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Expert Access Control Systems Installation | The Tech Guys Doors and Gates
Cloud-Based Access Control System: Secure, Cost-Effective, and Easy-to-Manage Solutions
With the growing need for secure access control systems, cloud-based access control systems have emerged as a popular and practical solutions. They offer enhanced security, cost-effectiveness, and ease of management, making them an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a cloud-based access control system, its features, and how to choose the right one for your organization.
Access Control System offers you a complete solution, from a single-door system to a complex, multi-site installation with numerous cardholders. It is an excellent solution for small businesses, small offices, and large organizations that handle sensitive data and require high security.
Access control gives you more control over who has access, which doors they have access to, what times they are allowed to access, and under what conditions they are allowed to enter – for example, a utility worker or temporary employee.
Benefits of a Cloud-Based Access Control System
Enhanced security – A cloud-based access control system provides enhanced security features such as two-factor authentication, centralized control, and remote access management. These features ensure that only authorized individuals can access restricted areas, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential security breaches.
Cost-sffectiveness – A cloud-based access control system eliminates the need for hardware investment, reducing upfront costs. Additionally, the predictable monthly cost makes budgeting easier, and scalability allows organizations to adjust their access control needs as they grow.
Ease of management – Cloud-based access control systems offer a user-friendly interface, automatic software updates, and real-time monitoring, making them easy to manage. This eliminates the need for dedicated IT staff to manage and maintain the system, reducing costs further.
Support – On the support end, security integrators save time and resources by updating software remotely and having a customer service representative available anytime (mostly) for any question or concern on how to use the system.
Features of a Cloud-Based Access Control System
Mobile access: A cloud-based access control system offers mobile access, allowing users to manage access control from their smartphones. This feature also enables the mobile to unlock and mobile credential management, enhancing flexibility and convenience.
Integration: A cloud-based access control system integrates with other security systems such as video surveillance, alarm systems, and visitor management systems, providing a comprehensive security solution. This integration eliminates the need for multiple systems, reducing costs and enhancing security.
Customization: A cloud-based access control system offers customizable access levels, user permissions, and reports. This feature allows organizations to tailor their access control system to their specific needs, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
How to Choose the Right Cloud-Based Access Control System
Consider Your Business Needs: When choosing a cloud-based access control system, consider your organization’s size, type of industry, and the number of access points you need to secure. This information will help you select a system that meets your organization’s unique requirements.
Evaluate Security Features: Assess the encryption, audit trails, and compliance features of the access control system to ensure it meets your organization’s security requirements.
Assess User Experience: Evaluate the ease of use, training, and support, and integration with existing tools to ensure the access control system fits well with your organization’s workflow and enhances productivity.
What about Cybersecurity
Is cloud access more or less cyber-secure?
Whether in the Cloud or on-premise, Cybersecurity is relative. Some organizations have firm Cybersecurity practices, and others don’t invest as much. Cloud is not necessarily more secure, but it’s easily managed by people. Most systems are completely untended and unprotected.
Unlike on-premise systems, the cloud has the advantage of remote updates, keeping things more current and secure.
Amazon and Microsoft are the two leading players in cloud-based storage. Many service providers, tech companies, and hardware companies use these cloud servers for storage, so the question is, is there a better way to protect your data than with these two giants?
One of the most trusted access control providers, Brivo, uses Microsoft Azure for cloud storage. As a Brivo rep stated, “It goes back to the principle of do I store my money in a checking account or under my mattress? Someone might have a crazy secure house, but we trust Microsoft just like I trust my bank”.
The Main Components of Access Control
Access cards – Access cards are like a key. The user will scan their access cards to access the building or specific rooms within the building. Each access card has a unique code.
Reader – Electronic devices can read cards embedded with either a barcode, magnetic strip, computer chip, or another storage medium.
Keypad – instead of a key, this keypad system requires a numerical code to grant entry to a facility or property. Users punch in the code via a numerical pad, similar to those on a basic calculator. If the correct code is entered, the door lock or deadbolt will release.
Locking devices – Locking devices can be either “fail-safe” or “fail-secure”. Fail-secure locking devices are a type of device that remains locked when power is off. Fail-safe locking devices are a type of device that is unlocked when power is out.
- Door strike: A door strike is one of the primary components of a typical door locking system. The door strike usually attaches to the doorway’s frame, and it is carefully aligned with the lockset to give the latch a place to sink into when the door closes. Unlike the standard strike that comes with a door, the electric strike is controlled by command. Electric door strikes can be fail-secure or fail-safe.
Magnetic lock – A maglock is like a door strike, a locking device with an electromagnet and an armature plate. Typically, the lock’s electromagnet portion is attached to the door frame, and the plate is attached to the door. When the two parts are in contact, the door closes. When the electromagnet is energized with power, it creates the locking action. The magnetic lock is inherently fail-safe.
Request to exit – (REX) devices are used to allow the free and safe exit of an area without entering any credentials. Many options, such as exit buttons, motion devices, or touch-sensitive devices, make it an ideal choice for releasing maglocks or door strikes.
Access control field panels – The main operation manages everything and it continually monitors the doors. It is what connects the different components of access control as a whole.
Access control software – The software is the entire system’s brain; it is the system’s central database and file manager. It records the system activity and distributes information to and from the field panels in the building. It is what allows you to control your doors from anywhere at any time.
Conclusion:
A cloud-based access control system provides a secure, cost-effective, and easy-to-manage solution for organizations of all sizes. By considering the benefits and features of a cloud-based access control system, as well as your organization’s specific needs, you can choose the right access control system to enhance your organization’s security and efficiency.
If you’re looking for a reliable professional security expert, we’re here to help you choose and install the right system for your building. CONTACT US