A Door Access Control System is a set of devices that consists of door readers, electric locks, a controller, and management software. Its purpose is to limit access to people who are authorized to enter an organization. It uses door readers that detect the unique identification numbers provided by credentials. A credential can be an RFID card or keyFob, a person’s smartphone, or their biometric (ie. face or fingerprint) credential. A door access control system includes Access Control Management Software that determines who can enter, when and what door they can use. When the right ID number is detected the controller releases the electric lock.
The door access control readers can be simple readers that are wired to access controller boxes or intelligent reader-controllers that include the reader and controller in one box and attach to the network. The IP reader-controllers are dramatically different than the older door access systems that used central control boxes.