Learn About Card Access System

Strong sturdy doors with good locks is the front line defense against break-in. However no matter how good the lockset, its greatest weakness lies in the way we manage the distribution and allocation of keys.

While keys are low cost and easy to duplicate, it pose a security challenge when a key is lost. Do we simply replace the key or do we change the locks as well. And when disgruntled employees are dismissed or resigned, do they hold any duplicates?

Card Access - a better alternative

Electronic access system offers a better alternative as ID and authorization is programmable. An employee who leaves the firm can be denied access simply through programming the reader via the computer.

Similarly an employee who lost an ID card need not worry about someone gaining access using his card. The reader can be programmed to deny entry and even raise an alarm should that card be used.

The ability to log and keep track of who access a particular door and when it was accessed is a great advantage when it comes to investigating a security breach or theft.

More than that, companies are turing to card access system to keep track of their employees check in and check out time. Coupled with Time and Attendance software, the card access system is fast replacing punch card system and freeing personnel from the mundane task of entering time sheet and calculating Overtime.

Components of a Card Access System

A basic Card Access System comprises the following:

• Reader - the interface at the door that reads either your card, PIN number or fingerprints
• Controller - the brain of the system that checks if the data presented by the reader is valid and whether access should be granted
• Electronic Locks - used to lock or unlock doors

Variety of Readers Technology

There is a wide range of readers and the associated technology; from the simple PIN keypad, to Card Readers, to the different range of biometric readers.

The most basic of all readers is the simple numeric keypad where a user need only to enter the correct 4 digit PIN to gain access. While this is convenient for the user, it is also the lowest form of security. Anyone who saw you enter your PIN would be able to gain access. Hence PIN only keypad is not recommended for exterior doors.

Magnetic strip card readers used to be popular (it is still being used - think of your ATM Card and Credit Cards) though it is fast being replaced by proximity cards. Behind the face of the card is a magnetic strip that allow data to be stored in magnetic fields. Unfortunately the data can be distorted when the card is subjected to strong magnetic field or to scratches, wear and tear over time.

The cost of proximity card have drastically reduced over the years, making it the most attractive alternative. With proximity card, there is no need to swipe the card, hence no wear and tear All that is needed is to flash the card at the reader and the data can be read.

What is gaining ground is the use of biometric, particularly fingerprints. Biometric readers can read and recognize the fingerprint pattern, increasing the security of the premises. Unlike the card system, it is not possible to pass your fingerprints to someone else. And with the newer batch of fingerprint biometric reader, it can differentiate "live" fingerprints from "dead " fingerprints.

To learn more, click on the links below:

• Card Access System
• Standalone and Networked
• Proximity Technology
• Fingerprint Biometrics