Dual Control

Feb 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By TOM TULLI

Criminal activity in the business arena is evolving to include more than just theft or destruction of physical items. The theft of data and information is quickly becoming a serious problem for businesses, medical and educational facilities and numerous other organizations and establishments, regardless of their size.

Solutions for the prevention of data and information theft abound and are frequently a top priority for security management. Yet, far too often, the physical security of the premises is not updated or upgraded to match these high-tech solutions. One of the easiest and most effective methods for any business or organization to implement physical security is an integrated identity management and access control system.

A dual approach to physical control

An integrated system includes both badging and access control provisions and can help to reduce exposure and vulnerability through the two-step authentication procedure. This dual approach to physical control, especially when the systems are integrated, is an economical and effective way to manage building or room access and security because the same card can be used for both identification and, with a card reader, for access control. An integrated identity management and access control system identifies the individual and authorizes him or her to be in the building.

Complementary security functions

Access control systems and badging identification systems are available in all shapes, sizes and flavors, but their basic function remains the same — allowing authorized users to identify themselves and gain entry. Looking at how the two functions complement each other, the biggest advantage is the sharing of data between the two systems, which makes the overall system easier to manage. For large user populations, having to double-issue cards — one for identity and one for access — can quickly become prohibitively expensive. Card technologies used for identity and/or access control purposes are varied and include magnetic stripe, proximity, bar code and smart cards.

All computerized access control systems keep records of when doors are opened and by whom. For facilities with continuous traffic, an access control system can record activity that can be used later to evaluate operations or to help investigate an incident. For applications requiring time-and-attendance reports, the access control system reliably records this information. In addition to locking and unlocking doors, the access control system provides a form of validation in that the user swiping a card has the authority to enter the facility and, when used in conjunction with identity cards, the system-registered validation eliminates the need for security guards.

Added-value solutions

Along with managing entry and exit activity, an access control solution can and should offer a range of features that add value. For example, a system might include options to prevent reusing cards for access to the same area within a specified period of time or until the card is used to exit the area. A dynamic mapping feature can enable monitoring of alarms, relays and doors and alarm acknowledgements using a floor plan and graphical mapping interface.

The PremiSys system from IDenticard offers a suite of choices including options for compact or expandable controllers, a range of enclosure sizes for up to eight controllers and boards, card and reader options and network connectivity for IP-based system functionality. Compatible with multiple access control reader formats including biometric, prox card, smart card, mag stripe and bar code, the system is also ADA compliant, providing extended door time to cardholders with disabilities.

Such features, when combined with an ID solution package, offer management a comprehensive tool to enhance the performance of a security program. A badging identification system enables simple card design and badgemaking, including creation of distinctive and professional ID badges. Ready-to-use designs can be modified easily, and badges can be printed directly from the data entry screen.

Minimizing risk

High-performance access control and identification solutions can help minimize the risk of an incident occurring. In addition, problems associated with mechanical key and lock systems are eliminated with an access control solution. For instance, terminated employees can quickly and easily be removed from the system without having to re-key doors.

Along with other security measures such as closed-circuit video surveillance, burglar and fire systems, access control and identification solutions can provide a proactive approach to a security program. The cards are regulated to control access so the staff has the freedom to move within the required areas of the facility, while restricted areas remain secure. Individuals can be assigned various levels of accessibility, from 24-hour access to time zone limited access to no access, all of which can be programmed into the system.

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Tom Tulli is manager, marketing services, for IDenticard Systems, provider of the PremiSys access control system and the expressionsID card designer and badgemaking system.

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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