ACCESSCONTROL
SPONSORED BY ALDRIDGE SECURITY
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With an increasing number of buildings requiring access control systems, and as a result,
more locksmiths seeing this area as a potential revenue stream, we talk to access control
expert NIGEL GRAY at HOPPE UK about the questions he is most frequently asked.
Q1: If I have a large number
of users for the system, what
are my options?
A1: A lot of locksmiths are
used to selling stand alone
systems - a simple electronic
lock and / or electric strike for
a small office or residential
project. But when there are
hundreds or thousands of
users, possibly across several
locations of buildings, they can
tend to panic.
What is needed is an online
system with a centralised
computer control which can
handle as many doors (or
turnstiles) as required. There is
still a control at each entrance
but they are controlled
centrally. This allows total
flexibility with regardsto
allowing access through
certain doors by certain people
- but it also gives the possibility
of recording an audit trail to
show who has come through
the door and when, and can
tie in with the building’s alarm
systems.
Q2: My client doesn’t want
push button locks – what
other sort can I use?
A2: The most common and
popular access method now
is proximity reader which
users find very simple to use.
But there is also the choice
of swipe cards, and audio /
video systems. More and
more companies are also
using biometric systems
with fingerprint or facial
recognition software. It really
depends on what level of
security is required and how
much traffic will come through
the portal. Anyone who has
travelled on the London
Underground using an Oyster
44
Card will know just how fast
and efficient H