access Control (RAC)

RAC systems tend to be the most popular in businesses. Access is typically assigned based on a person’s role in the organization. Each role would have assigned access. Whenever someone takes that role, they would then get the appropriate access.

For example, the security manager role has certain access abilities. Whenever you assign someone that role, they get that level of access.

Choosing an Access Control System for Installation

If you’re considering making a move to upgrade your office or business with a key card door lock or another access control system, you should start by taking inventory of your facility. 

Count all of the doors that need to be secured. That may not mean only counting exterior doors. You should also consider doors to access different rooms or departments like IT, storage, record keeping, etc.

Once you have a layout of the facility, you should decide which option is best for you. To fully understand all of your access control system options, contact Action 1st Loss Prevention — from helping you customize your next access control system to key card lock installation, we make sure you have everything you need.

We’re happy to provide you with a complimentary, no-obligation, onsite review of your facility. That means we’ll give you the best options for your needs and budget.

Our team of professionals has worked with commercial buildings, retail stores, hospitals, offices, schools, apartment complexes, hotels, and more. We can bring security, convenience, and reliability to your facility.

Give us a call today to discuss your options and set up your free onsite review.

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