• Home
  • News & Community
  • .COM Site
  • Contact Us
  • My Account
    • Register
    • Login
  • Bookmarks (0)
  • Shopping Cart
  • Checkout
LocksOnline.co.uk
Menu
  • Access Control
      • Door Entry Systems
      • Smarter Living Access Solutions
      • Home Intercom Systems
      • Intercom Door Entry Systems for Flats
      • Gate & Commercial Door Entry Systems
      • GSM Mobile Network Door Entry Systems
      • Audio Intercom Door Entry Systems
      • Video Intercom Door Entry Systems
      • Wireless Intercom Door Entry Systems
      • Pre-Built Door Entry Bundles
      • See More Door Entry Systems »
      • Electronic Access Devices
      • Smart Locks & Access Solutions
      • PIN Code Entry Keypads
      • Proximity Card & Fob Readers
      • Biometric Fingerprint Readers
      • Digital Combination Code Handles
      • DDA Access Control
      • Smart Bluetooth Switches
      • RF Remote Control Devices
      • PC-Based Access Control System
      • See More Electronic Access Devices »
      • Electronic Locks & Door Operators
      • Electronic Motorised Door Operators
      • Electronic Locks for uPVC Doors
      • Electronic Locks for Composite Doors
      • Electric Strike Door Releases
      • Electro-Magnetic Door Locks & Shear Locks
      • Electronic Bolt Locks (Solenoid Locks)
      • Electronic Gate Locks
      • Electronic Door Locks
      • Electronic Panic Escape Locks
      • See More Electric Lock Types »

      • Combination Locks
      • Mechanical Combination Locks
      • Battery Powered Combination Locks
      • Locker Combination Locks
      • Combination Locks for uPVC / Multipoint Locks
      • Combination Locks for Gates
      • See More Combination Code Locks »
      • Accessories, Replacements & Spare Parts
      • Access Cards & Fobs
      • Handsets for Door Entry Systems
      • Boxed Power Supply Units
      • Push-To-Exit Buttons
      • Break-Glass Emergency Callpoints
      • See More Access Control Accessories »
      • Not Sure What You Need?
      • Darrel Walters, head of technical

        We're here to help!
        Whether you're looking to upgrade or replace an existing system, or need a completely new and unique solution taylored to your requirements; we'd love to get involved!

        You can get in touch with us at our contact page and we'll do everything we can to help!


  • Door Locks
      • Front Door Locks
      • BS3621 Insurance Approved Locks
      • Front Door Mortice Sashlocks
      • Front Door Mortice Deadlocks
      • Front Door Rim Locks
      • Front Door Locking Knobsets
      • Composite & uPVC Door Locks
      • Metal Door Locks
      • Replacement Front Door Lock Cylinders
      • See More Front Door Locks »
      • Mortice Locks
      • Imperial Locks Made in England UK
      • Mortice Deadlocks
      • Mortice Sashlocks
      • Escape Locks
      • Fire Rated Locks & Latches
      • Mortice Nightlatches
      • Sliding Door Locks
      • Horizontal Locks
      • See More Mortice Lock Types »
      • Rim Locks (Surface-Mounted)
      • Rim Nightlatches ("Yale Locks")
      • BS3621 & BS8621 Rim Nightlatches
      • Deadlocking Rim Nightlatches
      • Auto-Deadlocking Rim Nightlatches
      • Deadbolt & Rollerbolt Nightlatches
      • Standard Rim Deadlocks
      • Standard Rim Sashlocks
      • See More Surface-Mount Rim Locks »

      • uPVC & Multipoint Locking
      • Electronic & Motorised Multipoint Locks
      • Full Multipoint Locks
      • Replacement Multipoint Gearboxes
      • Keeps for Multipoint Locks
      • uPVC Door & Window Handles
      • Additional Security Devices
      • uPVC Door Chains, Knockers & Pet Flaps
      • See More Multipoint Locking Hardware »
      • Cylinders / Lock Barrels
      • High Security Cylinders
      • Euro Profile Cylinders
      • Oval Profile Cylinders
      • Replacement Rim Cylinders
      • Screw-In Cylinders
      • Miscellaneous Cylinders
      • Custom-Built Master-Key Systems
      • See More Cylinders Options & Lock Barrels »
      • Other Door Locks & Latches
      • Patio Door Locks
      • Lockable Knobsets
      • Bedroom Door Locks
      • Bathroom & Toilet Door Locks
      • Rack Bolts (Tubular Deadbolts)
      • Tubular Latches & Flat Latches
      • Gun Cabinet Locks
      • See More Available Lock Types »

