Installing Multi-layered Access Control Systems
31 March 2022
For most users, access control systems monitor and control door usage to and within a building. On larger sites with entrance barriers and gates, it is possible to use an access control platform such as EntroWatch to provide a complete and multi-layered approach to both building and site security. Site examples include companies based on industrial parks, manufacturing sites and even power generating stations i.e. sites with a large number of users with some form of site perimeter security.
Entrance Barrier and Security Gate ANPR Cameras
EntroWatch PE (Premium Edition) includes an integration for HIKVision ANPR cameras via Weigand interface. ANPR stands for automatic number plate recognition and the Entrowatch / HIKVision integration allows a car number plate to be stored as a credential within the EntroWatch database. When a vehicle approaches a security barrier or sliding gate, its number plate is read by the camera, checked to the database and if recognised, the automatic barrier is raised or sliding gate opened. If the vehicle number plate is not recognised, the vehicle driver has to use a local intercom to talk to the security team to gain access.
ANPR cameras can make entry and even exit from a site routine for regular visitors, delivery vehicles and employees. The use of ANPR at the entrance barrier or gate provides an additional layer of security to a site’s access control system. Any alarms raised for unauthorised entry or attempted entry can flag an alarm in EntroWatch and where there is a CCTV camera in place, one that can be investigated remotely. A two-way intercom could be installed as a way to provide further assistance if required.
Card Readers for Entrance Barriers and Security Gates
Another approach is to have a security card reader within easy reach of the vehicle driver on the entrance side. The reader can be an EntroPad type mounted on a pillar or be a long-range reader that can be activated from a distance. When the card reader is presented with an authorised token, the access control system will either allow the barrier to raise or the gate to open or not. Whether the access is granted or not, an historical log in the access control system is updated. If access is not granted an alarm is generated on a master console running for example EntroWatch software.
Exiting Sites
Most organisations with an access control system will require people within the building to ‘sign out’ by presenting their access control card to a card reader or keypad/card reader at the point of exit from the building. Where there is an exit barrier or gate, there are two raise to raise or open this when wanting to leave site. The first is to use a ground-loop induction system. This is wire, placed below the road surface that will recognise the presence of a vehicle and signal the access control system to raise the barrier or open the sliding gate. This methodology assumes that the person exiting has already been authorised to exit site and therefore is authorised to leave site as well. Another way is to install a reader on the exit side of the gate or barrier. The person approaching the exit side has to then present their card to exit. ANPR cameras can also be used for authorising an exit and this is a common method in public car parks.
CCTV Systems
An access control software package such as EntroWatch can also provide CCTV camera footage via ONVIF streaming or through an integration with for example a HIKVision camera system. When an alarm is raised, a feed from the nearest camera can be viewed and any necessary actions or protocols carried out.
Summary
Hybrid and flexible working have increased the need for more flexible and easier to install access control systems. EntroWatch and its ability to work with Wiegand compatible entrance barriers and security gates, as well as most CCTV cameras, provides a fully functional and flexible system that can be easily added to a CAT-5 IP network with minimal operator training required.