| Access control systems are simply security systems | | | | or not the door will be locked in case of |
| with more sophisticated and suitable locking. These are | | | | power-failures) and in-house (the system will be |
| often needed in cases where you own a facility that | | | | controlled by your own computer) or ASP options (the |
| contains or deals with sensitive information. One | | | | system will be controlled by the computer of the |
| example could be a research facility. Although these | | | | service providers & you can intervene anytime through |
| can be used for many types of entries and the | | | | the internet). |
| security system itself could have different levels (such | | | | Pricing |
| as specific employees are required to enter through | | | | Choosing the best option is not the final task. There is |
| specific doors), if you want to install an access | | | | always the payment part. Cost of access control |
| controlling system, it is likely not as complex as it could | | | | systems tend to go up with not only the number of |
| be. | | | | restricted points but also the level of complexity (which |
| Types | | | | is why you should not overbuy). A complete keyboard |
| Before buying one, you need to understand exactly | | | | system costs $1500-$2500 with installation, including |
| what you will be using it for. These systems vary over | | | | the hardware and software. |
| wide ranges (both in terms of technological complexity | | | | In case you want to use entry cards, costs for cards |
| and costs) and hence it is a good idea to decide and | | | | have to be included externally. The iris scanning |
| plan ahead. If you own say a retail store where you | | | | techniques naturally cost much more. A complete |
| want to restrict the inventory only to some of your | | | | biometric access system can cost you $10000 easily. |
| employees, you should probably settle for a less | | | | The pricing increases as you add more sophisticated |
| expensive electronic keypad type security. | | | | options. |
| If you are installing one for a laboratory where | | | | Probably the most important point one should |
| researches are likely to be going on some very | | | | remember while choosing access control systems is |
| confidential subjects of international and sensitive | | | | 'do not overbuy'. The second most important stuff on |
| nature, it is best to choose a biometric security | | | | the list should be to buy from an organization that does |
| (example: retinal scan). Broad categories of access | | | | not sell 'the perfect system for you' after five minutes |
| controls are doors, gates and parking amenities. | | | | of discussion. |
| Other classifications include keypad (security code), | | | | Choose a reputed seller who is known for good |
| card reader (magnetic data on card & smartcard), and | | | | quality. Don't trade quality for cost. Also ask as many |
| biometric systems (handprints, fingerprints, retina & iris | | | | questions as you need. Remember the trick is not to |
| scan). An alarm may or may not be added to the | | | | buy the 'best', but the 'best access control according to |
| security. | | | | your need'. |
| The systems also differ in terms of power (whether | | | | |