Access control systems are the electronic or automated systems used to monitor, control the access to an existing network. An example of this would be using a swipe card (proximity card, key card, RFID, keyfob etc) or through biometrics. Key cards or access cards are generally programmed to give anyone access as long as they possess a key card but biometrics would take a specific program that only lets a specific person gain access using his eyes, or fingers, this would need actual human identification first hence making it more restricted to gain access. This system can be used to gain and prevent access to physical areas such as an office, a restricted area in laboratories, hotels and other companies and establishments. This can also be referred to as network security. This network is monitored through the use of a computer. This is utilized by security companies that provide both hardware and software services for various companies.
The security that an access control system offer may vary depending on how much restriction or security is demanded by a company or organization. This means, access control systems can do these things (1) they can provide generalized access to particular areas (giving the same access to all entries and exits to a building) or (2) they can provide limited and specified access to an area or a person (individually or by group) . This allows a company or an organization to have means of secure their privacy from unauthorized people. (3) Update a set of people on a central network (less hassle of individually updating everything such as key cards, everything can already be updated at once, everything is automated) and (4) remove or transfer access rights to another person or area.
Access Control Systems are very useful for companies that carry sensitive data such as Information technology industries, government offices, banks, hospitals and prisons. This keeps people and information safe from the wrong hands through the use of third level security, guest or temporary access and to keep track of disaster records - like a stolen safety deposit box in a bank, access control systems are used to monitor these things.
Another advantage of access control systems are in line with businesses and employment. Large companies, especially international companies usually have a high number of employees, access control systems are like notebooks that can track attendance and automatically work with automated payroll systems to avoid the hassle of hardcopies, manual calculation that takes money and human labor. This is really helpful for Human Resource Departments and Finance departments worldwide by eliminating the use of paper, saving time and human labor on paperwork etc.
Lastly, how access control systems provide convenience for a lot of people. This allows us to access money through ATM machines, automated transportation (electronic tickets for planes and trains). Access control systems are one of the million ways on how technology can make our lives easier.
