ACCESS CONTROL AND DOOR ENTRY SYSTEMS
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Both access control and door entry systems are a means of securing a building or area. And can prevent people from getting into, or out of a building, depending on the client’s requirements. Door entry systems are more commonly used on residential properties or commercial reception areas. The work by requiring the caller to press a button or enter a number on a key pad on the outside of the property or area. This alerts individuals inside the building that there’s a visitor waiting by ringing a handset. Once the caller has been identified, the entry door can be unlocked by pressing a button on the handset, allowing complete control over the visitor access. Door entry systems can be audio only or audio and video. The benefit of video door entry is that not only can you speak to the caller, you can also see, and if necessary identify, visitors before allowing access to the premises.  Access control systems do not use audio or video recognition, but operate on pin-codes or tokens to restrict access. An access control system can be stand-alone, which controls access to just one door, or for multiple doors, controlling access within a large property or throughout a development, a hospital for example.

The most commonly used systems require a token to gain access, the token being either a card or a fob, which is programmed to operate with the system. Each door on the system has electronic locks fitted and, on the outside of the door, a reader is installed. By presenting the token to the reader the door is unlocked allowing access. Exiting through the door is achieved by a ‘push to exit’ button, or if more security is required another reader or code lock. Many access control systems are pc based, with user friendly software. This puts the user in control, enabling the programming and deleting of tokens on the system as and when required. And allowing the monitoring of movements throughout the building. Access control and door entry systems can be used independently, or combined to achieve greater levels of security or simply to reduce the number of mechanical keys required. An example of this is the use of access controls at the entrance to an apartment block. Residents are supplied with a fob gain access to the building, but a door entry system is still in place for visitors. At Signal Electronic Systems, we are independent, which means we’re not tied to one manufacturer. This allows us to design, build and install systems using equipment that has a proven record of reliability and best suits the operating conditions and level of security required. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to discuss your system requirements, provide recommendations and a competitive quotation.