Access control
In physical security, access control (AC) is the restriction of who or what can enter a space.
What is access control?
Access control (AC) is a way to restrict who or what can enter a space. In physical security, AC can help provide a strong security perimeter by limiting who can enter a space, as well as when and under which conditions.
Locks, doors, and fences are all parts of AC. It can also include alarm panels that require authorized personnel to type in their passcode. AC often has a time component, where employees have access to a space during their working hours but not outside of shifts.
Solink’s Video Alarms services expands the ability to restrict access by providing an earlier warning of intrusion, real-time alerts that allow alarm verification, and more. Instead of just controlling access through doors and windows, video alarms monitor entire areas, making it easier to spot unauthorized visitors. It’s also easier to set up time-specific alarms so that you can, for example, lock off the loading dock outside of shipping and receiving hours.
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Why is access control important?
Access control is first and foremost important as part of a loss prevention system. Restricting access to storage rooms so potential shoplifters cannot access that merchandise, limiting deliveries to certain times of day, or adding video alarms to ensure no one enters your location after hours are all ways access control reduces shrinkage.
Access control is also important to reduce liability. For example, hotels restrict access to pools after hours to prevent potential accidents. Indeed, many work environments are dangerous for untrained or unprepared people and need to restrict access to only those trained to be on such sites.
