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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Access Control System - An Integral Part Of Internal Control

By Kit Futter


With an access control system installed in your building or facility, you should be able to properly manage the entry and exits points in it. It can also enable you to control who gains access to specific areas and prevent any unauthorized entry. Not only is it perfect for improving the security of the building or facility but also its privacy as well.

Unlike physical locks, computerized access control technology is more sophisticated and therefore is less likely to be duplicated. Access control terminals are usually installed just beside the point of entry, be it doors or gates, to which a user can either enter a password, passphrase or PIN. Users no longer have to bring a physical key with them and it eliminates the problem of having lost keys.

A more advanced access control system makes use of biometrics, in which a specific part of a person is used as verification whether access will be granted or not. A biometric scanner can check the fingerprints or the retina of a person to verify authorization. Once identity has been verified, the access terminal will then release the electronic locks in the door or gate.

An access control system also helps to minimize the use of additional manpower for guarding entrance and exit points in buildings or facilities. It can also be used to track the work hours and activities of employees more accurately. The likelihood of fraud can significantly be minimized this way since there is less manual work involved.

An access control system is primarily made up with three main components and they are the physical barrier, the access controller/reader, and the credentials. It is the physical barrier that actually prevents access to a specific area or entry/exit point. Many facilities today have doors with electronic locks while main entry/exit points are secured with a turnstile, all of which are managed by the access controller.

There are two options for an access controller and for smaller establishments, a stand-alone system is often used because it is less complicated to setup and all data is stored in the unit itself. On bigger offices, network or online-based systems are preferred since it offers more flexibility by using a user database. Credentials such as passwords, keycards, and fingerprints are used with the access controller.

There are also some possible security risks that an access control system can encounter and one of them is tailgating. This is when an intruder follows authorized personnel in entering a restricted area. Other risks include door levering, lock spoofing, and hacking. It is important to take these risks into consideration and ensure that they are properly and timely addressed.

It is also possible to link an access control system with a surveillance system so that they can work together in strengthening the security of your building or facility. This is an important part of internal control so that your operations run smoothly and run into as few problems as possible. It helps to ensure that your personnel are doing their work properly and are not involved in any fraudulent activities.




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