Introduction
Access control systems in the Philippines continue to advance to keep up with today’s technology and modern needs. Recently, biometric system manufacturers introduced user-friendly fingerprint readers that can work even when the credential owner’s finger is wet, dry, or covered. In airports, access control is being streamlined for faster and stronger security checks. Developments to keep these systems simple yet hard to break into show no signs of stopping, and the country’s public and private sectors are ready to adapt to the changes.
If you haven’t yet, now’s the time to install or upgrade your company’s physical and digital access control system. Wondering where you should start? This article by Internet of Things Philippines, Inc. will educate you on the importance of this modern security system in the workplace and the types best suited for your industry. Moreover, discover how IOT Philippines can help you with your access control needs.
Why Do Businesses in the Philippines Need Access Control Systems?
Access control systems are essential for boosting security in Philippine business spaces. Their importance hinges on the core concept of letting authorized individuals in and keeping unauthorized people out. The spaces that require access regulations can be physical or digital, and in most organizations, both.
These systems protect companies from intruders and threat actors with minimal human supervision, allowing management to focus on more essential business tasks. Generally, access control systems contribute to keeping the workplace safe, protecting company assets, and enhancing intruder detection.
For Workplace Safety
Implementing a door access control system for the office enables management to automatically regulate who enters the workplace. In addition to allowing only people with credentials into your business space, the system can also efficiently log traffic, which can be useful for monitoring attendance and activity.
For Company Assets’ Protection
Door access control provides stronger protection for your assets. One example is the use of access control systems in a bank vault. Usually protected by keypad access control, vaults are opened only by one or two authorized members, each of whom knows only half the code. This security measure ensures that no one person has full access to the vault, reducing the risks associated with coercion and information leakages.
For Intruder Detection
An effective security access control system can alert management if someone attempts to break into your physical or digital space. One example is using biometric scanners to verify the identity of people accessing confidential files from your company’s server. The system will only grant access to the individual if it finds a match. Otherwise, it will alert administrators that unauthorized users are attempting to access the data.
Types of Access Control Systems and How Businesses Can Best Use Them
If you’re convinced that your access control system needs revamping or enhancing, the next step is to choose which type to procure and install. Below are common access control systems used in workplaces across the country you can consider.
Keypad Access Control
A keypad access control system is as straightforward as its name suggests — you enter a pre-approved code on the keypad, and the system grants you access. This machine is often used for vaults and facilities that only a few people can enter. It’s also used increasingly in apartment buildings. Using keypads for access control is best if only trustworthy individuals hold the code, as such information is more susceptible to leakage the more people know it.
Proximity Readers
Proximity readers use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to read credentials and grant access accordingly. This system’s main advantage is its contactless nature — users only need to position themselves within the reading radius, carrying their cards, fobs, or tags, and the machine will grant access to facilities. The access control system’s speed makes it ideal for high-traffic locations such as gyms, offices, and car parks. It can also be handy for monitoring logistics.
Smart Card Readers
Smart card readers use smart cards to read credentials and grant users access. The cards can be encrypted, increasing security and stronger protection against cloning and spoofing. To further boost access control, smart card readers may also require a unique PIN upon tapping the card onto the machine. Readers can either require contact or contactless activation, allowing flexibility in installation. However, as issuing smart cards can be expensive, it’s best to use them for smaller organizations.
Biometric Readers
Biometric machines match users’ fingerprints, iris, or facial patterns with stored biometric information before granting access. Many workplaces also use this technology to log employee attendance easily. Biometric systems are increasingly becoming a popular access control option due to how difficult it is for bad actors to duplicate the data. Some systems, such as iris and facial recognition machines, also allow contactless verification for faster and more hygienic security measures.
Wireless Access Control
Wireless access control systems use wireless technology to read credentials and grant access to authorized users. Individuals can use their phones, tablets, or other wireless devices to connect to the machine via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Businesses that want to save on manufacturing key cards or fobs rely on this system’s flexibility and ease of use. However, to keep the workplace secure, wireless access control systems should work in conjunction with other types to add another layer of security. After all, wireless technology can have loopholes that hackers can exploit.
Conclusion
The use of access control systems in Philippine business spaces continues to evolve as companies keep up with modern security concerns and advanced corporate access control needs. The development of these systems ensures that they’re user-friendly while remaining difficult for bad actors and intruders to tamper with. Moreover, access control systems aren’t limited to protecting physical spaces. In the digital age, businesses are also moving to secure their data and other online assets using this technology.
Most organizations use one or two access control systems to protect their property. The most commonly used types are keypad machines, proximity readers, smart card readers, biometric scanners, and wireless access control systems. To boost workplace security and safety, these technologies should be in conjunction with one another. Consequently, businesses must hire IT professionals to ensure that each access control solution is seamlessly integrated into the organization’s infrastructure.
At IOT Philippines, we recommend the best access control products for your unique business needs and help you set them up for smooth implementation. Our experts are more than happy to solve your security issues. Contact us today to learn more about our wide range of technologies!
