The access control basically verifies that the people or vehicles requesting access to an area have the permission to do so.
The three basic functions of an access control system are:
• Authentication: several systems enable the identification of people or vehicles requesting access (biometric readers, passwords, cards, etc.).
• Authorisation: this is the reply generated after the authentication. This reply is determined by the checking of times, permissions, areas, and even the authentication itself to finally determine if access can be granted or not. All these access management parameters are set in specific applications.
• Tracking: to guarantee the security of the workers on the premises of a company, it is essential to have the real time location of the people and the analysis of access to the premises.
The access control application determines who enters or leaves an area, and when and how they do so. It also manages the opening of doors and sensor-equipped closing mechanisms.
The system obliges people to identify themselves to access elements, be it via a proximity card, fingerprint, or if it is a vehicle via the reading of the number plate. Once identified, and after performing the adequate checks, the software sends the order to open the access or not.
In a rapid and efficient manner this control enables a list of those present in areas or on the premises to be compiled, which is very beneficial for the planning of an emergency and evacuation.
As regards tracking, the software includes characteristics as relevant as:
• Monitoring the capacity, which determines a maximum number of people in an area, and prevents access once the maximum capacity is reached.
• The Antipassback function, which prevents the access of people to an area when the system detects that they are already inside.
