Physical Access Control Systems
Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) are electronic systems that control entry and exit into physical spaces like buildings, rooms, or grounds by utilizing authentication and authorization features to grant or deny access.
Access control systems are a form of security system whose main purpose is to protect assets and personnel from theft, vandalism, or intrusion, as well as facilitate seamless user access and movement around a building.
Additionally, they can also be used to limit access to overcrowded areas, trigger lockdowns in the event of an emergency, or track and determine the location of individuals in the event of an evacuation.
How physical access control systems work
When an individual seeks entry into a secured physical space, they require authorization. They can seek authorization by inputting their credentials into a portal like a fingerprint scanner or keypad, which then sends the data to a control panel that authenticates the data, which then sends the data to the access point to disengage a locking mechanism if the credentials are deemed valid.
The process can be broken down into several steps:
Enrollment: the system administrator enrolls a new user into the system by capturing personal information like names, fingerprints, or facial features, or assigning a password, etc.
Authorization: Once enrolled, new users can be granted or denied access to particular physical areas depending on their roles or level of clearance. Permissions can be adjusted on a need-by-need basis by the system administrator.
Authentication: An enrolled and authorized user presents or inputs their credentials at an access point, and their credentials are checked against their access permissions, and permission is either granted or denied.
Access: if credentials pass the authentication test, a user is granted access to a secured area, and vice versa.
Management, monitoring, and auditing: system administrators can monitor and manage access for authorized personnel as well as generate logs for auditing or filing.
Components of a physical access control system
Access Points: these are electronically controlled physical barriers or entry points that restrict access to a space, like gates, doors, and turnstiles.
Access Control Software: It’s the software that powers the system. It allows system managers and administrators to determine levels of access for individuals and monitor security events.
Credentials: these are the digital or physical items used to verify the identity of individuals seeking access to physical spaces. They include;
RFID cards, tags, and key fobs
biometric credentials like face, iris, and fingerprint scans
PIN codes and passwords
Encrypted badges and tokens
Mobile credentials, like apps
Readers and keypads: these are hardware devices that are used to scan or accept an individual’s credentials and send the data to control panels to verify their status. They include fingerprint scanners, face recognition terminals, and numeric keypads.
Control panels and controllers accept and process credential data input from readers, verify identity, and transmit authorization data to the access point to grant or deny access, as well as provide real-time reporting.
Locking mechanisms: These can include electromechanical or magnetic bolts, locks, and strikes that engage and disengage the access points.
Request to exit devices: they automate disengagement of access control systems for individuals seeking egress, e.g., exit buttons.
Access Control Servers: they can either be physical or virtual (cloud-based) systems and devices that store user information like logs, access privileges, and user profiles.
Common types of physical access control systems
Depending on the unique needs of the business or building and other factors like complexity and budgetary concerns, a few common types of access control systems are worth understanding in order to determine which would best suit a particular application.
Electronic keypads and locks: they include electric or magnetic locks that can require a password, pin, fingerprint, or physical key for authentication and are usually used for smaller, less complicated applications like single doors or small buildings.
Key fob and card systems: they use digital credentials like cards and key fobs that can be easily produced, distributed, and tracked and are commonly used for larger applications where passwords, PINs, and physical keys may be impractical, like office blocks or hotels.
Biometric access control systems use an individual’s unique biometric features like iris, fingerprints, and facial features to authenticate identity. They’re generally more secure, as biometric features are the hardest to manipulate or duplicate, particularly if multi-factor authentication methods such as card and fingerprint scanning are employed.
Mobile access control systems use mobile apps to grant or deny access. They can be convenient as they eliminate the need for physical key cards or fobs and can even be used to grant remote access.
Touch-less access control systems: touch-less systems such as face recognition and mobile apps are becoming popular as they can be convenient as well as hygienic while still providing the same level of security as other physical systems.
Benefits of access control systems
A physical access control system, particularly for business applications, can offer several benefits, including:
Convenience: keycards and fobs make it easy for busy personnel to move around unencumbered and without the inconvenience of manually operating entry and exit points, e.g., in yards, factories, and busy offices.
Greater user experience: apart from convenience, physical access control systems can help provide a greater user experience by providing seamless, hassle-free movement of personnel and customers, e.g., in hotels or large offices.
Reduced costs: fewer security personnel, like security guards, would be needed to manually control access to secure areas, thus reducing labour costs as only a fraction of security personnel might be needed and they would only be stationed at the most critical access points.
Integration: Physical access control systems can also be integrated with other existing security systems, such as security cameras and alarm systems, to provide a robust and comprehensive security system.
Improved compliance: critical installations like healthcare facilities, factories, financial institutions, etc. often require standard security protocols and regulations adhered to as industry standards. Physical access control systems are one of them.
Improved security: they can help keep sensitive spaces and assets safe and secure by preventing access by unauthorized personnel.
Centralized management: system administrators can easily manage all the access points from a central place, regardless of number, size, or even location.
Enhanced data and privacy protection: securing areas with sensitive data like offices, server rooms, and storage ensures unauthorized disclosure and dissemination of data are prevented or at least mitigated.
Flexibility and adaptability: they can be customized to suit a small, medium, or large and complicated application, depending on the prevailing requirements. Other features, such as remote access, can also be added or removed as the need arises.
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