For business owners, property managers, plant executives…virtually anyone who is in charge of facility access, the problem of "Who gets a key?" is one that is ongoing. If an employee is terminated, do the locks have to be changed? How can access to critical plant areas be controlled after certain hours? Is there anyway to know who enters and exits a building?

FIRST ALARM offers a variety of solutions today with various forms of access control. Access control systems not only restrict access but can also provide an archival printout of who enters and exits and when. Special programming features on some systems allow managers to precisely determine when areas may be accessed, taking into account weekends, holidays and even time changes.

Systems typically include an electronic locking mechanism which replaces the existing door strike. Electronic controllers are then installed to communicate with specified doors and respond to signals received from special "readers". Persons wishing to gain entry to restricted areas are required to present a card or and electronic key to the reader. Some readers will even accept biometric data such as a fingerprint. First, the reader scans the card or electric key. The information is then passed to a computer which records the identification of the user and based on the parameters established for the user, determines whether or not to allow entry. If entry is permitted, the controller allows current to flow to the electronic strike and the door is opened.

Initially, access control systems appear to be an expensive addition to a facility. However, once in place, they offer a powerful security tool and often show a payback in a relatively short period. For more information on access control systems, contact any First Alarm branch.