One of the most crucial things to ensure your workplace security is to have a robust physical access control system. Powerful software paired with an access control device, card access system, or security system allows you to track who passes through your doors, provides record-keeping of entries and exits to your premises, and more. But selecting the best physical access control system can be challenging—especially if you don’t know what to look for.
Here we have consolidated the list of best access control systems and their features to help you in making the right choice.
Let’s briefly discusses the types of door access control systems along with some tips for selecting the one that best meets your needs. But first, let’s understand the importance of an access control system.
Why is an access control system important?
“In every data breach, access controls are among the first policies investigated.”
An access control system limit access to a physical location or object. It ensures that only authorized people are able to access restricted areas, thereby preventing theft and other vulnerabilities. A physical access control system (PACS) is essential to any business security system, be it an office building, laboratory, warehouse, or retail store.
How to select the best access control system?
Commercial door access control systems are an easy way to keep your business safe and save you money. When selecting a commercial door access control system, look for one that is simple to install and maintain, cost-effective, and secure. It should provide options for controlling who has access to your building.
Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a new system.
Cloud-Based versus On-Premise: If you’re looking for a new commercial door access control system, you need to determine whether you want a cloud-based or on-premise solution. With cloud-based systems, all data is stored securely offsite. With an on-premise solution, all data is stored on local servers. Cloud-based access control systems can be managed from anywhere, whereas on-premise systems need monitoring and management from within the building.
Internet of Things (IoT): Some commercial door access control systems include IoT-compatible software. These IoT-enabled systems can connect with a wireless network or your building’s existing security cameras and sensors to provide even more data on who has access to your facilities and precisely when they enter or exit your building.
Connectivity: Commercial door access control systems have varying connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, QR Code, remote lock/unlock capabilities, and more. These features allow you to connect your new commercial door access control system with other devices in your building so that you can gather and monitor additional data on who has entered or exited your facility at any point in time.
Selecting the best access control system for your needs requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some steps to help you in the process:
Steps | Description |
|---|---|
Assess your requirements | Evaluate your specific access control needs, including the size of your premises, number of entry points, required level of security, and any specific features or functionalities you need. |
Determine the type of access control system | Consider different types of access control systems such as card-based, biometric, keypad, or wireless systems. Evaluate each type based on your requirements and choose the one that suits your needs best. |
Consider scalability | If you anticipate growth or expansion of your access control needs in the future, choose a system that can scale accordingly without significant disruptions or expenses. Ensure the selected system can accommodate future additions or modifications. |
Evaluate security features | Look for security features such as encryption, secure communication protocols, intrusion detection, and audit trails. Consider integration capabilities with other security measures you have in place, such as CCTV cameras or alarm systems. |
Assess ease of use | Evaluate the system’s interface, ease of programming, and simplicity of adding or removing users. Consider training requirements for system administrators and end-users. |
Integration capabilities | Assess whether the system can integrate with other existing security or building management systems you have in place. Integration can enhance overall security and streamline operations. |
Evaluate support and maintenance | Look for a reputable vendor or provider that offers good customer support, maintenance services, and regular system updates. Ensure the system you choose is reliable and supported in the long term. |
Budget considerations | Determine your budget for the access control system, including upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses. Compare the costs of different systems and vendors while considering reliability and feature-richness. |
Read reviews and seek recommendations | Research online reviews and seek recommendations from other businesses or professionals who have implemented access control systems. Their experiences and insights can provide valuable information for decision-making. |
What are the leading PACS?
