Access control systems and door automation are perfect partners. Each enhances the other’s functions. Together, they make getting into and around buildings easier and more secure for everyone. Access control generally focuses on a door’s locks. These systems ensure that only authorised individuals can unlock a restricted door and gain access. Door automation is more about convenience. Automatic doors mean users don’t need to touch, push, pull, or slide doors to gain entry; the door does it for them.
Why are access control and door automation good partners?
For end users in places like office buildings, colleges, and healthcare institutions, there is a constant battle to find the right balance of security and convenience. Nobody wants it to take five minutes to get one person authorised and into the building. But at the same time, everybody wants to be confident that security levels are high and unauthorised people aren’t wandering around the premises. Combining access control and door automation helps find a happy middle ground.
Increasing security with access control
Access control systems enhance security by automating the authentication process that decides who to let in and who to keep out. The system keeps a database of valid users, and people must prove that they’re on that database to be granted entry. They prove this with some type of credential. A wide range of credential types exists, from traditional swipe cards and keypad codes through to high-tech biometrics like fingerprints and iris patterns.
By forcing users to prove their validity before entering, access control systems help to ensure that only authorised individuals can get into a restricted area. Users are therefore more confident in the security and safety of the site, as entry is limited and monitored.
Improving convenience with door automation
Automatic doors are all about making life easier. Doors opening by themselves is useful in a huge range of scenarios. Perhaps you’re a teacher in a school, and you’re carrying boxes of books around. Maybe you’re a porter in a hospital, pushing people in wheelchairs and beds through the building. Or you could be a security manager in an office building, dealing with a large influx of people all at once in the morning, and the same going the opposite direction in the evening.
It’s a common misconception to think that automatic doors only help disabled people. In reality, everybody benefits when it’s quicker and easier for people to get into and move around a building.
Benefits of integrating access control and door automation
When you integrate access control and door automation, you’re getting the best of both worlds. You’re making sure only authorised people can enter a secure zone, but you’re also giving those people a convenient and effortless experience. Additional benefits of this integration include:
- Time-based access control. Some sites, such as schools, like to keep doors unlocked and open during the day, and then locked and controlled out-of-hours. This integration means doors can automatically close and lock at the pre-set time.
- Efficient emergency response. In an emergency situation, doors can be automatically closed and locked instantly.
- Time and cost savings. If a door closes and locks on its own, then a site manager or security officer doesn’t need to manually manage every door.
- Remote control. Trigger doors to unlock, open, close, and lock remotely from within the access control system – instant convenience.
Making integration simple
The easiest way to make integration quicker and simpler is to opt for solutions that you already know work together. ATRIUM access control and DIGIWAY door automation by CDVI are designed for compatibility. And even better – any technical support that you need will all come from one place. We’ve been manufacturing access control solutions since 1985 – so we know what we’re talking about. And we’ve seen and supported dozens of integrations.
For advice, project support, or technical assistance with an installation, our Technical team are available Monday to Friday via phone, web chat, and email.
And don’t forget – you’re eligible for free training on both access control and door automation. CDVI Academy courses run throughout the year both on-site and online. Find out more and sign up for a course today!