Choosing the right types of access control readers

Choosing the right types of access control readers has become an almost mandatory part of setting up a commercial door access control system in these modern times. Traditional locks and keys no longer make the grade when it comes to preventing unwarranted access. Electronic door locks have become the standard expectation for establishments hoping to maintain a current public image. Any lodging with actual keys, for instance, is either viewed as a small establishment or an “old school” themed locale.

The need for suitable privacy and security for commercial establishments has steadily progressed over the years. These days, electronic door locks have become a necessity in many sectors, especially those needing to control a large volume of traffic. Places such as hotels and other customer-based businesses, for example, deal with a lot of different people daily. Some of these are clients who might require access to particular areas such as private rooms and sectors restricted to the public. One of the key elements considered when looking for a suitable access control solution is the kind of entry device chosen with the system.

There are many types of access control readers options available in the market when it comes to electronic door locks. One of the primary categories through which they can be classified is the entry device implemented with the alternatives. In simple terms, an entry device refers to the method of access used by these systems. There are a couple of options to choose from, but not every alternative is suitable for any enterprise.

Three main types of access control readers

Types of Access Control Readers for Electronic Door Locks

Familiarizing yourself with the different options available when it comes to access control system entry devices is the first step in making a decision. Three main options are currently available in this category. They are based on the manner through which a user inputs their credentials for approval by the system. They include:

1, Biometric Access Control Readers

As the name suggests, this option uses the personal makeup of an individual to identify their credentials. They use parts of the body, such as fingerprints, palm prints, and even iris scans. It should be noted that the last option, however, involves a hugely expensive outlay and thus is not something that is considered by general commercial establishments. The more popular choices in this category include finger and palm prints.

The biometric access control reader for these electronic door locks consists of a touchpad, on which the user will place their thumb or entire hand. Their prints are then scanned and compared to fingerprints that have been previously placed in the system’s database. Though this may seem like a very high-tech means of meeting your security needs, it also has its drawbacks. Frequent clientele traffic cannot be integrated into this system with ease, due to the particularities involved with the credentials.

Fingerprint and face Biometric Access Control Readers

If you happen to run an elite men’s lounge with only a few hundred clients, who do not frequent the establishment regularly, then a biometric system might work in your favor. If you’re running a hotel, on the other hand, then implementing such a system might create constant complications with the delivery and revocation of access privileges. In such cases, considering alternative entry devices for your electronic door locks would offer a better solution.

However, if you need to secure one section of your establishment, such as the server room – then implementing a biometric system can offer a reliable solution. Since not a lot of electronic door locks will be involved with such an installation, the cost of the project will not present sky-high prices to your budget. It is also a reliable way of ensuring that only specific individuals can gain access to a room – as stealing a person’s biometric details requires a level of expertise and equipment that is not available in the stock market.

2, RFID Access Control Reader

This option is by far one of the more prevalent alternatives with hotels and other lodges. This entry system uses a plastic RFID key card to gain access privileges. The cards can contain a chip holding the necessary data (smart cards) or implement magnetic elements in their functioning (magnetic RFID cards). Both options utilize radio frequency components to accomplish their objectives. The cards are pre-programmed by the database administrator, and each one can be allocated specific privileges according to the holder.

Smart RFID Access Control Readers

Smart RFID cards are an excellent solution for the hospitality industry, as most enterprises in this venture deal with a revolving cycle of clients going in and out of their establishment. Many hotels see smart cards as the ultimate solution to their access control needs, as it dramatically reduces the procedure required to pass on credentials. Whereas a biometric system might need you to scan the individual’s details and upload it into the system before they can gain entry – this solution only requires management to pass on the specific card related to particular access privileges.

One drawback of this system is that it’s not as secure as a biometric option. Cards can get lost or stolen, making it easier for perpetrators to gain access to restricted areas.

3, Keypad Access Control Readers

These entry devices are viewed as the godfather of the access control options available. They generally consist of a number pad and keyboard through which the user inputs a specific code into the system. This code is verified according to the database of the system, and a suitable response is selected. This option can be one of the less expensive electronic door locks in the market, but it’s not as reliable as the two previous entry methods.

Codes can be easily forgotten when fresh in mind, and easily stolen when recorded somewhere else. It also takes a long time for an individual to gain entry into a section, as it will take a few seconds to input the required credentials. Options such as smart cards, on the other hand, only need one swipe to get the electronic door locks working.

All in all, the particular option you choose should be related to your specific needs and requirements. If you’re a business with a lot of traffic, for example, then smart cards will offer the fastest means of providing and revoking privileges.