  • Door Handles & Ironmongery
      • Door Furniture
      • Front Door Numbers & Letters
      • Front Door Finger Pulls
      • Door Knockers & Door Bells
      • Keyhole & Cylinder Escutcheons
      • Privacy Turn & Release Sets
      • Door Signs & Symbols
      • Push Plates & Finger Plates
      • Cabin Hooks & Barrel Bolts
      • See More Door Furniture »
      • Door Handles
      • uPVC / Multipoint Door Handles
      • Patio Door Handles
      • Bathroom Door Handles
      • Handles with Keyhole
      • Handles without Keyhole
      • Door Pull Handles
      • Floating Door Handles (on rosette)
      • See More Door Handles »
      • Door Knobs
      • LATEST Range of Door Knobs
      • Discounted Range of Door Knobs
      • Front Door Centre Door Knobs
      • Door Knobs for Mortice Locks & Latches
      • Door Knobs for Rim Locks & Latches
      • Locking Door Knobsets
      • See More Door Knobs »

      • Door Hardware
      • Door Chains
      • Door Viewers
      • Door Hinges
      • Flush Bolts
      • Espagnolette Bolts
      • Door Stops
      • Door Catches
      • Ventillation Grilles
      • See More Door Hardware »
      • Emergency / Panic Hardware
      • Panic Bars for uPVC Doors [NEW!]
      • Single Door Push-to-Exit Bars
      • Double Door Push-to-Exit Bars
      • Push-to-Exit Touch-Bars
      • Push-to-Exit Push-Pads
      • Emergency Outside Access Devices
      • Emergency Bolt Exit Hardware
      • See More Panic Hardware »
      • Ironmongery
      • Gate Closer Mechanisms [NEW!]
      • Floor Springs & Overhead Door Closers
      • Door Bolts & Security Bars
      • Security Chain
      • Postboxes, Mailboxes & Letterplates
      • Handrail Brackets
      • See More Ironmongery »

  • Window Security
      • uPVC & Multipoint Window Hardware
      • Multipoint Window Locks
      • Multipoint Window Gearboxes
      • Multipoint Window Lock Handles
      • Friction Stays for uPVC Windows
      • See More Multipoint Window Hardware »
      • Sliding Sash Windows
      • Sliding Sash Window Fittings
      • Sliding Sash Window Locks
      • Sliding Sash Window Stoppers
      • More Sash Window Security Options »
      • Standard Casement Windows
      • Casement Window Locks
      • Casement Window Handles / Fasteners
      • Casement Window Stay Bars
      • More Casement Window Security Options »

      • Additional Window Security
      • For Wooden Windows
      • For Metal Windows
      • For uPVC (Plastic) Windows
      • See More Window Locking Solutions »
      • Other Window Hardware
      • Crittal Window Locks
      • Window Restrictors
      • Snap Window Locks
      • Window Security Bars
      • See More Available Window Locks »
      • Looking for Window Keys?
      • Buy Replacement Window Keys
      • See All Replacement Window Keys »

  • Cabinet Locks & Safes
      • Furniture Locks
      • Drawer Locks
      • Cupboard Door Locks
      • Sliding Cupboard Door Locks
      • Standard Cam Locks
      • Furniture Locks
      • Glass Cabinet Locks
      • See More Furniture Locks »
      • Locks for Lockers, Safes & Gun Cabinets
      • Locks for Cash Registers & Tills
      • Locks for Lockers
      • Locks for Safes
      • Locks for Gun Cabinets
      • Locks for Electricity & Gas Meter Boxes
      • See More Replacement Locks »
      • Cash Boxes & Safes
      • Cash Boxes
      • Deed / Document Boxes
      • Home & Office Safes
      • Key Safes & Key Cabinets
      • Floor & Wall Safes
      • Replacement Safe Locks
      • See More Safes & Cash Boxes »

