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What Is Access Control Entry? A Guide for Business Owners

Oct 31, 2024

Dependable access control is a non-negotiable element of success for the majority of today’s businesses. In order to protect assets, information, and even personnel, you need to know who’s coming and going from your facilities. What is access control entry, and what could it mean for your business?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the basic meaning of access control entry and how these essential systems can change the face of your commercial security for the better.

What Is “Access Control Entry”? 

Fundamentally, the term “access control entry” refers to the systems used to regulate entry (or control access) to specific areas of a property. These solutions range dramatically in style and complexity — something as simple as a front door keycard reader or as advanced as a biometric scanner for fingerprints or facial recognition. 

Whatever the method looks like, access control entry allows your business to manage who comes and goes from the building, under what conditions, and during what time frames. It’s a highly customizable and very effective solution for virtually any location.

A Disambiguation: Access Control Entry (or ACE)

What is access control entry in the context of IT? The meanings are intrinsically related. In addition to referring to a specific means of secure entry, the term can also refer to a specific ruleset that your system uses to define who can access a particular resource. Access control entries (often shortened to ACEs) are a key part of the access control list (ACL) that governs your system.  

In short, an access control entry or ACE specifies:

  • Who can access something (a person or group)
  • What they’re trying to access (whether a file or a physical room)
  • The extent of access permitted (entry, modification, viewing, etc.)

Though less directly applicable to the knowledge of system owners, this definition is just as crucial to the success of your access control. In essence, these ACE rulesets are how your system manages controlled access to your company’s building or digital assets. 

Why a Business Needs Access Control

The key to dependable security is keeping unauthorized users out without disrupting the access of your trusted personnel. Access control entry offers advantages like:

1. Accountability

First and foremost, access control systems provide substantial prevention against unauthorized entry as well as a detailed log of access events. In the event of a security breach, you can go back and check who was on site at the time.

2. Flexibility

Say goodbye to lock-and-key systems. While keys can be lost, stolen, or copied, digital access credentials can be changed, deactivated, or updated at any time. When employees leave, there’s no need to collect keys or change locks. 

3. Integrations

Access control solutions work best as part of a larger security system. By integrating these devices with video surveillance, intruder detection, and alarm systems, you can create a comprehensive layer of protection for your business.

Take Control With PEAK Alarm

At PEAK Alarm, we’ve been installing state-of-the-art access control technology for businesses across the Mountain West for five decades and counting. If you’re ready to take the next step and protect your business with the access control entry it needs, contact our experts today. After a thorough site assessment and consultation, we’ll provide a comprehensive security strategy that’s fine-tuned to the needs of your location.
Protect what matters most to you. Contact PEAK Alarm today.