Access control systems

To find out how much an access control system costs, please contact Avigilon. Our team of experts will supply a free, no-obligation quote based on your security needs.

Best practices include considering the size of your premises and the number of users, deciding on an on-premise or a cloud-based system, understanding if your existing security systems can integrate with an access control system and more. Our Avigilon Access Control Guide can help you follow best practices and answer questions such as, ​‘How do I choose the best access control?’ and ​‘What is the most secure type of access control system?’.

Avigilon’s cloud-based Alta and on-premise Unity access control systems support a variety of common access control methods. What are the most common access control credentials? They include touchless access, key fobs and cards, keypad access and digital guest passes.

An access control system is a security solution that manages entry to a restricted space or access to sensitive data, apps or software. It is designed to grant access to authorized individuals and deny access to those who are unauthorized through the use of key cards, pin codes or other access methods.

Access control systems can be based on-premise, in the cloud and possess AI capabilities. The five main types of access control models are:

• Rule-based access control
• Role-based access control
• Mandatory access control
• Discretionary access control
• Attribute-based access control

Access control is important because it ensures that only authorized people can enter a building or a secured space. It prevents intruders from gaining access to restricted areas, helping to safeguard your people, property and assets.

An access control system works by identifying, authenticating, and authorizing individuals to grant or deny access to specific areas. It uses methods like key cards, mobile phones or PINs to verify credentials. If the credentials are valid, access is granted; if not, an alert is triggered for the security team. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how the process works:

1. An individual requests access with a key card or mobile phone, entering a PIN on a keypad or with another access method.
2. The system identifies the credentials.
3. The system will verify the credentials and identify them on the system.
4. If the credentials are verified, the system triggers the door to unlock, and the individual is granted access.
5. If the verification fails, the individual is denied access and a real-time alert is sent to the security team for awareness.

Mobile access control is the process of using smartphones, tablets or wearable tech to gain access to secured spaces. Benefits include enhanced security, reduced costs and a convenient method of gaining access for users. The Avigilon Alta access control system features a patented Triple Unlock technology that ensures fast mobile access, even during outages.

With a touchless access control system, users will present their credentials near a door-mounted reader. Avigilon Alta access has a unique Wave to Unlock capability whereby the user simply waves their hand in front of the reader while their phone is on them. The commercial keyless entry system will verify these credentials, and, if authorized, users will be granted access.

As a software-based system, access control can be integrated with video security cameras, intrusion detection alarms and motion sensors to strengthen an organization’s security posture and enhance situational awareness. This improves safety and security as operators can quickly detect and respond to incidents.

The key components of an access control system are access points, credentials, readers, a control panel, a server and software. Each plays a crucial role in managing and securing access to a site:

• Access points: Entry points where security controls are installed.
• Credentials: How users will identify themselves to the system.
• Readers: The tool used to receive the user’s credentials.
• Control panel: Verifies the user’s credentials. If authorized, the panel will grant access. If unauthorized, access will be denied.
• Server: Stores data, access privileges and audit logs.
• Software: The platform where alerts are received, reports compiled and credentials granted.

These components form an access control system that helps to secure a site.

Many industries benefit from access control systems. These include:

• Healthcare: Protects spaces, such as stock rooms and patient data, helping ensure compliance and safety.
• Education: Prevents unauthorized individuals from entering school buildings and facilities to bolster student and faculty safety.
• Offices: Secures offices and private spaces, such as data storage rooms, maintaining confidentiality.
• Government: Keeps external threats away from government officials and activities.
• Manufacturing: Safeguards manufacturing equipment and stock, preventing unauthorized access and potential loss.

The cost of an access control system varies depending on several factors. Some of the main factors include the size of the facility and number of sites, the type of access control, whether you’ve opted for an on-premise or cloud-based system, installation and running costs and whether you plan to integrate the system with another security solution.