Instead of using traditional locks and keys, access control uses electronically operated locking devices fitted to doors, windows and other points of access which are managed by a control system which only grants entry to authorised users. Users are identified in many ways including the presentation of RFID fobs or tokens, or by using fingerprint, handprint or iris recognition.
Unlike traditional keys, a lost fob can be simply deleted from the control system and a new one issued to a legitimate user, with no need to replace locks and keys.
An access control system, such as Coastform System’s easyopen, can be used to control gates, barriers, lifts and doors, thereby restricting access to, and movement around, a building.
Senior management and security staff can be allowed access to all areas of the building, whilst other personnel only have access to those areas deemed appropriate to their work. Sophisticated control software allows a system administrator to manage the access rights of all users and monitor site activity.
Security is of increasing importance in today’s unpredictable society and those charged with the management of schools, industrial premises, hospitals, offices, theatres, children’s nurseries, shopping centres and many other buildings and amenities have a duty of care to all people using those facilities.
Where there are significant numbers of people, such as employees, who need access to buildings or various areas within those buildings on a daily basis, lock and key technology is in reality an unsatisfactory and potentially a costly method of access control. Keys get mislaid and lost, employees leave and keys are not returned, additional keys are needed for new employees and changing locks or getting keys cut is both expensive and time consuming.
The move to a society which is less dependent upon lock and key technology has been underway for some years, and many of us are now used to inputting numeric codes, swiping cards or passing fobs in front of readers to gain access to our places of work. Finger print and iris recognition is also starting to become more widely used and international research and development into other identification technologies is a continuing process..