The security of an environment, whether residential, commercial, educational, or governmental, depends on controlling access to vital locations. The fundamental unit of this strategy is the “controlled access zone” — the area designated for only those with proper clearance.
By establishing restricted areas, you draw boundaries that can be reinforced by your security technology. This article explains how to reinforce your controlled zones with modern security technology, from surveillance to authentication.
What Is a Controlled Access Zone?
A controlled access zone is a designated area in or around a facility that restricts access solely to authorized personnel. This may be for the protection of valuable assets, sensitive information, or even the protection of individuals who might risk injury without proper training or equipment.
How to Establish Controlled Zones
Creating a controlled access zone typically means reinforcing a boundary with specialized technology. Access control technology integrates doors and locks with an overarching security system, using specific credentials to grant access to a restricted area. Methods might include keycards, pin codes, or even biometrics.
Overarching security systems come in many shapes and sizes — some may include intruder alarms, while others may have entire surveillance systems built in. This broader connectivity makes controlling access easier and more reliable.
Types of Controlled Access Verification
Effectively controlling access involves implementing the right authentication methods for your location. Some typical forms of access credentials include:
Keycards or fobs — Cards and fobs replace traditional keys with items that can be activated and deactivated at will with no concern over lost or copied keys. Different cards can be programmed with different permissions.
Biometric scanners — Biometric authentication represents the cutting edge of access control technology. Though not necessary for every scenario, scanning for fingerprints and facial recognition can heighten security with a more foolproof method of granting access.
Keypads — Password-based systems are a tried-and-true access control method, and modern keypads make it easy to use. Codes can be changed regularly, and many modern systems even allow you to maintain multiple codes at a time.
Using Video Analytics to Reinforce Security
There’s another kind of controlled access zone related to security — one with greater ramifications for intruder detection and alarm systems. As video analytics take on new levels of sophistication with artificial intelligence, controlled zones open new possibilities for your security protocols.
The XV Gateway with AlarmVision is a new device designed to upgrade surveillance cameras with superior analytic capabilities. Using designated controlled zones, AlarmVision can reliably identify human activity with fewer false alarms and can even run different protocols depending on the area being accessed.
For example, activity in the outer perimeter of a controlled area may trigger an auditory warning and set cameras to begin recording footage. If that same activity is detected in the innermost protected zone, it may trigger an alarm to alert both you and the authorities to a security breach.
Elevate Your Access Control With PEAK Alarm
The best way to ensure your controlled access zones are set up for success is a professional approach. This means bringing in experts to provide the highest-rated technology and install it with strategic intent. Professionally installed systems can be expertly monitored, meaning you can rest easy at night while dispatchers keep a watchful eye on your alarms.
To learn what would-class access control technology and 24/7 monitoring services could do for your controlled location, get in touch with the Mountain West’s certified security experts. We’ll design and install a system uniquely tailored to your risks and needs.
Protect what matters most to you. Contact PEAK Alarm today.
