IP Access Control

IP Access control is a system that allows security systems to be controlled from an easy to access network that is housed on the Internet. From one singular control panel, administrators may control various aspects of a building’s security systems, including locks, identification protocols, emergency responses, and access control. Administrators may also view logged arrival and departure times for credentialed individuals.

A major benefit of IP access control systems is the ability to control who can get into a building in real time. In many office settings, highly sensitive information is stored beyond access control points. Should an employee’s key fob go missing or should an employee be terminated from his or her position, an administrator has the capability, using an IP system, to disengage that users’s credentials. Therefore, the missing badge or the badge that is in the possession of an employee who could have ill-intent will no longer function at the access control point.

As the Internet has become more and more prevalent in daily life, our technologies have no doubt vastly changed. Particularly with the emergence of smart phones, which allow users access to practically anything from anywhere via the Internet, individuals have gotten used to an on-demand way of managing their lives. Bank accounts, credit card accounts, and even television schedules can be accessed from smart phones. It makes sense that users also want remote access to in-building systems like locks, access control, and who is coming and going from a particular property.

Just like the individual, companies too want everything in one place. Efficiency standards are at an all time high in American companies. Company owners want to be able to access all systems at once and from one machine. In fact, in addition to security systems, technologies are trending toward facilitating remote access of all building systems such as heating, lighting, cooling, and data.

IP systems allow for a great deal of savings in the long term. Older access control system used technology that required cost intensive control panels. These control panels were high maintenance and required a high level of attention in order for real-time data to be transferred. Storage of information was also rather laborious. In today’s day and age, with digital storage, users are able to easily search for dates, times, or specific users.

IP systems also help the user by not requiring hard wiring. Older access control systems operate through a coaxial cable. These cables contribute widely to the overall operating cost of the system, particularly if a singular system is to span multiple floors or even multiple buildings within one campus. Since IP systems are not wired but rather are connected via a wireless network, this very labor and cost intensive aspect of installing and maintaining an access control system is virtually non-existent.