ACS - access control and management system: nuances of use and main functions

In the modern world of security at various facilities, special attention is paid, regardless of whether it is a large enterprise or a small office, school or shopping center. Along with the traditional staff of security personnel involved in performing these functions, various technical systems are used to expand the capabilities and functionality of security services. The access control system of ACS is just such a system, and it will be discussed in this review by the homemaster.techinfolux.com/en/ edition.

Basic elements and configuration of an access control system for a small enterprise or office building

ACS system - what is it and how it stands   

An access control and management system, or ACS, is an element of a security system created on the basis of technical devices and electronic control systems, united into a single network, running on specially developed software. In addition, the access control system allows you to automate the tracking of working time at the enterprise and in the office, thereby facilitating the work of the organization's HR department.

Types of access control systems

By the type of work and the method of transferring information, access control installations are: autonomous, network and wireless.

Scheme of an autonomous ACS device

Autonomous systems are systems that provide control over a separate (office, store, etc.) or several rooms united by a common purpose, when the work is controlled using a separate (autonomous) controller.In such installations, the control controller is not associated with other electronic control devices, but operates autonomously. The access point to the controlled area, as a rule, is Entrance door... An electronic lock or latch is used as an actuator in autonomous control systems, and an access control card with various types of readers (bar, magnetic, proximity) is used as an identifier. An autonomous controller, as a rule, works only "at the entrance" of the controlled area, and "at the exit", control buttons or sensors are used.

Network ACS device diagram

Networked - these are systems equipped with a more powerful and functional controller (or group) that ensures the operation of ACS in premises of significant area, where a large number of people can be at the same time. In such systems, access points are gateways of enterprises or other structures, and turnstiles or gateways are used as an actuating mechanism. Identifiers can be of various types, and the actuators themselves are equipped with remote readers.

Wireless ACS device diagram

In wireless control systems, communication between the ACS server and other control elements is carried out via the Internet, and between the controller and executive devices - via communication channels (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and others).

Functions of the automated control system for ACS

The main functions that determine the purpose of the ACS are: delimitation and control of access to a certain area of ​​space (room), accounting of workers' working time and automation of the security service.                                           

Differentiation and control of access

This function involves the implementation of the following activities:

User IDs can be executed on the basis of various readers, both in the form of electronic devices and in the form of biometric or other control

Time tracking

This function is intended for personnel services and simplifies their control over the work schedule of employees of the enterprise and their work discipline. In addition, thanks to this function, the security service can regulate personnel access to the controlled area on weekends and holidays, as well as outside working hours.

This function is expressed as:

Electronic card, key fob or fingerprint - everything can be used as an identifier for access to the controlled area

Security system mode

What is an access control system in security is:

Other functions

The functionality of the entire system may vary depending on the class of equipment used. As additional functions, ACS can be combined with video surveillance systems and security and fire alarm systems. Also, methods of transmitting a wireless signal can act as an additional one, for which communication channels are used: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, ZigBee or GSM.

The main types of ACS actuators: electronic lock, turnstile, barrier, electronic unit equipped with a communication system with the services of the controlled object

Technical means for managing the movement of personnel and visitors

The room access control system includes a number of different technical devices that must be considered separately:

This group of devices includes:

Different types of readers can vary in shape, size and style

Biometric identifiers can be installed in the ACS system, with the help of which access control is carried out on the basis of a person's biometric data.

Devices of this group can be of auxiliary or stand-alone type, which determines the way of their installation in relation to the ACS controller. The type of reader depends on the type of identifier - magnetic card, smart card, contactless or proximity. When using magnetic cards, the code entered on the magnetic tape is checked. For smart cards and contactless devices, information is received from the built-in microcircuit, and when using proximity, the code is read from the built-in chip.

Access controller for two readers of the Bolid S2000-2 brand

This element of the system is its "brain" and coordinates the work of all other equipment. For various ACS systems, different types of controllers are used: stand-alone, network or combined. Autonomous ACS controllers, as it was already written above, are used in systems with one access point, for network controllers - the number of executive devices is regulated by the need and technical capabilities of the controller. Combined devices can perform both types of functions, which is convenient when disconnecting communication with the monitoring system server, because operating modes from one to another are switched automatically.

Actuators can be of various designs, shapes, sizes and purposes.

This group of mechanisms can be safely attributed to the category of intellectual technology: electronic and electromechanical locks, magnetic and electromechanical latches, turnstiles and barriers, automatic gates and other mechanical devices.

