12 Key Building Access System Features

1) Centralized Management

Your building access system should be manageable from a central terminal. This will allow you to watch over and control your access points from a single monitoring station, increasing overall system effectiveness, and reducing staffing requirements.

2) Proximity Reader Support (Wiegand + Custom)

Proximity card readers offer a variety of advantages over traditional keypads. Keycards cannot be shared with others as codes can be, and keycards are much better for use in hostile climates. A good access system should support a selection of user input devices, including proximity readers and keypads.

3) Detailed Logging

Your access system should log every entry to your sites. Knowing exactly who accessed your sites, and when they did so, is crucial in the event of vandalism or theft.

4) Compatibility with Site Power

Your building access system should operate on-site power, either battery or commercial. By using protected power, your system will still work during a commercial power failure.

5) Sufficient Size for Your Network

If you are going to incorporate an access system into a large network, it should support at least 1,000 user codes or keycards.

6) Access Scheduling

You should be able to define a weekly schedule for site access. This ensures that your sites can only be accessed when they should be.

7) Multiple Transport Options

Your building access system should support multiple paths for upstream communication. LAN and serial should be available.

8) Fault-Tolerance- A good BAS has a redundant user database.

Individual sites must be able to operate independently of the master if communication is lost. The goal is to make the decision of access locally, then report to the master. By alleviating the reliance on the master,you can get fast access, even in the event of a communication failure.