Which system is right for you?

We've come a long way since the simple lock and key. The modern electronic access control system provides convenient and versatile options for controlling the movement of people, vehicles and assets into and around buildings and sites.

Systems can control who is let into what parts of the building and at what times. They can also provide information about who is or has been on the premises - invaluable, for example, if you need to check that everyone has left when an evacuation has taken place.

And if a smart card is used for access, other applications such as cashless vending can be programmed in.

So where's the catch? Well simply that, with all the choices available, life becomes more complicated for those selecting an access control system.

Ian Johnson, group managing director of Ian Johnson Associates (IJA), comments: "Decision-makers do often get it wrong, purely because they have not given the matter enough thought before calling in their supplier.

"It is vital that they define their operational requirements. For example, how many doors and buildings are involved? Will the same people be using more than one building? Is it a basic door-opening requirement or do they want a variety of add-on benefits? And, of course, what levels of security are needed for particular doors or sites."

This feature aims to answer some of these questions, will help those looking to specify or improve upon their current system of access control and reveals some of the options currently available…

Feature article by Catherine Park