  • Padlocks
      • Browse Padlocks by Application
      • Padlocks for Boats & Harsh Weather
      • Padlocks for Garages & Shutters
      • Padlocks for Cabinets & Cupboards
      • Padlocks for Gates
      • Padlocks for Shed Doors
      • Padlocks for Toolboxes & Tool Chests
      • Padlocks for Lockers
      • Padlocks for Vans & Trucks
      • Padlocks for Motorbikes & Scooters
      • Padlocks for Storage Containers
      • Padlocks for Luggage & Sport Bags
      • Padlocks for Lock-Out Devices
      • Browse Padlocks by Type
      • Master-Keyed Padlocks
      • Digital SMART Padlocks
      • High Security Padlocks
      • General Purpose Padlocks
      • Long-Shackle Padlocks
      • Closed-Shackle Padlocks
      • Disc-Type Padlocks
      • Keyless Combination Padlocks
      • Fire Brigade FB Padlocks
      • Laminated Padlocks
      • Weatherproof Padlocks
      • Browse Padlocks by Brand
      • KASP Padlocks [NEW]
      • ABUS Padlocks
      • ASEC Padlocks
      • CISA Padlocks
      • ERA Padlocks
      • FEDERAL Padlocks
      • MASTER Padlocks
      • SQUIRE Padlocks
      • UNION Padlocks
      • YALE Padlocks

  • Garage, Garden & Vehicle
      • Garage Security
      • Garage Door Locking Handles
      • Garage Door Bolts & Locks
      • Standard Locks for Roller Shutters
      • Bullet Locks for Roller Shutters
      • Ground-Locks for Roller Shutters
      • Garage Floor Ground Anchors
      • See More Garage Security Solutions »
      • Gate & Fence Security
      • Garden Gate Latches
      • Garden Gate Locks
      • Metal Gate Locks
      • Rim Gate Locks
      • Electric Gate Locks
      • Combination Gate Locks
      • Gate Closer Mechanisms [NEW!]
      • See More Gate Locks »
      • Vehicle Security
      • Motorbike Security
      • Car & Van Security
      • Caravan & Motorhome Security
      • Truck & Haulage Security
      • Bicycle Security
      • Wheel Clamps
      • See More Vehicle Security Solutions »

  • Marine Range
      • Marine Portholes & Deck Fittings
      • Modern & Traditional Marine Portholes
      • Marine Hatch Locks & Lazzerette Latches
      • Marine Telescopic Stays & Adjusters
      • Marine Bow & Stern Handles
      • Marine Step Plates
      • See More Portholes & Deck Fittings »
      • Marine Door Furniture
      • Marine Door Handles
      • Marine Backplates & Escutcheons
      • Marine Door Holders
      • Marine Door Stops
      • Marine Sliding Door Gear
      • See More Marine Door Furniture »
      • Marine Door Locks
      • Marine Rim Locks
      • Marine Mortice Locks
      • Anti-Rattle Marine Mortice Locks
      • Marine Mortice Locks for Plywood
      • Marine Sliding Door Locks
      • See More Marine Door Locks »

      • Marine Fittings & Fixtures
      • Marine Grade Hinges
      • Marine Barrel Bolts
      • Marine Ring Bolts
      • Marine Cabin Hooks & Fasteners
      • Marine Snap-Hooks & Shackles
      • Marine Ring-Pulls & Lid Pulls
      • See More Marine Fittings & Fixtures »
      • Marine Deck Hatches
      • Square Marine Hatch
      • Trapezoid Marine Hatch
      • Trapezoid Marine Hatch with Security-Bars
      • See More Marine Hatches »
      • Marine Cupboard & Drawer Fittings
      • Marine Push-Button Latches
      • Marine Cabinet Latches
      • See More Marine Cupboard & Drawer Fittings »

