Defining an Access Control System
An access control system is a security solution designed to authenticate individuals, grant entry, or restrict movement within a building or area. It works by linking doors, credentials, readers, and software to ensure that only authorised people can enter specific locations.
The main function is to secure premises by managing who can go where, and when. Users present credentials — such as a card, fob, fingerprint, or mobile token — to a reader, which communicates with the system’s software. The system then decides whether to grant or deny access based on stored authorisation data.
Access control systems combine hardware and software:
● Hardware: card readers, keypad entry units, and biometric scanners that verify identity.
● Software: management platforms or cloud-based systems that store permissions, log activity, and provide reporting.
These systems are designed to be secure, automated, and user-friendly, allowing administrators to adjust access rules quickly and monitor activity in real time.
Next, we’ll explore the different models of access control and how they operate.
Access control systems can follow different authorisation models, each suited to specific operational needs:
● Discretionary Access Control (DAC) – Flexible, where entry permissions are set by the owner or administrator.
● Mandatory Access Control (MAC) – Highly regulated, where a central authority strictly defines permissions.
● Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – Scalable, assigning access rights based on an individual’s role within the organisation.
In each model, the system grants entry when credentials match stored permissions. Credentials verify identity, and only authorised users are allowed to proceed.
A door entry system is a more specific form of access control, focusing on a single point of entry rather than a complete security network. Common examples include:
● Audio or video intercoms for visitor verification
● Keypad locks requiring a PIN code
While door entry systems control access to one entrance, broader access control systems manage permissions across multiple entry points, floors, or entire sites.
Up next, we examine why these systems are particularly valuable for businesses.
For business owners, facility managers, and security teams, access control systems offer reliable protection, help maintain regulatory compliance, and improve operational efficiency.
They reduce the risk of theft or unauthorised entry, streamline visitor management, and provide a clear audit trail of who accessed which areas and when. This makes it easier to investigate incidents and meet compliance standards.
Access Control Systems for Business
Modern access control systems for business go beyond locking and unlocking doors. They protect assets, safeguard staff, and integrate with other tools such as time tracking and visitor management systems. For example, employee attendance can be recorded automatically when staff use their credentials to enter a building, and visitor movements can be monitored in real time.
Next, we look at how technology is shaping these systems and their integration with wider security networks.
Modern access control systems are cloud-based, mobile-enabled, and encrypted to enhance security and flexibility. Administrators can monitor activity, log access events, and notify security teams instantly in the event of a breach.
Integration with other security measures is increasingly common. Access systems can be linked to CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and mobile apps, creating a unified platform where all security functions are monitored in one place. This not only improves response times but also provides a detailed record of every entry and exit event.