Standalone access control

For standalone access control systems, all electronics are installed in a keypad or reader - there are no additional components or peripherals, including extra wiring, routers, sensors and alarms. Standalone access control is typically found on doors with low-level security or on smaller buildings with no additional exits.

Standalone units can be built with a touchlock system, which means that the user must type in a PIN code (a certain unique combination of numbers) to be granted access. Standalone access controllers can also include proximity readers and magstripe cards or other tokens. Proximity cards and key fobs use contactless technology while magstripes, for example, must be swiped through the reader.

A specific type of standalone access control units is a control unit placed in the inside of the building and a reader placed at the entrance. This solution is generally more secure.

Pros of Standalone Access Control

The first and most obvious advantage of standalone access control systems is their cost-effectiveness. Since they come at the lower range of the security systems, they are the preferred option for low-budget security plans, for small offices or low-security areas - for example, for a playground, out of working hours.

Standalones units are easy to install. They come with a quick installation guide so that an average person can install them without incurring additional fees for security specialists.

A standalone access control unit provides a variety of access options, such as tokens, fobs, cards, and codes, making it easy to manage, and cheap in terms of side equipment. They fit multiple architectural layouts and even in difficult access areas.

Standalone units are highly-scalable. Even if you start with only one, you can get new units as your business grows or your security needs become more complex.

Cons of Standalone Access Control

Since they don’t belong to an access control system, it’s impossible to monitor them from a central location in real time. Therefore, they don’t provide sufficient security for large facilities with high-security requirements.

A substantial disadvantage of standalone access control systems is the inability to make changes at one go. When an access control system is connected to a central interface, the software can be used to change data in individual devices with one operation, resulting in identical access levels across the system. For example, when the credentials for a delivery person are removed, the removal will affect all points of access, and that person won’t be able to get in unless additionally authorized. In contrast, standalone access control systems store data locally and each device will need to be updated manually to implement the same change.

In terms of power supply, standalone units require constant vigilance and battery replacement to be able to work uninterruptedly.

You cannot program a personalized lockdown schedule to a standalone unit. Connected access control system provides the option of programming different timings for different persons and time periods. Therefore, you can manage who gets when or restrict the access only at night, over weekends or on holidays.

Best-use cases for standalone access control

When you need to provide a low-security level at an affordable cost, standalone access control units are an effective solution. For instance, they can suffice the security requirements for internal doors in smaller offices within a business lease complex.

Personalized abodes, such as houses or apartments can use standalone access units because they serve the needs of security, but also intimacy and privacy important for personal spaces.

For storage spaces and sports locations, standalone units can provide just the right type of protection without unnecessary costs.

Small businesses that don’t yet need to invest in expensive system integrations can start with a single standalone unit.

Physically inaccessible areas that cannot be encompassed with a system solution can be covered by a standalone component.