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Managing access to buildings with traditional locks, keys, or PIN codes is no longer enough for today’s complex facilities. These methods create security gaps, administrative burdens, and operational inefficiencies, leaving people, assets, and sensitive information vulnerable.
Building access control systems delivers a technological solution by regulating entry through digital credentials, biometric verification, and customizable permissions. They provide precise control, real-time monitoring, and detailed audit trails to guarantee security without compromising convenience.
This guide will explain what you should know about building access management solutions, including the types, functions, and best practices. By the end of this article, property managers, IT teams, and business owners will know the right system to protect their spaces during day-to-day operations.
What is a Building Access Control System?
A building access control system is a security measure used to manage and regulate who is permitted to enter your building and the specific zones within it. It acts as a digital security guard, verifying identities and deciding who gains access to secured spaces.
The primary goal of this system is to protect people, assets, and sensitive information by ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter. This is accomplished by confirming a user's identity through credentials like key cards, PIN codes, or biometric data.
Ultimately, it gives you control and security over your entire physical property, helping to mitigate potential security breaches.
Why Coram is the Best Building Access Control System
Coram’s building access control system combines cloud-based convenience, real-time monitoring, and high-level security into one unified platform. Designed for modern facilities, it gives administrators full visibility and control over who enters, where they go, and when they access specific areas. Whether you're managing offices, campuses, or multi-site portfolios, Coram simplifies operations, reduces IT burdens, and ensures reliable protection at every entry point.
It also adapts easily to any building’s needs. Access permissions are customizable for employees, contractors, and visitors, and users can enter via keycards, mobile credentials, or Bluetooth. Every access event is recorded instantly, providing detailed audit trails and immediate insights. With scalability, offline functionality, and seamless integrations, Coram ensures your building stays secure and operational no matter what.
Key Advantages of Coram
- Cloud-Based Convenience: No on-site servers, reduced IT maintenance, and easy remote monitoring for all doors and buildings.
- Highly Customizable: Assign permissions, add or remove users, and control entry methods through an intuitive dashboard.
- Smart Schedules: Create door schedules, temporary credentials, and automated alerts for unusual activity.
- Video Surveillance Integration: Real-time monitoring, tailgating detection, and instant access to corresponding camera footage.
- Built for Scalability: Manage one building or an entire multi-location portfolio from a single platform.
- Offline Reliability: Local permissions storage and backup battery ensure doors work during network or power outages.
- Plug-and-Play Install: Works with existing infrastructure, enabling quick, cost-effective deployment.
- Role-Based Security: Manage access by role, zone, or schedule to maintain strict control without slowing operations.
- Emergency Integrations: Syncs with panic alerts, incident response workflows, and weapon detection systems for faster threat response.
Types of Building Access Control Systems
Different organizations have different security needs, which is why various types of access control systems have been developed.
Globally, the access control market was estimated at around USD 10.76 billion in 2024, with North America contributing over 31% of that revenue share.
This underlines how broad and growing the demand is for these systems. Understanding these models helps you select the right one for your environment.
Discretionary Access Control
Discretionary access control is a flexible model where the business or data owner decides who can access precise locations or resources. Using an Access Control List (ACL) for each entry point, the owner can grant permissions to individuals or groups based on need.
However, this flexibility is also its main drawback, as it relies on the user to set permissions correctly. This can inadvertently lead to security gaps if sensitive areas are shared without proper oversight.
Mandatory Access Control
As the strictest model, mandatory access control is governed by a central authority, like a system administrator, rather than individual users. Access is determined by predefined security labels and clearances, and it’s often used in military or government institutions.
In this system, users cannot alter permissions; only the owner and custodian manage the controls. MAC’s centralized approach ensures high confidentiality but lacks the flexibility needed for dynamic business environments.
Role-Based Access Control
Also called non-discretionary access control, role-based access control (RBAC) simplifies building access control management by assigning permissions based on an individual's role within the organization, rather than their personal identity.
Each job title has a predefined set of access rights, so when an employee is hired or promoted, they automatically inherit the permissions for their new role.
This model greatly reduces administrative complexity and makes sure employees have access only to the resources necessary for their job functions. It is highly efficient for organizations with clear hierarchies.
Rule-Based Access Control
The rule-based access control (RuBAC) system grants or denies access based on a set of rules defined by an administrator. These rules can consider various factors like time of day, location, or specific security scenarios.
For example, you could create a rule that limits access to a lab during off-hours. RuBAC offers precise control for well-defined environments, but maintaining these rules requires diligence to avoid conflicts that could create security gaps.
Commercial vs Residential Building Access Control System
While the primary function of building security access control systems remains the same, the systems designed for homes and businesses differ significantly in terms of scale, complexity, and purpose.
Commercial Building Access Control System
Commercial systems are access management solutions that use electronic credentials to regulate who can enter a building or certain areas within it. These systems are built for scale and robust security.
They safeguard employees and company assets across offices, warehouses, and campuses, often supporting thousands of users and dozens of doors.
Commercial access management systems offer advanced credentials, including mobile access and biometrics, and are managed through sophisticated software. This enables features like role-based access schedules, detailed audit logs, and emergency lockdowns.
Furthermore, they integrate easily with other security infrastructure, such as IP cameras and alarm systems, and comply with stricter security standards. This justifies their higher initial cost and operational complexity.
Residential Building Access Control System
Residential access control systems are security solutions that use technologies, such as mobile apps, PIN codes, key fobs, and biometrics, to manage who enters a property. They are designed with simplicity and resident experience in mind.
Found in apartment complexes, condos, duplexes, gated communities, and some mobile home parks, they focus on providing security and controlling access to amenities.
These systems are typically budget-friendly, managing a handful of users and doors with basic credentials, such as PINs or key fobs.
They integrate with simple smart home devices but generally lack advanced management software and high-security certifications, prioritizing ease of use over complex features.
Final Takeaway
Modern buildings and facilities cannot rely on traditional locks and keys to stay secure. Building access control systems presents a smarter, more reliable way to protect people, property, and information while simplifying daily operations.
By combining cloud-based convenience, customization, and scalability, Coram delivers everything you need to manage entry points efficiently and securely. Its integration with surveillance, real-time monitoring, and offline reliability ensures uninterrupted protection regardless of the situation.
If your goal is to strengthen security, simplify management, and future-proof your building, Coram’s intelligent access control solution is the way forward. Book a free demo today and experience how effortless modern building security can be.
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