Guide to access control equipment

access control equipment

Perimeter security should always encompass a variety of different methods and tools to enable complete protection. While commonly this will include traditional features like gates and barriers, there are a plethora of interesting and exciting new technologies that can be adopted into a holistic security plan for maximum protection against crime. Let’s take a look at some of the best access control equipment options currently available.

What is access control equipment?

Access control equipment is (as the name suggests) a range of tools that are designed to limit entry to specific areas or zones of a site. Modern access control equipment incorporates the latest technologies to provide protection and reassurance to business owners, their clients and their employees.

Let’s start with RFID readers as an example of an interesting new technology that can be integrated into perimeter security plans. An RFID reader is a network-connected device that can be fitted to your gates, or to specific areas of a building. A token is read by holding it within close proximity of the reader, this triggers the system to look up as to whether this individual should be allowed access or not. If access is granted a green light flashes, if not then a red light flashes. This can be especially useful if you are trying to reduce the need for manned guarding, or want to find a way to limit access to specific areas to specific staff.

A similar tool for this purpose is a radio receiver. Remotes can be assigned to a radio receiver unit which can be housed in the interior of your site, or the exterior where it is also well-suited due to its all-purpose weather coating. What’s more, you can operate the controls with your remote from a distance, enabling you to open gates or garage doors without having to manually do so.

Another slightly different use for access control equipment is safety. Photocells for instance can be used to prevent accidents with vehicles or pedestrians. Acting as infrared sensors, they can detect motion and prevent an automatic gate from closing on objects, vehicles, or people that are coming within proximity of the gate’s path.

LED traffic lights can also be used to upgrade your existing access control measures. Commonly utilised for traffic control applications such as loading bays, weighbridges and ports, they are used to safely signal access instructions to visitors to your site.

LED traffic lights might be used alongside an automatic barrier that is triggered by an illuminated keypad or even an intercom system. Intercom systems can also be used internally to block off sensitive internal areas, or areas that house important goods and information. They might also be used in traditional business or public sector settings to allow visitors to communicate with staff who can check credentials and ultimately grant access without having to leave their posts.

Finally, one high tech option for access coordination that has previously been the preserve of police forces and high-security institutions is that of ANPR systems. Adoption of this new technology in the private sector is increasing as businesses look for ways to facilitate free-flowing movement without compromising their own security protocols.

ANPR systems are effectively number-plate recognition systems that determine access by reading a registration plate. Gateway Automation offers ANPR Camera Systems which are accompanied by access Guardian. This provides business owners with access to a specialist server holding details of white-listed or blacklisted vehicles. This enables them to control their automatic barrier and decide who can enter or leave their site. They also provide traffic monitoring allowing users to search records of up to 25,000 registration entries by date time and location, along with high-resolution photos of vehicles.

Get in touch

Arranging effective perimeter security is not something that you should go at alone. No matter the size or nature of your business, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess the security requirements of your organisation. For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here or call us on 01522 682 255.

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