Access control: how to choose
Cards, biometrics, barriers, integration with video surveillance. What to install in office, home, gate
What is ACS
ACS is an access control system. Who, where and when has the right to enter. The basic function is to open a door by card or code. Advanced — biometrics, integration with video surveillance, security alarm, working time accounting.
ACS components
Controller is the brain of the system. Decides whether to open or not. Stores the card database, schedules, events. PERCo, Bolid, Parsec, IronLogic, Smartec.
Reader — card (RFID 125 kHz or 13.56 MHz), keypad, biometrics (fingerprint, face). Reader and controller are usually separate (for security).
Identifier — card, key fob, bracelet, tag. For employees — cards with photo. For guests — temporary cards with limited validity.
Actuator — electric lock, electromagnet, barrier, turnstile, automatic gates. Selected for the type of door and security requirements.
Software — server with database, event log, rights management. 1C:ZUP for working time accounting, ACS software for management.
Where it is used
Office — entry control, access zoning (different floors for different departments), working time accounting, integration with 1C:ZUP for salary calculation.
Business center — several tenants, common lobby, different access rights for each tenant. Guest passes.
Cottage village — checkpoint with barrier, license plate recognition, intercom. Access by resident card or temporary guest card.
Warehouse, production — access zoning (dangerous zones only for trained personnel), arrival/departure accounting, integration with security alarm.
Biometrics
Fingerprint is the most affordable option. Suprema, ZKTeco, Hikvision. Accuracy is good, but there can be problems with wet/dirty fingers.
Face recognition is a contactless option, convenient during a pandemic. Hikvision, Dahua, Suprema. Requires good lighting, does not work in the dark without IR illumination.
Retinal or iris recognition is the most reliable option, but expensive. Used in restricted facilities.
Biometrics without a card is the most convenient option for employees. Minus: cannot be transferred to another person (unlike a card).
Integration with other systems
Video surveillance — when presenting a card, the camera captures the face, the event is recorded. In case of a suspicious event — screenshots from two cameras.
Security alarm — arming by card, disarming by card of a certain access level.
1C:ZUP — automatic working time accounting based on ACS events. An employee presented a card — a check-in note in 1C. Left — a check-out note.
Smart home control — scenario Left home: opened the door, after 30 seconds the light turned off, the blinds closed, the alarm turned on.