What are Access Control Systems? How to Choose?

What is Access Control System?

Access control systems are security solutions that determine who can enter a place or area, when and under what conditions. These systems are used to ensure the security of businesses, institutions and facilities by preventing unauthorized access. Modern access control systems provide effective protection by combining physical security measures with digital technologies.

Basically access control system it allows only authorized persons to log in by restricting access to a specific area. These systems can range from a simple locked door to complex biometric recognition systems.

What are Access Control Systems?

The main access control systems used today are:

Card Pass System

Card access systems’s is one of the most widely used types of personnel passage systems. In this system, users are given cards containing magnetic stripes, barcodes or RFID technology. When the user moves this card closer to the reader or has it scanned, the system recognizes the card and allows or blocks passage according to the authorization status.

Advantages of card access systems include easy operation, affordable cost and the ability to be quickly disabled when necessary. Additionally, these systems can also be used to monitor personnel entry and exit times.

Biometric Transition Systems

Biometric transit systems are systems that authenticate people using their unique physical characteristics. These systems are preferred in areas requiring higher security and eliminate risks such as card loss or theft.

Fingerprint Recognition System

Fingerprint recognition system is one of the most widely used methods among biometric transit systems. This system authenticates people by reading their unique fingerprint patterns.

Fingerprint reader devices convert fingerprint features into digital format and compare them with records in the database. In case of match, the system allows switching. This technology is preferred due to its high accuracy and ease of use.

Facial Recognition System

Facial recognition system it is an advanced biometric transition system that authenticates people by analyzing their facial features. This system creates a digital map by measuring specific points of the face and compares this information with records in the database.

Facial recognition technology has gained popularity, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, with its contactlessness, fast recognition ability and increased accuracy rate in recent years. In addition, it can be used effectively in crowded areas with its ability to recognize more than one person at the same time.

How to Choose a Access Control System?

Factors to consider when choosing a access control system are:

Need for Security: Assess the security needs of your business or organization. High security systems may be required to protect critical assets.
Number of Users: The number of people who will use the system affects hardware and software requirements. Scalable solutions should be preferred for a high number of users.
Features of the Place: The physical characteristics of the building determine the type of system to be installed. Factors such as indoor, outdoor, high traffic or low traffic should be taken into consideration.
Budgets: Initial cost, installation costs and long-term maintenance costs should be taken into account in budget planning.
Integration Needs: Integration requirements with existing security systems or software should be determined.
Scalability: In line with the business’s growth plans, it is important that the system is expandable in the future.
Ease of Use: The system should be easy to use for both users and administrators.
Technological Currentness: The selected system must use current technologies and be able to adapt to future technological developments.
Support and Service: Technical support, warranty and services provided by the supplier should be evaluated.
Compatibility: The system must comply with legal regulations and standards.

What are the Access Control System Types?

Access control systems basically fall into two main categories:

Door Access Control Systems

Door access control systems are systems that control doors in buildings. These systems usually have electronic locks QR code tracking system, magnetic door holders and electric door opening mechanisms are used. Door access control systems can be of the following types:

Card Pass System

Integrated into doors card access systems it works through card readers. When the user swipes his card, the system checks authorization and unlocks the door or activates the door opening mechanism in case of confirmation.

Turnstile Systems

Turnstile systems are physical barriers that control one-way passage. These systems work by integrating with card access or biometric recognition systems. Turnstile systems it is divided into the following types: Tripod Turnstiles (which have a three-arm structure and are the most widely used type of turnstile), Height Turnstiles (they are the preferred turnstiles in areas requiring high security, providing full-length barriers), Wing Turnstiles/Wing Barriers (with aesthetic design, preferred in luxury spaces. modern turnstile systems), Fast Pass Turnstiles (turnstile systems that provide fast passage in areas with high traffic).

Biometric Transition Systems

Biometric transit systems are systems that authenticate people using their physical or behavioral characteristics. Since these systems operate without the need for physical elements such as cards or keys, there is no risk of loss or theft.

Fingerprint Recognition System

Fingerprint readers authenticate by reading unique patterns in the user’s fingerprint. These systems are widely preferred because they are highly accurate, easy to use and cost efficient.

Facial Recognition System

Facial recognition system it authenticates by recognizing the person’s facial features through the camera. These systems operate contactless and have the ability to recognize more than one person at the same time. With the developments in artificial intelligence technologies in recent years, the accuracy rates of these systems have increased.

What are the Components of Access Control Systems?

A access control system usually consists of the following components:

Authentication Devices: Devices such as card readers, fingerprint readers, facial recognition cameras.
Control Panel: It is the unit that forms the brain of the system and processes data from authentication devices.
Electric Locks and Mechanisms: Mechanical components that physically control doors, turnstiles or barriers.
Software: It is software for managing the system, adding and removing users, editing authorizations and receiving reports.
Database: It is a digital archive where authorized users’ information, transition records and system configurations are stored.
Power Supply and Backup Power Units: These are electrical sources that ensure uninterrupted operation of the system and backup power systems that come into play in case of power outage.

Benefits of Access Control Systems

Access control systems provide many benefits to businesses and institutions:

Security Increase: Increases the security of spaces and assets by preventing unauthorized access.
Personnel Tracking : Personnel tracking program it facilitates human resources processes by automatically recording employees’ entry and exit times.
Automation: Increases operational efficiency by eliminating the need for manual control.
Reporting: Provides detailed reports on who has access to which area, when and in which area.
Resilience: It protects sensitive areas more tightly by defining different authorization levels in different areas.
Cost Savings: Reduces operating costs in the long term by reducing the need for security personnel.
Crisis management: Helps quickly identify who is where in emergency situations.

In Which Areas Are Access Control Systems Used?

Access control systems can be used in many different areas:

Workplaces and Corporate Offices: To check the entrances and exits of employees and visitors.
Production facilities: To restrict access to sensitive production areas.
Health Institutions: To protect areas and drug stores where patient information is located.
Educational institutions: To ensure student safety and protect school buildings.
Data Centers: To protect critical information technology infrastructure.
Hotels: To ensure that customers only have access to their own rooms.
Apartments and Site Complexes: To ensure that only residents and authorized persons can log in.
Airports and Critical Infrastructure Facilities: To control access to areas requiring high security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Personnel Access Control Systems?

Personnel transition systems are systems that control the entry and exit of employees, ensure security and monitor their working hours; Card access, fingerprint and facial recognition systems are in this category.

What are Automatic Access Control Systems?

Automatic transit systems are technologies that work without requiring manual intervention; RFID card systems, biometric systems, parking barrier systems a license plate recognition systems and Bluetooth/NFC systems are considered in this category.

What is Turnstile Passage System?

Turnstile passage system is integrated systems with various authentication technologies that control one-way passage through physical barrier; Tripod turnstiles, height turnstiles, wing turnstiles and quick pass turnstiles are the main types.