Combining ACS with a video surveillance system expands the capabilities of the access control system, because there is a possibility of video recording of the moment of entry and exit of people, entry and exit of equipment, and also simplifies the work of the security service - all the necessary operations can be performed from one workplace.

The presence of video surveillance in the ACS system expands its functionality

Software (SW) is an integral part of a network and combined access control system that ensures the interaction of an electronic "brain" with devices and mechanisms. For each type and brand of controllers, its own software is developed, which is due to the copyright of the device manufacturers. The controllers are implemented with preinstalled software, which allows, if necessary, to perform installation and configuration on their own - especially for stand-alone ACS. If necessary, the software can be purchased separately, as from the companies that develop a particular device, or download a free version on the Internet.

The software installed on the PC facilitates the work of the personnel service and security of the controlled object

In the domestic market there are a number of companies offering free software for access control systems for access control systems:

The software installed on the PC allows you to use all the functionality of the system: to monitor online the events occurring at the controlled object, and configure user rights, create personnel cards and issue passes, keep track of working hours and carry out notifications on sms and e-mail.

On the screen of the monitor, employees of the personnel department can always track the time of arrival and departure of employees from the enterprise

Related article:

Features of ACS for different types of controlled objects

For a large enterprise or a small office, administrative building or school, access control systems, if they are similar in nature, differ somewhat in details, depending on the type and mode of use of the controlled object, the category of users, and the need to transfer information to the head organization or office ...

Features of ACS for large corporations

Creation of access control systems for large companies and organizations is the most difficult task of all possible options for arranging such a system. This is due to the fact that, as a rule, a large company has representative offices located in different regions of the country, and the head office is located in a large metropolis. In this case, in regional offices, the structure, mode and nature of work can be strikingly different, which requires a powerful controller and wide-profile software.

The larger the enterprise, the more devices of various types need to be combined into a single system.

In such systems, in addition to the high-power controller, remote interface modules are used, allowing you to create a centralized or distributed network configuration required for a particular company.

Features of ACS for small offices, hotels and shops

Controlling access to an office, store or hotel room is somewhat easier to perform, because in this case the number of executive devices and readers is limited. For a small office, it may be sufficient to have an autonomous access control system that allows you to control only the entrance to the premises. For hotels, an important point of the control system is the presence of a video recording function in public areas and a programmable individual one for rooms.

Electronic locks installed in rooms provide control over guests during their stay at the hotel

In addition, ACS installed in hotels perform a number of specific functions: increasing the level of customer service and ensuring security during their stay.

Features of ACS for schools

The characteristic features of the ACS installed in schools are:

The turnstile is the main actuator for the school access control system

Features of ACS for organizing traffic in parking lots

For the normal operation of an ACS installed in car parks, it must perform such functions as:

Using ACS in parking lots is convenient and practical

As for the rest, the operation of ACS at parking lots is similar to the mode of using network systems.

Installation and maintenance of access control systems - nuances

The basic operations for the installation of control system elements (actuators, readers, etc.) are performed without much difficulty, even by unskilled personnel. For this, traditional fasteners are used (self-tapping screws, anchor bolts, etc.), and, if necessary, the base plate is poured (barriers, barriers, etc.).

Installation of network systems should be entrusted to professionals, since unqualified personnel will not be able to competently install distribution networks and configure the system

It is more difficult to connect the controller and install distribution networks, due to the requirements for such communications:

Disconnecting wires in monitoring and control devices, as well as directly in the controller - this is the most important job when installing an ACS

When devices and devices are installed and the installation of communications is completed, the most crucial moment begins - setting up the system. At this stage of the work, the linkage between the actuators, identifiers and the system control panel is carried out. During the operation of the ACS, maintenance consists in checking the electrical connections, correct settings and monitoring the condition of consumables: charging batteries and updating memory cards.

Prices for control systems and access control ACS         

The cost of equipment and installation of access control systems depends on the configuration of the system, the number of access points, as well as the types and brands of equipment used.        

ACS is, first of all, human safety in the workplace, at home and in public places

The table below shows the prices for various access control systems when they are sold through Internet companies, as of the II quarter of 2018:

As can be seen from this table, which shows only a small part of the ACS kits used for small objects of protection, in the market for such equipment, you can choose the model that is necessary in terms of functionality, reliability and in accordance with the financial capabilities of the buyer.

Video: ACS. Installation features

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