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Access Control System

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An access control system is, by definition exactly as it sounds. That is, it controls the access people have

to a place or a resource. Quite simply, it keeps those unauthorized people out and allows those authorized

people in, whether it be in a parking garage, a workplace, a sporting event, a building or a country. When

you attempt to get into a country other than your own for example, you will be asked to show

identification or credentials. Likewise you will need to purchase a ticket to use a parking lot and then use

that ticket to be allowed to exit the lot. At work, you may have a key card that allows you access to the

office area or to the boardroom. These are all ways to control access to somewhere, in an attempt to keep

it secure while affording the patrons and workers the convenience they have come to expect.

Access control systems can be as simple as a parking gate or a key to a locked door and can be as

sophisticated as a retinal scan or a hand geometry scanner that use personal information to allow access.

Once your credential, which can be anything from a personalized pin, a secret password, a smart card or a

finger print is presented, that information goes to a control panel which compares the credential to what

they have on file in their access control list and then entry is either allowed or denied. Think of it in terms

of your ATM. You were given a pin and must use your access bank card in tandem to withdraw money

from your bank account. If you accidentally punch in the wrong pin code you will be denied access to

your money. This is a security feature that allows you and only you to access your money. Once you put

the right code in, along with the bank card that carries that information, you will be allowed full access to

your account.

Similarly, companies may give their employees a card that is preloaded with their required data for

entrance. When an employee wants access to their office, they must either scan or swipe their card to gain

that access. This system is used in hospitals to ensure only required personnel are allowed in otherwise

restricted areas, like the surgical wings and ICU units. This is a safeguard for both the employees and

patients alike.

Access control systems are in place to safeguard people and to allow only those authorized to do so to use

the resources they are seeking. They can also be used to lessen the frustration level of people, especially

in areas like public parking garages. If you are allowed in, there will be a space available for you to use, if

you are denied access, it is because the lot is full. This saves you time driving around looking for that spot

that doesn't exist and allows you instead to drive on to a lot that does have that elusive parking space

available.

These systems are a great way to keep people moving where they need to be and to make every day

errands run that much smoother. Of course there are drawbacks to some of the methods, but when used

properly, they ensure we are all safe and secure in our daily lives.