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How many types of Access Control Systems are available?

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There are a large number of options available to business owners who wish to purchase an access control system. The systems vary in their levels of visibility, operational complexity and strength of protection. The brevity of this article doesn’t allow for a thorough listing of specific access control systems, but some general categories appear below:


  • Magnetic Card Systems: Whether you realize it or not, you’re already pretty familiar with this type of access control system. When a cashier or waiter swipes your credit or debit card through a reader at a store or restaurant, they’re using a magnetic card system. Information is stored on the card and then accessed by the magnetic reader. In many cases information is also printed on the card, and the cards and their readers are usually inexpensive.

  • Electronic Key Systems: Rather than a magnetic strip, electronic keys utilize a microchip to store the data processed by the access control system reader. The microchips are usually protected by stainless steel containers, so electronic key systems in general are reliable and tough. Many electronic key systems can even be used outdoors, and the systems are also noted for their longevity, ease of use and relatively low cost.

  • Proximity Card Systems: As might be expected from its name, a proximity card system doesn’t actually require contact with the reading device of an access control system. Like the airport employee example provided above, the proximity card needs only to pass relatively close to the reader in order to allow access. Proximity cards are like magnetic cards in that information may be printed on the card itself, but they’re easier to use because swiping isn’t required. Additionally, because of the nature of proximity cards and their scanners, it’s possible to install proximity card readers in a relatively unobtrusive fashion.



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