Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Taking a fresh look at modern security, this article highlights three of the smartest access control systems for homes and businesses.
- Explains how license plate recognition helps businesses manage parking access and eliminate unauthorized vehicles.
- Breaks down the strengths of biometric scanners like fingerprints, facial recognition, and palm scans for high-level security.
- Covers mobile access systems that use smartphones instead of key fobs or cards to reduce the risk of unauthorised entry.
- Emphasizes the balance between convenience and robust protection offered by all three methods.
Adding more security to your building means you can relax and stop worrying about unwanted visitors. Whether you want to bolster home or business security, access controls are the best way to keep your premises private. Different types exist – though they all work under the same principle: you decide who has access to your property, and only those people are allowed in.
Which access control systems are the smartest for you to use? Read on to discover three of the most potent in terms of usability and security.
License Plate Recognition
Most access control systems are used at the very front of a building. For your home this could be your front gate or door – for a business, it’s normally the main entry point. However, you can start things a little bit further back with automatic license plate recognition that scans cars and only allows certain ones through a set of barriers.
This only works for business premises, but the result is fantastic – especially if you own a parking lot. So many businesses deal with unwanted cars in their parking lots all the time, taking up space and causing a nuisance. License plate recognition means you create a database of cars to give access to, and the barriers automatically open for them to drive inside. It’s so simple, yet it cuts down on all the unwanted guests you might have.
Biometric Scanners
A big argument can be made for biometric scanners being the most secure access control system available. Install these at the front of your office building or by your main front door at home. They work by taking a scan of your biometrics and storing the data in a server. The access control system will then allow you to enter the building if your biometric scans match those in the server.
You will normally see the following options:
- Fingerprint
- Palms
- Facial recognition
- Optical recognition
It’s a secure option because nobody can steal or fake your biometric scans. E.g. If your fingerprint is in the database, someone needs to use your fingerprint to get inside. A really great option to improve home security – and excellent for businesses. The only downside for a business is that you’ll have to go through the process of scanning everyone who needs access to the building.
Mobile Systems
You often see access control systems that use key fobs or cards to scan against a device and unlock the door. These work well, but it’s very easy for someone to lose their fob or card, meaning whoever finds them can use the access control system.
Mobile systems follow the same concept, only utilizing your smartphone as the “key”. NFC technology allows the smartphone to send a signal to the device that unlocks the door. Again, you decide who has access and this can all be handled via an application on the phone. It’s much harder for someone to lose their phone – and you can often lock your phone remotely so people can’t get inside and use the app to gain access.
When security and ease of access are your main goals, these three access control systems provide the perfect balance. They’re not difficult for people to use yet provide a high level of security to keep out unwanted visitors.
Also Read: Smart Home Interior Design: Integrating Technology Seamlessly
FAQs – Smart Access Control Systems
01. What is a smart access control system?
A smart access control system is a security solution that lets you manage who can enter your property using technology such as biometrics, mobile apps or licence plate recognition.
02. Are biometric scanners safe to use?
Yes, biometric scanners are considered very secure because fingerprints, facial features and palm patterns are unique to each person and cannot easily be copied.
03. Can mobile access systems work on any smartphone?
Most modern smartphones support NFC or app-based access, but compatibility may vary depending on the access control system you choose.
04. Is licence plate recognition only for businesses?
It is mainly used for business premises and car parks, but some large private properties may also use it to manage vehicle access.
05. Do these systems require professional installation?
Many access control systems benefit from professional installation to ensure correct setup, maximum security and seamless integration with existing infrastructure.