- 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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