Access control is a form of electronic security used to identify authorized individuals and authenticate them for access. The essential components of an access control system include:
- Admin facing: The access management dashboard and any integrating database services or API used to automate authorization
- User facing: Consists of all user credentials and the access control readers or keypads used to authenticate them
- Infrastructure: Vital yet generally unseen components such as the electronic locks, access control panels and access control servers
When adding access control to a home or business facility, you’ll want to start with the authorization phase. You can set the parameters of who, when and where access is authorized. The access management dashboard allows you to add new authorized entrants or restrict user access whenever necessary. While specific access control systems will enable you to grant permissions based on select roles, others offer fewer restrictions by assigning access based on the individual.
Access control readers and keypads give authorized members access to the premises. Everyone with authorization must receive established credentials that ensure the system recognizes them as an authorized entrant. Every credential is personalized with a specific user’s data. This way, you can trace all control doors’ lock access back to the associated user — including any unauthorized attempts or suspicious behaviors.