Having comprehensive control over building access is central to effective security. Whether you’re a business owner who wants to maintain the security of their premises, or the manager of a large, multi-tenant property, choosing a system that fulfils your requirements and maintains security levels at all times is vital. But, with various different options on the market, all with different advantages and features, it can be difficult to know what to go for.

Sovereign are an experienced fire and security provider who install and maintain robust, reliable, and long lasting access control systems. We serve clients in the commercial and construction sectors, alongside families and private clients. For nearly 30 years we’ve been protecting and reassuring businesses, organisations, and individuals with our seamless, high performing technology.

In this blog, we outline everything you need to know about the different types of door entry systems.

What is a Door Entry System?

A door entry system is intended to control and restrict admittance to certain areas of a building without the need for traditional keys. Also known as access control systems, they allow users to manually identify the person seeking access, or else prompt them to present credentials like a PIN, key card, or physical information. The system can then either grant or prohibit their entry.

Door entry systems are commonly used within commercial premises, or in residential settings where there are multiple tenants. With a variety of different types on the market, it’s important to know what distinguishes each system in order to decide which is right for your building.

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Different Types of Door Entry Systems

Video Door Entry Systems

Video door entry systems work using an intercom. Someone at the door will press a button which triggers an alert at an answering station. Using a built-in camera feed, the resident or security officer will be able to answer the alert and view the person attempting to enter the building. As a result, they can visually authenticate their identity and receive more of an accurate sense of what is going on at the entrance, ensuring no one untoward is admitted.

Video door entry systems are generally considered highly secure. However, they can be more expensive than more basic options like audio-only, and lighting can be an issue – either too much or too little. There are ways around these problems though, such as incorporating infrared cameras and angling the camera to avoid glare from the sun.

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Audio Door Entry Systems

Audio door entry systems are similar to the previous type, except that instead of using video to identify the person seeking access, verbal identification is used. When someone presses the button, an alert is triggered at the base station. If it is a commercial site, someone will usually be employed to answer and communicate with them. Once satisfied, this person can press the release button to unlock the door.

Often a highly economical option of access control, audio door entry systems are easy to install and suitable for a variety of applications. Despite this, they do not provide quite the same level of security as other, more sophisticated options and need to be constantly staffed.

Read more: An Overview of Security System Installation

Wireless Door Entry Systems

An entry system that doesn’t require wiring between devices offers numerous advantages to users. The devices in the system will be able to communicate without being physically connected, saving on installation costs. Some highly sophisticated systems can also link to mobile phones, allowing access to be controlled in a highly flexible, convenient way from anywhere in the building.

Related: The Best Security Apps for Businesses

Proximity Readers

Proximity readers are a common type of door entry system which use key cards or sensor tags to provide access. These provide many advantages which is why they prove so popular especially in the commercial sector. The cards or tags can be easily deactivated if, say, an employee leaves the company, allowing users to intricately control who is allowed entry to the building. The cards and tags can also be easily replaced if they get lost. They also tend to make an affordable option.

Read more: How to Create an Effective Security Strategy for Your Organisation

Keypad Door Entry Systems

Just as the name suggests, keypad door entry systems require people to manually enter a PIN code into a keypad in order to be granted access to a building. This can either be the same for everyone, or each individual can have their own unique code.

This system works well for buildings that require 24-hour access control as there is no need for someone to be constantly there to answer calls for admission. They are highly intuitive to use, however can pose the risk of a security breach if the PIN code is shared without your knowledge.

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Biometric Door Entry Systems

Some types of door entry systems are limited in their security, with the access PIN or card at risk of being shared with non-permitted people. That’s where biometric systems come in. The credentials required by biometric door entry systems are biological or physical features such as fingerprints or retinal scans. This eradicates the risk of someone gaining access without your say-so. The drawback of these systems is that they are at the top-end of the market in terms of price.

Read more: Types of Biometric Access Control Systems

Benefits of Door Entry Systems

Secure door entry systems offer a host of benefits for commercial and residential buildings alike. Here are some of the most important.

• Buildings will have better comprehensive security through restricting unwanted access.
• They create a safe working environment for employees if used in a business setting.
• There is reduced reliance on keys which can be easily lost and copied.
• Lost key cards, fobs, or forgotten PINs can be replaced without affecting the whole system.
• Can be used flexibly to keep certain areas of building out of bounds or limit access based on role.
• Users can track entry data.
• They provide greater peace of mind.

Benefits of Access Control Systems >

Secure Door Entry Systems with Sovereign Fire & Security

Whatever your requirements, Sovereign Fire & Security can help you maintain the security of your building through leveraging the latest technology on the market and tailoring it to your site. We can even upgrade existing systems and integrate access control with other life systems such as CCTV. For a comprehensive security solution that meets all current legislation and provides consistent high performance, you know who to call.

Get in touch with us today!

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