Electronic Door Control For Security and Efficiency

With the incorporation of various electronic devices into a security system, the jobs of those monitoring the facilities is made easier and more efficient. Cameras allow greater visibility and event-recording, motion sensors can trigger lights or alarms depending on the applications, and alarm systems can alert the proper authorities in the event that something happens that needs immediate attention beyond available resources at the time. Many people have also begun to include a wide array of devices into maintaining the security of a building at the entry/egress points as well.

Here's an example of a Building Access System used to control entry into multiple sites. It uses Entry Control Units with keypads and/or proximity card readers to authorize access.

Electronic Door Control is a means for ensuring that a door will remain secured when you want it to stay that way.

For a well-equipped BAS to be effective, the operators must have a way to guarantee that those who are allowed to enter and exit are freely able to do so, while at the same time keeping intruders at bay. The ability to do away with mechanical keys in most instances, the advantages of keyless entry, ability to monitor and record access attempts, and the added efficiency of no longer having to physically operate a locking mechanism all lead to Electronic Door Control becoming an essential part of the securities puzzle.

While devices such as keypads and proximity card readers are designed to provide a method of individual access permission and guaranteed benefits of not being able to "pick" a lock allow for greater security before anyone even enters the building. In order for these units to function, they must be linked up to an Entry Control Unit on the interior of the facilities. The ECU functions as a data processor between the locking mechanisms, database, and access point. In the event that a card is scanned or a PIN entered, the ECU sends a signal to the database requesting validation.

If approved, the ECU triggers a locking mechanism to open. From electronic deadbolts and catch-plates that are secured until a signal stating other-wise is received, to strong electromagnetic locks, there are a wide array of equipment designed to secure the door.

Upon exiting, there are also several choices to consider. Most applications are not designed to keep people in, so in this case, simple egress measures such as a push-to-access button or a motion detector linked up to the ECU can allow for simple unlocks without much forethought, while in high-security facilities, this can be done again through an access point interface, or through the visual confirmation and approval of those in control of the facilities and monitoring.

Real-time monitoring of building access systems has become a game-changer in facility security. By integrating your Electronic Door Control (EDC) with a network monitoring platform, you unlock the ability to oversee not just access attempts but the broader health of your facility in a single interface.

Consider this: your building access system is logging every swipe of a proximity card or PIN entry, but it doesn't exist in isolation. What happens if a power outage disrupts access readers, or a server error affects database validation? Modern systems, like those integrated with a DPS T/Mon platform, not only handle access permissions but also notify you instantly when anomalies occur - such as failed ECU connections or tampering attempts​​.

This integration offers tangible benefits:

• Centralized Control: Oversee all remote site entries and correlate access logs with other alarms, such as motion detectors or temperature sensors.
• Streamlined Responses: Automated notifications ensure security personnel are alerted the moment an unauthorized access attempt is made.
• Granular Insights: Logs generated can be paired with environmental data or equipment alarms, providing a full spectrum view of on-site activity.

Imagine that you are utilizing an all-analog security system. If an employee with key-holding responsibilities were to lose them, or become separated from the company, those keys would need to be returned, but how many times have you made a copy of a key that said DO NOT COPY? What if those keys came up missing? The solutions to a compromised analog system can be incredibly costly if not done properly. The contrasting abilities offered by EDC devices allow for near-instantaneous changes to permission linked to a password or card. If a key card or PIN code were to become lost/shared or if the employee were to lose permissions, with a couple quick keystrokes, all permissions and access rights can be blocked. No messy problems that warrant an emergency locksmith or multiple site-visits to confirm access abilities.