Electronic Access Control System Guide: Door Locks & More

You're no stranger to the rising demand for advanced, safer ways to control who enters and exits your property. Physical security threats are becoming more concerning, and traditional access control locks don’t cut it anymore.

A recent survey reveals that 28% of organizations have seen a rise in physical security incidents, making it clear that it’s time to rethink how we control access to our buildings, assets, and people. 

Electronic access control (EAC) systems provide a scalable, flexible solution designed for today’s challenges. In this guide, you’ll learn about how EAC systems work and what makes them a better alternative to mechanical door lock systems.

What is Electronic Access Control?

Electronic access control systems, otherwise known as EAC systems, are digital access control solutions that restrict entry into a building using electric access control locks and credential readers. Compared to a mechanical lock and key, these security systems use key fob solutions, biometric readers, keycards, card readers, or mobile devices to control access. 

Property managers and administrators can incorporate them into alarm sensors, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance systems, and more. Their high level of customization makes them suitable for high-risk areas requiring layered protections. 

With an electronic door access control system, admins are notified remotely about access events and can adjust permissions to tighten security.

Electronic Access Control Components

EAC components let in authorized individuals, prevent intruders, and monitor the inward and outward movement of people, while assigning access based on different user groups and needs. 

From access control points and credentials to the control panel and access management solution, each component is vital in securing your space. Let’s break down each one.

Electronic Access Control Point

Access control points are typically gates or doors where access is controlled. However, that has changed in recent times: an access point can be any physical barrier that can be regulated electronically. 

Thus, cabinet doors, elevators, windows, turnstiles, double doors, and gates are all examples of access control points in a building.

Electronic Access Control Credentials

Think of credentials like physical keys used to verify the identity of users attempting to access a particular area. Unlike mechanical systems that simply unlock a door for anyone with a physical key, it isn’t the same with electric access control systems. 

EAC credentials use PIN codes, key cards and fobs, information stored on mobile phones, and biometric identifiers to authenticate your identity before approving or denying access. Therefore, users must provide their access credentials to request entry into a secure area.

Electronic Access Control Panel

This is the core of the electronic door lock access control system—all access requests are first sent here before entry is approved. It houses all issued credentials and stores all permissions designated to each user. 

You’ll only be granted entry if the credential you present matches what’s stored in the system. This component can assign roles and set time-based access permissions for specific individuals or groups. For example, it can be customized to allow cleaners or IT personnel to get into certain places at certain times.

Management Solution

Electronic access control door locks require management software for remote access control. With this solution in place, business owners, security teams, facility managers, and administrators can set up and control access permissions when they are physically unavailable. 

In addition, access management systems enable you to track access logs, track access attempts, and manage the entire system. They include alert features that inform you about suspicious access requests regardless of your location.

Why Should You Choose an Electronic Access Control System?

Still contemplating upgrading from a traditional access control lock? EAC systems provide a safer alternative for managing entry. Here’s why companies are upgrading their systems and switching to EAC systems.

Flexible Management in Time and Space

One of the biggest flaws with traditional keys? They work around the clock for whoever is holding them. So, even though you give a key to a reliable employee or tenant, you can never be sure who else might use it or when. 

EAC security systems completely change everything by giving you total control over who can access an area and when they can. You can establish custom access schedules for all users from a centralized dashboard. 

Do you need the cleaning crew to only have access on Mondays? Easy. Want to let in a delivery guy from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, or allow the maintenance crew access during the second week of every month? Done. No need to swap physical keys or follow up with calls. 

This sort of flexibility is particularly helpful for shared spaces like gyms. You can allocate access based on membership categories: grant premium members more autonomy while keeping other sensitive equipment rooms restricted. Ultimately, you can implement time-based controls and customize access based on role and responsibility.

No More Lost Keys

At one point or the other, we’ve all had that mini heart attack from searching our pockets or bags only to realize that our keys are gone. This kind of stress and security risk is associated with mechanical locks. 

A lost key is equivalent to a compromised entryway, and in most cases, an expensive lock replacement. But electric access control systems lift that burden off your shoulders. If a key fob or smart card gets lost, you can quickly deactivate it from a centralized dashboard. 

And it’s even better if your system’s control panel supports mobile credentials since most people are always glued to their phones. So, using your smartphone to unlock doors makes EAC systems even safer for your facility.

Viewing History

With a mechanical access control lock, you can hardly tell when someone attempted and failed to gain access unless you catch them red-handed. Simultaneously, if invaders use a stolen key repeatedly at odd hours, you can never know. 

But EAC solutions change that—every access attempt is logged in real-time, whether successful or not. This gives you a clear history and audit trail of who attempted access, alongside the areas and times they attempted access. 

At your preferred time, you can pull up comprehensive reports to detect suspicious activity and respond quickly. For businesses in highly regulated industries, these logs are essential for staying compliant.

Remote Management

When using an electronic door access control system, you must not be on-site to grant permissions or respond to security threats. Unlike a traditional door access control lock that demands your physical presence (or a call from the police), modern solutions give you complete control from any location. 

The remote lockdown capabilities and intrusion detection features associated with these modern systems facilitate real-time response to threats before they escalate. Need to approve access for suppliers, distributors, or contractors outside regular hours? 

You can do it right from your phone without leaving your comfort zone. If you're using a network-based access system rather than standalone units, you can monitor activities, modify access permissions, and revoke credentials from a single dashboard.

Scalable and Adaptable

EAC systems are designed to scale with your business. You can easily add new readers as your needs change, and many systems facilitate multi-site access management. 

This means you can monitor access across multiple locations from a single platform. This way, it's easier to optimize and oversee security across your organization.

More Hospitality

Rather than having someone positioned at the entrance or issuing physical keys, you can issue visitors a temporary pass or mobile access link for the timeframe they need it. This process is convenient and seamless, thanks to electronic access control systems.

For establishments in the hospitality sector, this type of flexibility promotes comfort and professionalism. Guests can skip front desk queues, access common areas, and enjoy a hospitable experience from arrival to departure. 

It’s an innovative way of showing care while maintaining security because excellent service begins at the door.

Who Uses Electronic Access Control Systems?

Electronic access control systems aren’t just used by high-security organizations; they are being adopted across several industries. You’ll find them in schools and universities where they help to protect students and staff, limiting access to administrative offices and other high-risk areas.

And in places like labs, where every activity and every second counts, these systems are a must for enforcing high-level security. Corporate offices also use electronic access control door locks to regulate who enters sensitive places like executive offices or server rooms.

Government buildings depend on them to maintain strict safety protocols, while healthcare facilities and hospitals use them to safeguard patient medical records, financial documents, and high-risk zones. 

Apart from the big companies and institutions, private homes and residential buildings are coming on board too. With features like remote monitoring, visitor management, and mobile access, EAC systems give homeowners a more secure alternative to traditional locks.

Regardless of the facility you run and even if you’re a homeowner, EAC systems provide the safety, control, and flexibility that aligns with the modern-day security demands.

Conclusion

Electronic access control systems are innovative access control technologies that provide advanced security solutions for residential properties and business buildings. These systems not only adapt easily to your security needs but also offer advanced features that make staying in control a breeze.

Thinking about leveling up your security systems using electronic access control locks? Coram is ready to help you upgrade. Contact us today to talk to our experts and receive a free consultation.