Access Control

Electronic access systems have become the best and most manageable way of limiting access to sensitive areas and providing an automatic clocking in / out system. Not only do they limit access, but they also can provide logs listing the locations a card has been used along with time and date stamps.

We are authorised resellers and maintainer of systems manufactured by some of the leading access control experts including PAC International, Interphone Security, Caretaker Communications, Bell Systems Limited, Safe-Linking Security & Aiphone Communications.

Illustrated left are a selection of metal keypads that can be used with basic electronic releases / maglocks.

While unsuitable for clocking in / out purposes, they are perfect for use in heavy industrial areas where there is an excess of dirt and dust. Also, because they are metal cased, they are harder wearing than other cheaper alternatives where the legends on the keys soon wear off.

On the right is a typical magstripe access control point. These can use a numerical code (ideal for visitors or subcontractors) or a swipe card to allow access.

The unit shown is suitable for internal use only as it is not impervious to dirt and moisture. This type of access control point will offer reporting back to a PC or printer, listing the locations, times and dates a card is used.

There is another alternative type of reader, one which uses a contactless system comprising a small reader and a keyfob. When these two devices are brought within close range (typically 6") of each other, a high security code is read from the fob and access is granted (or denied) depending on how the system has been programmed.

These systems offer the facilities of a swipe card system with the added benefits of being extremely rugged and not subject to the frailties that a magnetic card system is (magnetic fields can erase & damage the magnetic card) and since there is no magnetic reader to get dirty or wet they are extremely suitable for external use in all conditions and weathers.

The last type of reader is a combination of the electronic keypad system and a new technology called biometrics. Biometrics is the measurement and analysis of uniquely distinctive parts of the human body. This includes the obvious (fingerprints) and the not so obvious (retina of the eye).

The system illustrated uses an optical scanning system to read your fingerprint as your finger / thumb is held against the scanning plate. Systems such as these can require a fingerprint, keycode or both (dependant upon programming) before access is granted.

These types of system is especially useful not just for access control, but also for time recording applications to track latenesses and when people are working overtime. They are also a useful way of dealing with health and safety : most time recording applications offer a fire alarm link so that in the event of a fire, they will immediately print out a list of all the staff currently in the building.

Access control is much more than limiting access through doors, however. We also offer a range of traffic control solutions including automatic & manually operated barriers, hydraulic traffic barriers which lift out of the floor on demand as well as conventional electrically operated gates.

For details of how we can help you with your access control and time recording issues, please get in touch using the information on the Contacting us page.