Access Control

An intelligently designed access control system can significantly improve the security of a company's assets, trade secrets and personnel. FocusMicro's access control systems utilize the latest technology that provides a higher level of control with facility access while making the access control system less intrusive and easier to navigate for end users.

FocusMicro access control systems utilize components from the leading security manufacturers in the world, including Casi-Rusco, Software House, Infographix, HID Corporation, Recognition Systems, Idnetix, Bosch and others. FocusMicro security consultants carefully analyze a company’s physical layout, the existing access control or related security system components, the company’s security goals and the company’s corporate culture as part of the access control system design. Each component chosen for the installation is selected not only based upon its quality and reliability, but also for its suitability for task. Special emphasis is also given for compatibility with the existing security infrastructure, so that costs can be minimized while improving the overall system performance.

There are several technologies and device types utilized in access control systems including keypads, identification cards and readers, fingerprint biometric readers and hand geometry biometric readers.

FocusMicro utilizes keypads from leading manufacturers that are vandal proof, tamper proof and weather proof, suitable for use in any environment. Keypads for high traffic areas are solid state devices with no moving parts and incorporate graphics that are etched or hard-anodized into the faceplate to provide years of reliable performance. Keypads are also available with card readers to create a dual layer security solution.

Keypad outputs are available in a wide variety of configurations, including 8, 26 and 32 bit encrypted data as well as Wiegand and custom formats.

Identification cards with data security have long been the standard of the access control industry. Identification cards provide more than just a reliable security solution; cards with company logos and employee names and photos also act to improve company communications and morale by unifying employees and drawing different departments closer together. Other architectures of cards include pocket devices designed to fit on a keychain. These access keys expedite the identification process and are ideal for high traffic environments.

From a security standpoint, identification cards are exceptionally reliable and secure, available in many different configurations including Proximity, Wiegand, Magnetic Stripe, Barium Ferrite, and dual technology Proximity/Magnetic Stripe ISO. Those technologies that rely on a battery power source will last for years with no maintenance.

There are an even wider variety of card readers than there are cards. Card readers encompass several types of user interfaces, from the traditional card swipe interface to insertion readers and proximity interfaces. Card readers are available for installation in every conceivable type of environment from polar weather conditions to industrial hazardous areas.

One of the latest widespread innovations in access control is the advent of fingerprint and hand geometry recognition. While progress is being made in retinal and facial recognition systems, they are as of yet not reliable enough for mainstream integration. On the other hand, fingerprint and hand geometry recognition technology has matured to the point that the implementation and acceptance of these devices is escalating rapidly.

Fingerprint recognition systems are ideal for high traffic control points, providing forensic level identification verification in less than 2 seconds. Units are ergonomically designed to accommodate all hand positions as well as long fingernails. Fingerprint scanners are also widely used in conjunction with identification card readers or keypads, providing a dual level of security control.

The software that manages an access control system is the key component in system effectiveness. FocusMicro insures that the management software is not only easy to configure and use, but is also feature rich and provides complete reporting capabilities.

Some of the features that access control management software can provide are:

• Anti-pass back controls, so that access to enter an area a second time will be prevented until it has been used to exit that area.
• Muster functions, tracking who is in the building at a specific point in time.
• Easy to use interface, allowing administrators to quickly add / change / delete personnel from the system.
• Multiple access authorization levels to create standard personnel profiles.
• Time and date sensitive security authorizations
• Internal system monitoring that tracks all log in, log out, shut down, restart and function enable / disable operations.
• ODBC compliancy to allow for external data analysis tools.

Although access control systems can be installed and operated in a stand-alone configuration, most access control systems are integrated with other security systems. The synergy that can occur with integrated security systems can empower a security team far beyond what can be achieved with independent systems. For more information about the benefits of integration, read the integration article at http://www.focusmicro.com/products_integration.asp.