- What is Electronic Access Control (EAC)?
- What are some of the options available with an EAC system that I won't find with standard mechanical locks?
- How much will an EAC system cost?
- Will we be secure if the electricity goes off?
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Q: What is Electronic Access Control (EAC)?
Electronic Access Control, referred to as EAC, is a method of locking or unlocking a door using electronic or electromechanical hardware. We refer to the type of unlocking device as a credential. There are 3 types of credentials used, 1) What you carry ( a key or a card), 2) What you know ( a code), and 3) Who you are ( biometrics including a fingerprint or hand print geometry, eye retinal scan, voice or face recognition). EAC may encompass a wide range of entry options including:
1) keypad entry system
2) card entry including touch card, card swipe, or proximity card
3) telephone entry system
4) intercom/release also referred to as a "buzzer" system
5) biometric entry system
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Q: What are some of the options available with an EAC system that I won't find with standard mechanical locks?
A: Many options are available to the customer choosing EAC over standard mechanical locks. These include:
1) single code or multiple code systems.
Lower cost is generally associated with fewer available codes for access. If you want to provide a single code to 100 employees, then you may save money initially, but if you terminate an employee and want to change the code, then you need to notify 99 people of the new combination. It is much easier to have a multiple code system that allows you to delete the individual code.
2) audit trail
An audit trail will tell you which code or card was used for entry and the date and time it was used. This is useful as a deterrent and may be used to help identify who has had access in case of any type of illegal activity. Be sure your employees understand beforehand the ramifications of letting an unauthorized user have their code or card.
3) time zones
Time zones allow you to program the time and date that a credential may be used. Shift work, holidays, and weekends may be scheduled in advance or you may just want to schedule the times the door may be in the unlocked or locked mode. For example, if you have an office building you want unlocked during the regular business day, then set the times accordingly and you may eliminate the need for someone to go by and lock the building in the evenings. It happens automatically!
4) payroll functions and system integration
EAC systems are the key to many aspects of a business. The employees arrival to work and use of their credential may be able to tie into related payroll programs. A credential or attempted unauthorized use of a credential can initiate a camera and a recording device providing both written and visual proof of entry for you. In fact, just about anything you can control with a switch you can control with an EAC system.
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Q: How much will an EAC system cost?
A: The cost of EAC systems vary greatly. Factors affecting the cost include the options you choose and the installation environment, which includes the the type of hardware used with the system and the type and length of wire runs involved with the installation. Because of these variables, a survey is required in order to determine the actual cost of the system.
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Q: Will we be secure if the electricity goes off?
A: There are a number of variables that go into choosing your EAC system. We recognize the need for securing your business in emergency situations. We will recommend either a battery back-up for your system or a fail secure locking mechanism. Our recommendations include a restricted key bypass for the locking mechanism in case of electronic failure.
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Q: Will I be able to use my existing key or existing master key system with new hardware?
A: If the proper hardware has been ordered using the letters and/or numbers off the head of the key, then it is usually possible to key to your existing keys. Most often, it is physically possible to key the locks to an existing master key system. However, there are standards that must be met in order for these things to be done properly.
We'll address keying to an existing key first. First and foremost, the key you are requesting we use must be cut to manufacturers specifications. Using a worn key or a "generational key" creates a situation where we can only guarantee the lock will work with the single key provided. A "generational key" is a copy of a key that is not original to manufacterers specifications. The first copy from an original is a 1st generation key. The copy made from the 1st copy is a 2nd generation key. The copy made from the 2nd copy is a 3rd generation key and so on. Some places do a good job cutting keys and adjust their key machines on a regular basis. Many do not. But no matter how well the duplicating machine is maintained, there will be a variance between the original key and each successive generation cut. We test our key machines to the 5th generation when adjusting our key machines. We recommend that when you get a new key, whether to a home, business, or vehicle, to immediately get a copy for daily use and store the original to be used when duplicating keys in the future. Ask about available key storage boxes or notebooks.
Keying to an existing master key system presents an additional set of concerns. First, you must realize that having a master key system generally reduces security and increases convenience. Second, there are rules to master keying which will help reduce loss of security. Master keying should not be random, but should be done from a developed master key system. The master key system should have a list of keys which have been used (known as a bitting list). Otherwise the locksmith who tries to create new keys to the master key system takes a chance that the new keys may unintentionally work other locks. This is sometimes referred to as a "ghost master" or an "incidental master".
We require any system we work on to be to manufacturers specifications. We recommend you consider a new master key system if you do not have a bitting list. Let us help you reduce the liabilities related to haphazard keying.
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Q: Are my keys able to be copied by anybody?
A: Most keys in use today may be duplicated. If you have provided a key to an employee, a contractor, or a cleaning company, then even if you get the key back, you can't know if a copy has been made. Many people feel that if they have the key stamped "DO NOT DUPLICATE" they have solved the problem. The fact is that there is no law to prevent key duplication if a key is stamped that way unless the key belongs to a state or federal agency or the US Postal Service.
Most manufacturers do make a line of locks and keys which do have key duplication restrictions. The locks and keys have patents which limit production of the key blanks to the original manufacturer. The manufacturer then controls key blank distribution through contracts with the distributors of their products.
For top shelf protection we recommend Medeco High Security Locks which are tested for resistance to forced entry, pick resistance, and drill resistance in addition to the key duplication restrictions. Medeco also produces a line of locks, KeyMark, that focus on the key duplication restrictions only and therefore may save you money by not buying features you don't feel you need. Medeco and KeyMark also make a wide variety of replacement cylinders that may fit into existing hardware thereby saving you money. In many cases you won't have to buy complete replacement hardware for this reason.
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