Access control for homes and offices: how it works

What access control is

Access control decides who may open which door, and when. Instead of a mechanical key, people identify themselves with a badge, a PIN code, their smartphone or their fingerprint. The system checks the permission, opens the door and logs the entry.

The building blocks

• Credential: badge or key fob, PIN code, smartphone or a biometric feature
• Reader at the door that recognises the credential
• Controller that checks whether the person may use this door at this time
• Electronic lock: electric strike, motor lock or electronic cylinder
• Software in which you manage people, time profiles and doors and review entries

What it offers over keys

• Lost badges are blocked immediately, no cylinder replacement
• Time windows: the cleaner only on Tuesdays from 9 to 12, suppliers only on weekdays
• Temporary codes for guests, tradespeople or holiday homes
• A log of who opened which door, and when
• Connection to alarm, lighting and cameras: opening the door switches on the light and disarms the alarm

Who it is worth it for

In offices and commercial buildings, access control is standard as soon as more than a handful of people come and go. In apartment buildings it replaces physical keys for tenants, caretakers and post. And in villas and family homes it adds comfort: front door, garage and gate open by smartphone, and the family no longer needs a bunch of keys.

What to watch out for

• Escape routes: doors on escape routes must always open from the inside, even with an electronic lock
• Power cuts: decide whether a door stays open or locked, and plan an emergency power supply
• Data protection: entry logs are personal data. In companies, employees must be informed, and logs should be kept only as long as necessary
• Open standards: choose systems that can be extended later and connected to other building systems