Access control software is an important component of building security systems, but deciding which one is best for users can be difficult. The following article will break down the various types and features of access control software so that users can make an informed decision about which one is best for them.
What is access control software?
Aratek would want to give users a quick introduction to access control software and how it works in physical access control applications. Access control software, which runs on a computer or server, is the operation brain of any physical access control system.
Access control software is required for the configuration and operation of physical hardware components such as card readers and facial recognition terminals in controlling people's access to facilities. Without access control software, the access control hardware is useless.
Access credentials
Using access control software, users can easily manage who has access to their building
Using access control software, users can easily manage who has access to their building, what access credentials they need to enter, and how they enter, among other things.
For example, if users want to deploy an access control system with biometric integration for building access, users must enroll new employees with their faces or fingerprints and set the rules to control who has access to the building, even monitor their attendance, and much more, all of which must be done through a software management platform.
Daily log
The access control software can also provide a daily log of who entered and exited the building, allowing users to keep track of who came in and out.
It can also assist users in managing any changes made to their organisation, such as granting access to a new employee or deleting access for a previous employee.
Types of access control software
When looking for access control software to use in a company, it's critical to understand the various types of access control software available to users so that they can make the best decision for securing their building.
There are three types of access control software: on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid cloud. Aratek will go over each of these types, as well as their pros and cons, to help users decide which is best for them.
On-premise access control software:
On-premises type refers to any access control system installed at the user's company's physical location. This means that the data is kept on-site and accessible only from within the building.
1) Pros: There are many advantages to using on-premise access control software:
- Secure: Because all of the data is kept locally. This eliminates the need to be concerned about a remote server being hacked.
- Fully customised: Because the access control software is all stored on the servers, users have complete control over it. This means they can tailor it to their company's requirements.
- Stability: Because the software is installed on-site, it is more reliable than a cloud-based service. Users won't have to worry about access control not working because their internet connection goes down.
2) Cons: The following are the primary disadvantages of on-premise access control software:
- Expensive: Users must purchase costly equipment and hire technical experts to install it. Once installed, users will require an IT team and skilled personnel to keep the system operational. It necessitates a larger capital investment, which can be costly for a small business or startup.
- Not scalable: Users can’t grow their business without investing in new hardware. As they add employees, they need to buy additional hardware and software licenses. This is a slow process as well; there are usually long lead times for getting the new hardware and software.
Cloud-based access control software:
In a cloud-based access control system, all the software and data are hosted on a server in the cloud
In a cloud-based access control system, all the software and data are hosted on a server in the cloud.
This means that the software and data are stored on a remote cloud server connected to the Internet, rather than local servers in a company.
1) Pros: There are some main advantages of cloud-based software:
- Budget friendly: Cloud-based access control software is typically less expensive than on-premises access control systems. This is because users do not need to purchase server equipment to store the data and software, and users can subscribe to software plans that best suit their business needs without having to purchase a more expensive package.
- Easy to use: Cloud-based access control software provides a better user experience with a web-based interface, which enables users to access users systems and manage access permissions from any computer or mobile device. For example, users would be able to use their mobile phones to unlock their doors no matter where they are. This makes cloud-based access control systems easy to use in most situations since users can use them from anywhere as long as they have Internet access.
- Easy to set up: Cloud-based access control software is very easy to set up. After users have bought the product and registered it with their cloud provider, they can start using it immediately. Users don't need to pay for the IT support personnel to set up and configure the system.
- Scalable: Cloud-based access control software is also highly scalable, so as their business grows, they can simply upgrade their subscription to get more storage space, alarms, or users. Users can easily add and remove users and doors without worrying about hardware or software capacities and limitations.
2) Cons: There are a few major drawbacks to using cloud-based access control systems:
- Less customised: Cloud-based access control software is less customisable than onsite solutions. Users must use the vendor's pre-made templates and features. However, most vendors provide numerous customisation options. It may take some time to become used to the interface, but once users do, it is simple to navigate and use.
- Security concerns: Cloud-based access control software typically authorise data encryption and transmission to a third party. If this third party is not cautious with their data, the security of their system may be compromised. However, many SaaS cloud-based access control providers are continuously improving their security systems. For example, many providers have upgraded their security systems with the latest protocols and encryption methods to enhance their cloud infrastructures to protect sensitive data and ensure regulatory compliance. Always check the security certificate of the service provider users intends to use.
