Access control is a system that uses an electronic device, possibly connected to physical barriers, to control doors and entrance passages. The system is not only aimed at opening, but is a very useful tool for the security of a company, a working environment and a place of contact with the public. It allows the verification of people's entry and exit. In addition, it can be used to regulate the flow of customers in commercial activities, which has become extremely important after the latest government regulations and developments following the Covid-19 health emergency.

Access control is based on theidentification of people in transit, not only people, but also animals, vehicles and objects. This can be done in different ways depending on the purpose for which the surveillance is carried out. Identification by means of access control devices requires the transmission of certain data such as a code, a password or identification by means of a unique characteristic. The data is transmitted to the device through the use of personal badges, apps that can be downloaded to the authorised person's smartphone, or chips and identification codes for animals and property, or for more advanced and specific systems through the reading of biometric characteristics.

The data obtained, if they meet certain pre-established criteria, allow or deny entry. Access control therefore has three main functions:

• Assessing and recognising a request for access.
• Unlock the physical passage (doors, turnstiles, gates, etc.) if the access request is authorised.
• Block the passage if the request is unauthorised and report the attempted illicit access.

In the event of an attempt to gain unauthorised access, the devices can emit an audible alarm signal or visual signal with a light signal or via a prohibition message on a monitor, as well as physically preventing people from passing through barriers, gates and doors.

There are many advantages for a company that chooses to integrate an access control system into its corporate security. One of the main ones is theautomation of entrances, without the need for employees dedicated solely to controlling entrances, such as doormen and caretakers, thus saving on personnel costs. This applies both to the management of employee entry into companies, and to the control of attendance inside places where a certain number of people cannot be exceeded. Promo Security offers ad hoc access control systems for all realities that require them, defining together with the customer the project to harmonise physical structures with control equipment and the surrounding environment.

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The need to control staff access can have a dual application for a company:

• Monitoring employee entry and exit. Employee time recording via access control devices not only unlocks physical barriers via badges or other systems that can be integrated, but also replaces all those procedures triggered by the infamous and obsolete time clock. It captures the start and end times of work, recording late arrivals, overtime and early departures, making data management easier.
• Access by authorised personnel to risk areas. Installing an access control system also makes it easier for companies to deal with occupational health and safety. The system can provide real time data on how long workers remain in certain locations, for example, rooms at risk due to exposure to hazardous substances, or in the event of an accident, it can provide simultaneous control of who is present and arrange for immediate evacuation and rescue.

Having accurate and reliable control over staff attendance and internal movements is useful to companies for the organisation, safety and health of their workers. This also allows monitoring of company security with immediate knowledge of attempts to intrude by unauthorised persons, either from outside the company or inside in restricted areas.

Among the most innovative systems, we can find systems that allow recognition via smartphone, smartwatch or tablet through an application, effectively abolishing badges and time cards. All the employee has to do is bring his or her device close to the reader located at the entrance, which, when the green light comes on, will allow access. Promo Security provides these particular access control solutions, making both employee entry and data management by the company much more convenient and immediate.

Recognition through biometric characteristics

These are access control systems that make use of the reading of certain biometric parameters. These systems are very sophisticated and used in situations that require a high degree of security. Identification is achieved by reading and recognising biometric data such as fingerprints or whole hand, facial features, iris and eye characteristics, voice timbre and others.

They are not applicable in all sectors and are only put into practice after having informed and obtained the authorisation of the person being checked. In fact, the GDPR states that the use of biometric data is only authorised in the workplace for situations of risk or confidentiality, or in the context of social and collective security, such as those who control the vaults of a bank, operators of scientific laboratories, those who handle particular hazardous substances, etc.

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Access control is not only a necessity for large companies for time recording.

The health emergency following the Covid-19 virus has taught and imposed certain rules of behaviour in public places and environments at risk of overcrowding:restricted entry, compulsory masks and hand hygiene at the entrance to shops and supermarkets have become established practice in recent months, both for shopkeepers and customers.

Limiting access and enforcing social distancing is therefore a priority for all business owners in order to continue their work and be able to sell in complete safety, as established by the Dpcm of 17 May 2020, which sets out the measures for the containment of the epidemiological emergency from Covid-19. Relying on a point of sale access management system is the most practical and quickest way to comply with current legislation, without dedicating additional staff to control.

Promo Security offers comprehensive access control solutions to monitor the flow into and within shops and ensure that social distancing is respected. State-of-the-art systems include comprehensive tools that can manage the number of people entering and exiting, check whether users are wearing protective equipment (masks) and their body temperature to a minimum tolerance.

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The choice between access control systems depends on many factors. Promo Security , with over 30 years' experience in the security sector, provides consultancy, helping customers to assess the right devices, systems and software for their site and requirements, ensuring complete control over gates, entrances and internal movements of authorised personnel or visitors.

Promo Security carefully follows the entire process of design, installation and, subsequently, maintenance and upgrading of access control systems. For more information or a quote, call or fill in the form below and you will be contacted by one of our professionals who will show you the best solution for your security.

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