A copied key, a shared PIN, or a single unlocked door—that’s all it takes for an unauthorized person to gain access to your business. The reality is that your security is only as effective as your tools. Some, like traditional keys, are familiar and usable but easily circumvented. Modern alternatives, though technically safer, might be time-consuming or impractical for daily use. The most effective types of access control systems are those that consider both security and operational needs.
Despite the nationwide rise in commercial security concerns, there is more promising access control technology available than ever before. In this article, we’re walking through four of the most common access control technologies to help you find the right match for your business.
A Core Component of Stronger Security
Security is about more than just maximizing your technology—it’s about finding the right balance between protection, convenience, and operational needs. While traditional lock-and-key setups have their place, many businesses depend on the flexibility and scalability of modern systems. In short, no solution is one-size-fits-all.
The most effective security strategy is one that considers both the strengths and limitations of each approach. Understanding how and why different types of access control systems work is the best way to make an informed decision for your business.
To help get you started, here are four common varieties of modern access control technology worth looking into.
4 Types of Access Control Systems—And Why They Work
1. Card Reader Systems: A Smarter Kind of Key
Card reader systems are among the most widely used access control solutions for businesses of all sizes—and for good reason. They’re versatile, scalable, and reasonably affordable. Plus, they’re exceptionally secure. Readers can’t be jammed or picked, and cards can be deactivated if lost or stolen without necessitating a lock change.
Another primary advantage of modern card readers is the ability to track and log entry activity. Business owners can monitor who enters specific areas and when, making it more practical to investigate security concerns. While cards and fobs may still be lost, stolen, or handed off to an unauthorized user, they are still more secure than a typical lock-and-key setup.
2. Keypad Entry Systems: Simple, Reliable, and Practical
Keypads are by no means a new type of access control system. However, modern technology has brought these devices a long way. By using a PIN code for access credentials in place of a physical object like a keycard or fob, keypad systems eliminate the risk of credentials being lost or stolen. This makes keypads a more cost-effective solution since owners will never need to buy replacement cards.
One critical advantage of modern keypad devices over older models is the capacity to maintain a detailed log of access events. When different users have different codes, it can even keep track of which personnel have come and gone.
If there is any drawback to a PIN code system, it may be the increased need for information security. It can be hard to tell when a code has been compromised compared to a keycard. Users must take special care to ensure their personal identification numbers are kept private and safe from those who would misuse them.
3. Biometric Access Control: Futuristic Versatility
Biometric access control systems represent the cutting edge of security technology, using unique physical characteristics—fingerprints, facial structures, and even retina scans—to verify identity before granting entry. Because biometric credentials cannot be lost, stolen, or duplicated, these systems offer a historically unprecedented level of security.
Businesses that deal with sensitive data or valuable assets, such as financial institutions, healthcare facilities, and research labs, stand to benefit substantially from biometric access control. The only substantial drawback may be the increased cost when compared with other methods. Still, the air-tight security of biometric credentials makes these systems applicable for a wide variety of locations, industries, and applications—especially those that are otherwise difficult to protect.
4. Mobile Credential Systems: A New Level of Convenience
Much like biometrics, mobile credentials are a fairly recent type of access control system. Instead of relying on keycards, codes, or physical features, mobile credential systems take advantage of modern technology by verifying authorization through our smartphones. Mobile divides can be used to gain access via Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, and cloud-based applications, all of which are already integral to our smart devices.
Perhaps the greatest appeal of a mobile credential system lies in its convenience. Users have no need to carry separate keycards or remember PIN codes—access is simply granted through their mobile devices, which are likely already on their persons. These systems also empower businesses with remote access management, which allows administrators to grant or revoke access instantly from anywhere.
What Types of Access Control Systems Are Best for You?
The list of access control technologies listed here is far from exhaustive—these are only the most common of the different possibilities that modern technology has granted us in access control. Greater still is the number of subcategories into which each kind of system may be broken down. In short, today’s businesses have plenty of options.
Every company has a unique set of security needs, and access control technology should be chosen strategically to address them.
To help guide this critical decision, consider the following key factors as they relate to your business:
- Security Level: Do you need basic access control or high-security authentication? Or, could a combination of basic and advanced devices be right for you?
- Scalability: Will your system need to grow as your business expands its operations?
- Scope: How many entrances must be secured, and how many users will there be? Do all your locks need to be replaced or simply supplemented?
- Pricepoint: Given the scope, is this specific system within your budget? What combination would give you the best ROI?
- Integration: Will your system need to work with any existing security measures?
- Convenience: A key you use is more effective than a keypad you don’t. What system will be user-friendly enough for your team to truly adopt for everyday operations?
Start by answering these questions, and weigh your options from there. Remember, there may be more factors to consider based on your industry.
If you need some professional insight to help guide your decision, you can always call your local experts at PEAK Alarm (866-348-7718).
Let PEAK Alarm Design the Best Access Control System for You
Choosing the right access control system is a crucial step in protecting your business, but it’s not a decision you have to make alone. Here at PEAK Alarm, we specialize in customized security solutions designed to fit the unique needs of businesses across the Mountain West.
Get in touch for a free, comprehensive site assessment. Together, we’ll evaluate your security, create a plan of action, and install an access control system you can count on to protect your facilities for years to come.
Protect what matters most to you. Contact PEAK Alarm today.