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The role of access control systems is split. On the one hand, access to and from buildings must remain relatively unimpeded while on the other, there must be a means of overseeing who enters and when and how they leave. This dichotomy is noticeably absent in the world of 'pure' security, where briefs usually extend to surveillance initiatives, patrols and monitoring. In many ways, security excludes while access control welcomes.

The clear division between security and access control is reflected in the equipment used to achieve the relevant aims of each. However, what bonds the two together is the level of technological innovation that has given rise to greater flexibility and accentuated control. For the professional installer, the latest generation of security equipment has meant even greater choice and a growing array of options from which to choose. Access control is no different, and in many ways perfectly exemplifies this growing trend towards high-tech solutions.

Regulatory changes can influence the delicate equilibrium between safety, access and security. This balance can also be tipped by corporate growth or organisation shrinkage, resulting in dramatic changes in the number of employees, customers and/or visitors wishing to gain access. In these circumstances, it is imperative that a building's security system is flexible and sufficiently planned to be able to adapt to the changing demand.

Security or convenience?
Much time and resources goes into examining exactly which access control system is most suitable for any one building. However, what is frequently forgotten is that any access system is only as good as the element at its heart – the electro-mechanical lock. If the electric lock, strike or magnet is not 100 per cent reliable, or can easily be forced, the chosen access control system will not work as well as it should.

If security and longevity is the priority, then a motor or solenoid lock case should be specified. The alternative, electric strikes, are often fitted with latch bolts from a different manufacturer resulting in a hybrid combination. With electric locks you are buying a complete package where you can be assured that the latch bolt and striking plate are fully compatible. In addition, the lock itself is less easily vandalised, being better protected with the door than an electric strike with its frame. Technological advances have also made the electric lock far more installer friendly and with a wide product range now available, they can offer functions to suit any type of door and/or access control system.

The simplest way of controlling entry to buildings or individual areas is to install electro-mechanical locks controlled by digital keypads, card or proximity readers. The most cost effective and secure way of utilising this type of set up is to use a combination of electric locks on the perimeter doors and electro-magnets on internal and less important doors, all operated by their individual access controller.

Choosing access control
Before choosing any access control system, a comprehensive survey of the building should be undertaken as there are many factors that will directly influence the correct choice. As well as assessing the needs of the user, existing hardware and locking systems will need to be compatible if they are to be integrated. If the system needs to be part of the fire escape route and/or monitoring is required, then a fail-secure or fail-safe feature will need to be installed.

Whether existing locking hardware is being incorporated or new products are being installed, the condition of the doors should also be considered as warped or badly fitting doors could directly affect the performance of any access control system.

There's a multitude of online access control systems on the market, which allow monitored and controlled access to buildings. However, many of the features traditionally only available with online systems can now be provided with standalone controllers.

Simple menu-driven programming allows users to be logged and their movements to be monitored via a real-time printer with transactions automatically stored in the memory for viewing or printing at a later date. Other features available include time-zone programming, limited opening and anti-passback facilities, plus the ability to work in conjunction with electro-mechanical locks and a wide range of reader technologies.

Setting the standard
Both public and commercial premises must balance security, safety and access, although the challenges that face each are markedly different. As in other areas of life, a great unifying factor is legislation.

Technological advances have made the electric lock far more installer friendly and, with the wide range available, they can offer functions to suit any type of door

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) for example, is designed to safeguard the rights of disabled people, including their access to buildings. Part III of the Act covers "rights of access, goods, facilities and services" and will come into force in October 2004. The Act will not only shape how facilities are managed and operated, it will also ensure building managers do everything in their power to provide access for both disabled staff and visitors.

With the 2004 deadline fast approaching, buildings are being fitted with a wide array of products to aid all types of disabilities, all of which need to be considered before specifying or installing any access control system. Products will include hi-tech automatic swing door operators that operate remotely when a person approaches, by either using a touch/proximity pad or by reading a bar-code security pass. Doors and windows are being fitted with handles that allow operation by people who do not have full function in their hands. Locks that offer advanced security options without the need for keys; push or touch-control exit devices; monitoring systems that emit spoken directions or monitoring of complete buildings will all become common practice.

Automatic door systems offer programmable door synchronisation, interlocking operations and connectivity to a number of facility devices, including security systems and fire alarms. By incorporating electro-mechanical locks that can be linked to a variety of control devices, swing-door entrance and exit systems are able to strike the desired balance between security, safety and convenience

Of course, the DDA is not the only source of regulatory change affecting access control. New European product standards – designed to secure safe and effective methods of escape – have impacted on the specification of panic exit devices. Indeed their impact is such that where safety is an issue, only products meeting the BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179 standards are now being considered.

Quick and safe exit
Whether evaluating a touch bar or traditional push bar device, it should be noted that modern-day panic exit devices provide quick and safe exit methods by incorporating sophisticated mechanical and electronic operating systems. Indeed, when connected to a central security system, electronic panic exit devices can add even greater levels of flexibility and security, with their ability to be monitored and operated either remotely or centrally.

Electronically controlled panic exit devices combine access control with anti-panic functions, allowing both local and remote control of emergency exit doors by connecting a series of doors to a central station which monitors the door remotely. In addition, systems can be connected to the fire alarm so that egress is assured in the case of an emergency. By using electrically controlled panic exit systems, it is possible to add a greater degree of intelligence to exit solutions. For example there are panic exit bars providing both electrical blocking (exit control) and monitoring (system control), or monitoring with electrical dogging (entrance control) and electrical blocking, if required. While electrically dogged bars remain locked when the power supply is cut – i.e. they are fail secure – mechanical egress is always retained allowing emergency exit doors to be used for more than one purpose.

Masterly moves
Although it is possible to secure both interior and exterior doors with electro-mechanical locks, accessed by the various products mentioned, the traditional and still widely used method of access control is a mechanical locking system. The convenience afforded by a master key system is, however, highly dependent on the number and type of key holders which are likely to use the system. Planning is a crucial factor if the master key system is to be successfully implemented and be able to address future access requirements.

All locks, be they mortice door locks, furniture locks or even electric locks, when fitted with the same type of cylinder mechanism, can be made to operate with a single key. Each lock can then have its own differing key combination or be keyed in 'groups' of alike combination, with an overriding Master key. Typical applications for this form of access control would be a large industrial or commercial building or a utility company with multiple sites.

Some high security systems can offer multi-level, key registration programmes, which dictate and control the cutting of additional keys. These programmes can build confidence by limiting the number of potential sources where new or replacement keys can be obtained. With recent changes in copyright law, a patent on the mechanism has become essential to ensure against the unauthorised issue of key blanks.

It seems that the possibilities are endless. The broad range of access control solutions available is likely to expand as new systems are introduced that add to the functionality provided by their present-day counterparts by providing even more flexibility and greater security.