There are many reasons that a business may chose to implement an access control system. Whether you are looking to secure your site perimeter, prevent unauthorised access to a commercially sensitive area or provide an audit trail across your operation, these sophisticated systems play an integral part of managing both site security and health and safety.  

What is Access Control?

Access control systems integrate with several hardware solutions to control entry and exit rights. From turnstiles to barriers and more commonly doors, these systems can be easily configured to control and manage access rights across any part of the business.  

If any of these hardware options are compromised or accidentally left open, the threat to site security and safety could be massive, not only that, but any breach could also result in huge costs for the business. So, what happens if there is a breach in security, how would your system recognise this and how does it differentiate between a genuine breach and that of a justified opening?  

Specifying a System

Whatever your objective for implementing a system, first and foremost, it is fundamental that it is correctly specified, taking account of how your business operates and how people would typically move around your operation.  

Take an access-controlled door within a manufacturing operation for example. As heavy machinery is in operation, the door is in place to limit access only to those that have the correct training and authorisation for using the equipment. Should the door be propped open for any reason, the potential for unauthorised personnel to enter and risk serious injury could be huge.  

Access control systems provide an efficient means of managing these situations. Systems can be configured to specify an acceptable amount of time for safe entry and exit of authorised personnel. Should this time be exceeded, in this instance, the door has been propped open, then the system administrator will receive an on-screen or email alert prompting further investigation.    

Whilst any triggered alert may be a result of a breach, there are many legitimate reasons whereby a controlled door may need to be left open or propped. Whether it is to facilitate the movement of heavy goods through the operation or allow free movement of personnel as an emergency exit, today’s access control systems have all the functionality.  

System Configurations 

In the case of an emergency, the access control software would automatically move to an open profile, so that all persons on site can move quickly and safely off site, not only through the door, but also turnstiles or barriers towards a safe place or muster point.  

In situation’s other than emergencies, administrators also have the flexibility to change the door timer settings dependent upon their needs, with most systems accommodating from 20 seconds to up 999 seconds. More commonly, the system can be placed into an authorised ajar setting.

Transform Your Business Operations  

If you want to find out more about how TouchStar’s access control systems can transform your operations, please contact TouchStar today.  

TouchStar provide the very best in robust, cutting-edge technology that can provide the real time visibility and control of your operations.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – LYNDEN JONES

Lynden joined Touchstar ATC (formally Feedback Data) in a sales role for Access Control in 2010.  Prior to joining the company, Lynden held both Production and Account Manager roles, gaining wide technical and commercial experience within the electronics market.  

In 2013 Lynden was promoted to Sales Director and in 2017 he took overall responsibility of the business as Managing Director. As well as running Touchstar ATC, Lynden still remains extremely active in the sales and key account management aspects of the business. When not involved in the business, Lynden is a keen performance car enthusiast.