  • Blog Posts
  • What is Access Control? - Top Tips
Blog Categories Access Control Alarms & CCTV Blogs Cylinder Locks Door Handles and Knobs Door Locks Free Wiring Diagrams Gate Locks How to Guides Ironmongery Multipoint Door Locks News Channel Padlocks and Padbars Safes Social Tips and Tricks Vehicle Security Videos Window Locks

Suppliers to the UK Trade

Intratone 4G Access Control Systems


PROLOK Slimline Smart Handles

25% off Yale Chubb and Union products

Up to 35% off Kaba Combination Locks

LocksOnline 2016 Handle Range

What is Access Control? - Top Tips

What is Access Control? - Top Tips
Blogs How to Guides Tips and Tricks Door Locks Access Control Social
Share
Author: Darrel Walters | Date created: 2016/04/07

What is Access Control?

Here at LocksOnline, we get asked this question a lot so we thought it may be best to write an article on 'What is Access Control?'.

Access control has been around since Roman times!From back when the Romans occupied our fair lands there has been a need to secure one's belongings. The first recorded use of a key dates as far back as when the Pharaohs ruled the River Nile.

Controlling access or restricting people access through a door is what we do every day. The very minute we lock a door we are controlling access through that door and restricting it to only persons that have a right to gain access.

Based on this simple statement, all of us use a form of Access Control every day of our lives.

Over the last thirty years or so, engineers and the companies in the security world have looked into introducing an electronic form of door locks that can be controlled by other means away from a traditional mechanical key.

The use of electric or pneumatic systems opens up the possibilities to control access in loads of different ways.

When you are looking into wanting to control access outside the remit of using a simple key the industry has coined the term Access Control for this application of security.

If you are thinking of implementing this form of security, you need to break the job down into a few parts.

The considerations are the electro/mechanical locking of the door, its control and the ability to power the system.

Electric Locks come in a load of different forms, these days Electric Magnetic Locks are probably the most popular, then Strike releases, and finally a whole myriad of electrically operated locks. Electronic locking devices

All these locks have their uniqueness based on the application, for an example, a magnetic lock would be ideal to lock an office door or for use in a passive security application. Meanwhile an electric lock would need to be fitted in the door, which may look a lot nicer on the door than a Mag Lock sitting at the top of the door. Strike releases can work with mortice night latches or our traditional Yale type rim night latches.

Even modern day UPVC and Composite doors have a range of locks that can incorporate access control.

Whatever version of electric lock you get once this has been decided you now have the power to control it whichever way you deem fit.

To view some options of products, here are some links

Electric Door Locks: - Click Here

Electric Magnetic Door Locks: - Click Here

Electric Solenoid Door Bolts: - Click Here

Electric Strike Releases for door latches: - Click Here

Electric Door Locks for UPVC and Composite Doors: - Click Here

There are a few basic ideas available, and each one of these ideas can be expanded on and can be limitless.


Access Control Interface Devices

Door Intercom Systems.

These systems allow a person inside a property to talk with someone at the front door. The person then can press a button and send a signal to the electric door lock chosen, which will then release the lock to allow the person into the property.

Proximity Access Control

This type of access control is an incredibly common form these days where you may see individuals with fobs on their key chain, or perhaps an ID badge around their neck. They would present the card or fob to the reader, and the system would then send a signal to the electric door lock to release the door.

Keypads

This type of system is normally a touch pad with the ten digits on it 0 - 9, perhaps a star and an asterisk also, punching in the correct number will trigger the electric lock to open the door.

Biometric

This is, when you use the human body parts to control access - face recognition, finger print and retina scan are just a few examples. In most cases this is one of the most secure forms of access control as you would need a body part to gain access. The downside with this technology is it is still quite an expensive solution and used in high-security applications and may be considered a bit overkill for someone's house.

Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Zigbee, home automation IoT (internet of things)

This is a new era of security where mobile apps control home automation systems and as a by-product of home automation these systems can control electric door locks, meaning you can from anywhere in the world press a button on your smartphone and open the door.