Hybrid cloud access control software:
Users can run access control applications on both the cloud and on-premises server at the same time
Hybrid cloud-based access control software combines the full functionality of on-premise and cloud systems into a single solution with the ability to switch between them.
This means that users can run access control applications on both the cloud and on-premises server at the same time, making it easy to manage users and devices on-premises to resources in the cloud and vice versa.
1) Pros: When users use a hybrid cloud access control software, there are a couple of main benefits:
- Cost-effective: The cost and complexity of users' IT infrastructure can be cut down with the help of hybrid cloud-based access control software. That means they don't have to buy and maintain new hardware for their on-premise access control system, and they don't have to pay for extra IT infrastructure or third-party cloud services. To run users' access control applications, they can use the resources of their existing IT infrastructure as well as cloud services from any provider.
- Flexible: Due to the flexibility of cloud-based access control software, users can move their security infrastructure to the cloud or on-premises, depending on what their business needs. It can provide remote access while protecting server data and devices. This makes it easier to protect the data while giving users easy access to their applications in the cloud.
- Scalable: Hybrid cloud-based access control software can also give organisations a more scalable solution. This lets users' businesses grow without having to worry about the scalability of their on-premises access control software because users can just add new users to the cloud.
2) Cons: Using hybrid cloud access control software come with a few major drawbacks:
- Concerns about security: Hybrid cloud access control software may not provide the same level of security as on-premises types. Users can, however, configure the hybrid cloud access control software solution to require a secure VPN connection. This is necessary to ensure that only authorised users have access to the system, and any unauthorised access attempts are denied.
- Performance concerns: Hybrid cloud access control software may have performance issues and there may be latency when authenticating users. If users use Active Directory for network authentication, the hybrid cloud solution may affect the overall system performance. In this case, it's best to use a centralised cloud-based directory service for authentication. This makes sure that the hybrid cloud access control software doesn't need to ask questions of the on-premises Active Directory. This keeps other applications, like identity management or HR applications, from being slowed down or stopped.
Choosing the right access control software
Cloud-based access control might be the best choice if users need a simple, cost-effective, and easy-to-use solution
In short, there are some pros and cons to each on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid cloud access control software. It's important to choose the right access control software when looking for one.
For example, cloud-based access control might be the best choice if users need a simple, cost-effective, and easy-to-use solution. If they have a big budget and want a more secure and powerful access solution, on-premise software may be right for them. Or, if users already have an on-premise system, hybrid cloud access control like Aratek TruFace Manager might be the best choice.
Key features of access control software
When looking for the right access control software for a business, it's not enough to know what types of software there are. Users also need to think about what features the software needs to have to do its job well.
Here are some of the most important features and functions that access control software should have:
- Centralised management platform: With a centralised management platform, users can easily manage all their users, access credentials, and access control hardware devices in one place, which makes it easier to find and fix problems.
- Enroll user: This is how users are added to the system. Users can be added with employee IDs, names, access cards, or biometric characteristics like faces or fingerprints.
- User access management: Administrators can grant different levels of access to facilities, rooms, or floors to users, which can be enabled and disabled.
- Manage zone: Users can use this feature to manage zones, assign users access to different zones, and delete zones.
- Alarm setting: This is where users set, turn on, or turn off the system's alarms based on different access events (e.g. Unauthorised individuals entering the restricted room, leaving the workplace without signing out, and so forth.).
- Device management: This function helps users to configure and manage access control hardware devices such as card readers, door controllers, facial recognition terminals, and more. Some software can process device diagnostics, which helps to ensure that the device is functioning properly.
- Logging and reporting: This function allows users to view log information and generate system reports.
- Manage network: This function helps users to configure the network settings of the system, including IP address, DNS server, gateway, and more.
- And more.
Aratek TruFace
When selecting access control software, ensure that it supports all of these features
These are some of the key features that can assist users in easily managing and monitoring the property. When selecting access control software, ensure that it supports all of these features; otherwise, it may be inconvenient for users.
Aratek TruFace, for example, is designed as a full-featured and complete access control solution with powerful management software that can support all of these functions.
Conclusion:
To recap, knowing the different types of access control software and their characteristics will help users choose the best access control security solution for their requirements.
With so many alternatives available, it is vital to research to select the system that would provide the greatest security for a property.