Web-based Access Control System

It also has the technical means to provide remote system access and management. Such a system is using Internet protocols (IP) to communicate signals and data and an IP-based access control system is operable both as a hardwired platform and as a wireless solution.

Furthermore, a web-based physical access control system provides additional layer of security by automatically collecting data on all events that occur within the system. You can check the security events log from anywhere and anytime and adjust most of the system’s settings remotely.

In fact, your web-based access control system is able to cover entry points located in any part of the world and you can control multiple sites at once. A reliable platform enables access control management from a single location using a secure network to control any entry point across the network.

How does web-based access control system work?

Web-based access control systems can incorporate both cable and wireless networks to manage readers and locks. Moreover, a technology known as PoE (Power over Ethernet) is using connections that provide power and data to a connected device through a singular cable. Thus, you power and manage a security device over a single connection.

This diagram shows how on premises access control systems work.

You have a single screen or panel from which you view and manage alarms, video surveillance, facility maps, and identities. You can also view and manage photos and employee details of your personnel. Thus, you can restrict certain employees and/or visitors from particular sensitive areas and grant access to selected persons only. You can also assign access levels to your employees and areas, granting employees access to a selection of areas using the access level system property.

This way, you always know who is entering or leaving your premises, which door the person is using, and time of entry or exit. An advanced web-based physical access control system will let you know where each visitor or employee is physically present at any moment in time, generating alerts if a visitor/worker is trying to access unauthorized areas.

Web-based vs cloud-based access control systems

There are essentially three types of access control systems for your home or office premises: PC/Server software-based, browser-based, and cloud-based systems. The former is the oldest technology in the field of access control systems while the cloud-based systems emerged only a few years ago. Browser-based systems, web-based apps, are on the market since the late 1990s.

You can operate a web-based system through any browser and on any device that interfaces to your internal computer network. These systems usually support all the widespread browsers like Internet Explorer, Edge, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. You need not install any software and your access control software runs on a system controller such as a modem. You access the device via the browser and from there an operator performs all the required tasks and adjusts settings.

This type of access control system is most suitable for small and medium size businesses that have a limited number of IT staff on payroll and does not require extensive IT support and maintenance. This is not a subscription-based service and requires only one-time installation (as well as re-installation in case of failure).

You need Internet connection to run a cloud-based platform for access control. Such an IP-based access control system provides remote access to your control console through a secure server that can reside anywhere. The system is still operational in case of Internet shutdowns, but no software changes are available during periods of lost connectivity.

Selecting a company

Before adopting any type of access control system, you should carefully assess your specific needs and requirements toward your building’s security. Only then, you can start looking for a reliable service provider.

Bearing in mind that security technology is advancing rapidly, as well as methods to bypass your safety measures, opt for an access control company that offers all the three forms of authentication: a physical credential such as card or key fob, a password or PIN, and biometric security that may include fingerprint or retina scanning. Consider implementing additional security measures such as anti-passback i.e. require anyone to validate his/her credentials on both entry and exit. This eliminates the possibility for someone to use the very same credentials to enter your premises unauthorized as the system will know that the person who validated those credentials is still in the building (exit validation pending).

Security experts also suggest using at least two of the above authentication methods. Using multiple security measures provides additional layer of security but you still need review your security and access control processes and procedures on a regular basis.

Select a service provider that is able to physically secure your door readers and the system’s wiring. Look for a service where the readers feature additional protection such as tamper alarms that generate alerts in case of removal or physical altering.

Your access control company should also offer fire and carbon monoxide sensor that trigger an alarm in case of emergency. The best solutions also feature break-in alarms that include glass-breaking detectors and window sensors. Remember, access control is useless in case of undetected forceful entrance into your property.