Biometrics

The term access control refers to the practice of restricting access to approved persons to land, a building, or space.

The management of physical access is a question of who, where and when. The mechanism for access control specifies who is permitted to enter or exit, where they are permitted to leave or enter, and when they are permitted to enter or exit. This was partly done historically by keys and locks. Depending on how the lock is configured, when a door is closed, only anyone with a key can enter through the door. Mechanical locks and keys do not allow the key holder to be limited to particular times or dates. Mechanical locks and keys do not provide any particular door with records of the key used and the keys can be easily copied or passed to an unauthorised individual.

To address the limitations of mechanical locks and keys, electronic access control uses computers. You may use a broad range of credentials to replace mechanical keys. On the basis of the credentials submitted, the electronic access control system grants access. The door or turnstile is unlocked for a fixed time when access is given, and the transaction is registered. The door remains locked when access is denied, and the attempted access is registered. If the door is forced open or left open too long after being unlocked, the device can also monitor the door and alarm. The electronic access control system may include a report showing the time & date information of the person entered or exited.