Access Control  SDL Security Limited  

Access Control in its most basic form is the use of a manual lock and key system to limit access to a protected area. With a low number of trusted users this is fine, however when there are too many key holders and/or there are too many protected areas and sub-areas, the benefits of electronic access control shine through. 

Some consider digital keypads either mechanical or electronic to be a valid form of access control system. However these systems are often compromised due to one or some of the following reasons. Users often write the code adjacent to the lock on the door frame, call out the code as they enter it, allow others to see the code as it is entered. There are also other ways to overcome what I would best describe as a privacy lock as opposed to a security lock. 

The problems with a standard mechanical lock and key system occurs when a key is lost. Unless the user is prepared to replace the lock cylinder and also provide new keys for all users, the security of the building is at risk if the lost/stolen key falls into the wrong hands. This problem is exacerbated when the key lost is part of a key suiting system, worse still if it a master key - the security can not be restored until all cylinders have been replaced and keys are cut and re-issued to all users! This is a costly process that becomes an administrative nightmare - worse still is the knowledge that the same thing could happen in the following days or weeks. 

Instead of a physical key or an access code, an access card or tag is issued to the user that can be cancelled as soon as he or she reports it lost, therefore security is restored at the soonest possible point in time. With manual locking systems security can not be restored until the cylinder is replaced and keys re-issued to all those who have access to the appropriate doors.

Electronic access control allows complete flexibility so that users can be allowed access on specified doors at specified times on specified days. 

Ordinarily doors on an access control system would be secured by an electric lock or release, in addition to this SDL Security Limited also install pedestrian barrier systems both physical and optical, and indeed automated gates and barriers.