Here’s a brief overview of the top physical access control systems:
Leading PACS | Description | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Honeywell | Trusted option for card access control systems. Suitable for large employers and compatible with most systems. Works well in diverse environments (indoors/outdoors). | Mid to High | – Compatibility with various systems – Diverse environment support – Trusted brand |
Envoy | Well-suited for large spaces with many rooms. Fast-paced, automated doors for high-traffic entrances/exits. Features locking mechanisms for unauthorized access prevention. Popular for visitor management. | High | – Fast-paced automated doors – Unauthorized access prevention – Visitor management |
Kisi | Cloud-based access control system for remote management. Monitor building access, track activities/inventory. Integration with SSO/directory solutions for automatic provisioning. | Mid to High | – Cloud-based remote management – Access monitoring and tracking – Integration with SSO/directory |
Johnson Controls | Robust commercial access control system with tailored solutions. Create customized access control for a building. User-friendly and reliable. Entry-level option for start-ups/smaller businesses. Includes card readers, door alarms, central station, and software integration. | High | – Wide range of components – Compatibility with building automation systems – Deployed in various industries |
Here’s a brief overview of the top physical access control systems:
Honeywell
Honeywell is a trusted option when it comes to card access control system. Honeywell’s solution is appropriate for large employers and is compatible with most other systems in the market, so integration into your existing setup is simple. Honeywell’s solutions work well in diverse environments, whether indoors or outdoors.
Envoy
Envoy’s door access control systems are well suited for large spaces with many rooms, such as shopping malls or airports. Buildings with high-traffic entrances and exits have many people moving in and out all day long, so fast-paced, automated doors are important. Envoy’s door access control systems feature locking mechanisms that ensure that no one can use an unauthorized card to enter or exit a room. It is one of the most popular access control systems for visitor management.
Kisi
Kisi offers a cloud-based access control system that allows you to manage your business from anywhere. You can monitor who is in your building, when they enter and exit, and what they do while they are there. You can also use Kisi’s solutions to track inventory and monitor access activities. It also allows you to integrate your SSO or directory solution for automatic provisioning.
Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls has one of the most robust commercial access control systems and a full suite of solutions tailored to meet any business need. By combining their solutions, you can create a fully customized solution for your building. Johnson Controls’ products are easy to use and incredibly reliable. Their entry-level system is a good, affordable option for start-ups and smaller businesses. Johnson Controls’ solution includes everything you need to secure an entire building: card readers, alarms on every door (to alert security when opened), a central station (to manage all of the devices), and software that ties everything together.
HID Global
HID is one of the top commercial access control systems providers. HID Global has a large range of card readers, keypads, biometric fingerprint readers, and other components of indoor and outdoor applications. Their products work with virtually any building automation system, including BACnet, LonWorks, Modbus/TCP, and others. Their products have been deployed in hundreds of thousands of airports, hospitals, universities, and commercial buildings worldwide.
No matter which solution you select, it’s important that you research the available options and determine which features are most important to you before making a decision. However, if you already have a physical access control system in place that lacks modern features, you have two options to upgrade it. One, replace the existing system with a modern access control system. Second, opt for OLOID’s retrofit access solution, which upgrades your existing systems without any rewiring or system replacement.
About OLOID
OLOID’s SaaS platform empowers your existing access control systems and upgrades your workplace access technology with frictionless mobile access, automated workflows, and physical access integrations. With OLOID’s retrofit solution, you don’t need to rip and replace existing hardware and access control infrastructure to activate mobile access. OLOID connects and manages the workplace identity and access by integrating with HR, IT, and other systems of record, thereby enabling a unified digital identity across the organization.
FAQs
Which access control is best?
The best access control system depends on your specific needs and requirements. Consider factors such as the size of your space, the number of entry points, required security level, integration capabilities, and budget to determine the best system for your situation.
What are the three types of access control systems?
The three types of access control systems are: (1) Discretionary Access Control (DAC), (2) Mandatory Access Control (MAC), and (3) Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
Which access control is most secure?
There is no singular access control system that is universally considered the most secure, as security depends on various factors such as implementation, configuration, and maintenance practices.
Which is the best access control model?
The best access control model depends on the specific needs and requirements of the organization. Different access control models, such as Discretionary Access Control (DAC), Mandatory Access Control (MAC), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC), have their own strengths and suitability for different scenarios.RuBAC models are considered the best access control model because of their high flexibility for most types of properties.