GSM (mobile networks)

Systems like GSM switches and GSM door intercoms allows a person at the door to talk you, and the person controlling the access (e.g. you) can respond from anywhere in the world. They, then by pushing a button on their phone can allow the door to open. You can also call the door via a GSM switch, and open an electric lock on a door simply by calling it.

Standalone Bluetooth

Not dissimilar to the above options, but you can have stand-alone systems that allow your smartphone to open a door or a gate, by simply being in the proximity of the door or by entering a code on your mobile device.

Wifi

This is being introduced into the world of access control and using integrated Wifi as the medium between the door electric lock, the person wishing to access and the person controlling the access. An example of this is our Wifi Door Intercom system that allows you to see the person at the door over a data network on your mobile phone and then control the lock for tapping a button on the screen of your smartphone.

Stand Alone Access Control Solutions

Some manufacturers have recognised a gap in the market and have developed a keypad into the lock as an all in one complete solution; some have incorporated proximity access control into the very lock on the door that is battery driven as a complete stand alone idea to restrict access. These types of access control lock solutions are ideal for some applications but by their very nature can limit other possibilities.

These systems are just some ideas, and it is imperative to note that you are not limited to the above systems, and there is absolutely no reason why you cannot incorporate a few of the above ideas at the same time.

Finally, you do need electricity to control these systems, and therefore, we would always try to consider a source of energy that has a backup battery if indeed the access system that you wish to use is the primary locking and access solution for you.

Here are some links to various product groups for more information.

For Electric Keypads: - Click Here

For Proximity (Card and Fob) Systems: - Click Here

For Door Intercoms: - Click Here

For Bluetooth Door Controllers: - Click Here

For standalone wooden doors solutions: - Click Here

For Accessories for Access Control Solutions: - Click Here

So to recap, you'll need to ask:

1) What is the door that you wish to secure? Have a look as to what lock is best for this application.
2) Consider how you wish to control this lock or system? Do you want card entry, keypad, intercom, or a combination of these systems?
3) What power supply do you need to control the access solution and the electric locks?


LocksOnline with tech support has over 30 years experience in this field and therefore we can take all the guess work out of the options as to what lock is best for what application. Most of our customers simply pop over a few images of the door and let us know how they wish to control the door and then based on budget and complexity we will provide a list of options specific to the project in hand.

There is not one electric lock that will fit all applications; it is to a degree a bit specialised, but with LocksOnline we can take the mystery out of it all and find you the best solution - simple and easy!

Electrical Engineers and Home DIY customers use us on a regular basis to help with projects that they may wish to install themselves, or they have a customer looking for a specific application. Either way, we can help you control your security.

Access Control is the modern door locking device.


I hope this short article gives you an idea that you do not need to in these days control your security with a piece of metal; you can do it with your mobile phone, you body, or a piece of plastic.

Tags: Access Control, Door Entry, Restrict access through a door, door security, door control, Electric Door Locks, Electric door entry, ,
25% Off Yale, Chubb & UNION
High Security Patented Cylinders
Marine Locks & Fittings
Free Keying Alike on Big Brand Locks
GSM Mobile Phone Switch
10% Off AES GSM Intercoms

Can we help?

If you can't find the information you're looking for, or have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or Live Chat!

  • 5-Star Rated Customer Service
  • Express Courier Delivery Services
  • Worldwide Shipping to Any Country
  • 14-Day Money-Back Returns Policy
Information
  • About Us
  • Delivery Information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Returns Policy
  • Careers / Jobs
  • Our Price Match Info
Customer Service
  • Contact Us
  • Returns
  • Site Map
Extras
  • Brands
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Affiliates
  • Specials
My Account
  • My Account
  • Order History
  • Bookmarks
  • Newsletter

LocksOnline.co.uk
The Old Customs House, The Docks, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, SA73 3AA

Company VAT Number (UK): 752713827 | Company Registration Number: 03897161
© 1999-2022 LocksOnline

View Full Site View Mobile Optimized Site
×

Shopping Cart

Your shopping cart is empty!
Start Shopping Now!