Access control is defined as the selective restriction of access to a place or other resource. Control and management of physical access control hardware are done electronically through access control software/systems. Typically access authorization is provided by an identifier such as personal ID cards, RFID cards, and smart cards.
- Access control software/systems feature sets include:
- Event management
- Device management
- User enrollment
- Access levels and profiles
- Schedules
- Triggers and macros
- Logging and reporting
There is a growing trend to integrate multi-layered security systems into a single platform.
Access control software/systems can bridge the gap between video surveillance and access control. Benefits of integration include:
- Efficiency
- Improved Safety
- Real-Time Monitoring
- Centralization
- Data Collection
Key considerations in choosing the appropriate access control software/system include:
- Video management integration
- Access control integration
- Mobile functionality
- Architecture
- Partner integration network
- Reliability
- Reporting
- Cost