Access control systems can be either electronically or mechanically controlled and programmed to allow gates and barriers to grant or deny access to users according to a set of predetermined rules. These guidelines may include who can have access to the system, when access can be granted, where access can be allowed, and other rules.

Entrance control systems allow or bar users according to pre-defined rules. Access control systems are basically logic gates that allow input to be passed to a processor or controller, who then processes it and returns two outcomes to an output device.

Input

When requesting access to a barrier, a certain type of input must be provided. It could be as simple as someone pushing against a barrier or inserting keys, turning a lock. Or it could involve other methods of access, such as dropping tokens at a turnstile or inserting magnetic tickets or scanning an RFID card. Certain control systems may require a biometric reading (i.e. Some control systems require a biometric reading (i.e. thumbprint or retinal scanning), or a combination of several methods. There are many other methods that permit the security system to distinguish input, including voice analysis and security PIN.

Controller/processor

The system's processing unit analyzes the input and checks it against access privileges or pre-set rules. It decides which access rights should be granted to the request. This includes access to certain parts or facilities, access duration, and security level. Other decisions, such as yes/no, no-if or if-and only-if are possible. The controller then transmits its logic to the output system. Get more info about Speedlane. Visit here: https://amoe8a.com/en/solutions/pedestrian/sfz-120/

Output

The system's output enforces the decision made by the controller to allow or deny access. A output could be opening a lock, turning a turnstile, removing a barrier or closing down a gate.

Here are some examples of access control systems

Turnstiles:  Usually made up of a tripod with rotating horizontal steel arms. They can be mechanical or electronic, and open with either a coin, magnetic ticket, or RFID card. An optical turntile has an infrared barrier which sets off an alarm if it is breached.

Gates: A barrier made of metal or glass that can be motorized to retract or deploy depending on the trigger. There are many variations, including access control gates that work in the same manner as turnstiles and high-speed gates equipped with optical detectors to deter tailgaters.