Access Control System Guide

The following is AMCO's guide to access control systems for use in UK commercial properties.  AMCO are specialist Paxton Net2 installers and additionally are Dahua access system installers, operating across the UK.  Drop us a note if you're interested in Paxton Net2 installation or a Dahua system for your property.

How I might best use an access control system?  [Use cases]

The following is an overview of the core uses for access control technology within a commercial property:

> Managing access to specific areas of a building

> Tracking employee entry / exit

> Connecting to CCTV  / alarm system to create an integrated holistic security system (access / intruder / visual)

> Creating the foundations of a day-to-day people management system

Typical properties we install access control systems include offices, warehouses, schools / universities, public sector buildings (e.g. hospitals / Council buildings).

Swipe card access system

The most common access control method is using a 'swipe card'.  The card technology has now standardised around the Mifare standard, meaning cards are relatively low cost (c.£1.50 to £3 each - depending on levels of customisation & volume).  The downside of using cards is the inconvenience, and cost, of users losing their cards (a common problem).

Facial recognition

The use of facial recognition is an increasingly popular access control format, as it's seen as highly convenient and secure, as you're never going to forget / lose your face (unlike a card) and it's impossible for you to give your face to someone else (again, unlike a card).

The most cost effective and basic access control method is the use of a 'numerical code', punched into a keypad.  It's always useful to have a keycode as a back-up incase anything goes wrong.

System software management

Access Control software allows you to easily manage your users, and provides analytics / insights into who / when individuals access your site.

Dahua's DSS management software is one of the core access control systems we provide to our customers, allowing you to manage all facets of your access systems, including

> People management: adding / removing users from the system

> Door access management: controlling access permission to different doors

> Monitoring: real-time monitoring of access to doors across your site

> Analytics: access data of users / access to doors across site

Use case 1: Paxton Net2 in multi-building office scenario

The following is an overview of how a Paxton Net2 access control system might be used in a multi-building office set-up, where a single access control system needs to work across multiple different buildings in a holistic way.  The great thing about the Paxton Net2 software is that it can easily cater for multiple different doors across multiple buildings using its cloud software.

Use case 2: Paxton Net2 nano in listed building

The following is an overview of how a Paxton Net2 access control system might be used in a listed building scenario, where running wires is difficult.  Usefully the Net2 Nano provides a wireless access control system that avoids the need to run wiress across a listed property.

Want help with your access control system design?

If you're interested in adding a sophisticated access control system to your commercial property, get in touch with our technical consultation team and we'll help design a system that is right for your specific needs.  Call 0800 13 03 999 or email sales@amco999.com