Leaving out the more sophisticated systems such as Fingerprint or Retina Scan, standard Access Control Systems can be divided into four distinct areas: AUDIO/VIDEO, DIGITAL, MAGNETIC SWIPE and PROXIMITY.

Audio/Video Access Control

These systems usually consist of a Power Supply, Audio Door Station, one or more Telephone Handsets, an optional camera focused on the door with an optional viewing monitor, and a Door Release Mechanism. The Power Supply will be connected into a local mains supply and will provide power to the Audio Door Station, which will be located outside of the building adjacent to the entrance door being secured. Connected to this will be the Telephone Handset(s) which will be strategically positioned within the building so as to compliment ease of use. Also connected to the Audio Door Station will be the Door Release Mechanism, which should be rated so as to compliment the security of the system.

Once the "Call Button" on the Audio Door Station has been pressed it causes the Telephone Handset to buzz. When the Telephone Handset has been answered and the identification of the caller has been verified the Door Release Mechanism can be energised via a button on the Telephone Handset.

This method can also be interfaced with any of the following:-

Digital Access Control

These systems usually consist of a Power Supply, Digital Keypad and a Door Release Mechanism. The Power Supply will be connected into a local mains supply and will provide power to the Digital Keypad, which will be located outside of the building adjacent to the entrance door being secured. Also connected to the Digital Keypad will be the Door Release Mechanism, which should be rated so as to compliment the security of the system.

Access is granted upon entry of a code. This can either be a common code, issued to all users of the system or individual codes (PIN - personnel identification numbers) issued to each user of the system.
Common codes can provide medium security for very small groups (perhaps 5 to 10) of users in a controlled environment. The problem with this set up is that the code gets passed on to or is seen by third parties very quickly. Otherwise it can provide useful low security access control.
PINs are more secure because users are less likely to divulge their own number. PINs can be used within a system to record an individual's movements. For more than a small number of users 5 to 6 digit PINs should be considered to maintain the very low probability of guessing or keying another user's PIN.

Magnetic Swipe Access Control

These systems usually consist of a Power Supply, Mag Swipe Reader, an Access Control Unit (ACU) and a Door Release Mechanism. The Power Supply will be connected into a local mains supply and will provide power to the ACU, which will be located inside of the building. This in turn provides power to the Mag Swipe Reader, which will be positioned adjacent to the entrance door being secured. Also connected to the ACU will be the Door Release Mechanism, which should be rated so as to compliment the security of the system.
Access is granted when a valid card is passed through the Magnetic Swipe Reader. Magnetic swipe cards are mostly unique to the holder. They are more difficult to duplicate than keys but an expert can copy the information programmed into a card.

The cost per user is minimal. Security with this type of system is generally good because each card is different and if lost or copied the card in question can easily be voided from the system.

Convenience is good as the cards are slim and can easily be stored with credit cards. Administration of cards within a system is easy.

Magnetic Swipe readers require an open slot for the card to pass through and therefore the readers are often vulnerable to vandalism. The continual motion of cards passing through the reader can also shorten the life expectancy of the reader head itself.

Proximity Access Control

These systems usually consist of a Power Supply, Proximity Reader, an Access Control Unit (ACU) and a Door Release Mechanism. The Power Supply will be connected into a local mains supply and will provide power to the ACU, which will be located inside of the building. This in turn provides power to the Proximity Reader, which will be positioned adjacent to the entrance door being secured. Also connected to the ACU will be the Door Release Mechanism, which should be rated so as to compliment the security of the system.

Access is granted when a valid token in the form of a card or key-fob is presented to the Proximity Reader. Proximity Tokens are unique to the holder. They are extremely difficult to duplicate. The cost per user is moderate.

Security with this type of system is good because each token is different and if lost the token in question can easily be voided from the system.

Convenience is excellent as tokens can be presented to the reader whilst still in wallets, bags, badge holders, etc. Reliability of tokens is excellent, especially the passive types, which do not contain batteries. Proximity readers do not require openings to read the tokens and are therefore less susceptible to vandalism. Vandal proof solutions can be integrated into most readers and some readers even have the technology to be incorporated within the structure of the building being secured.

The Door Release Mechanism is chosen to suit the door to be released and could be an electric keep releasing a Yale type lock. A Maglock which is in effect a very strong magnet holding a metal plate attached to the door. A solenoid lock which is similar to a normal high quality lock in a door with a handle on both sides and an override key to open the lock manually, the lock can be opened normally from the inside with the door handle to allow a person to exit normally, but the handle will not open the door from the outside until powered by whatever access system is in place. And a solenoid bolt which is simply a sliding bolt that is electrically operated to lock and unlock the door, either fitted surface or flush.