Access control is used to prevent unwanted intruders entering any unauthorised areas. There are potential access solutions available ranging from gates and turnstiles to biometric options. Access control systems can also be linked to a range of human resource management systems and asset tracking. It is important to ensure that any access control systems you are wishing to put in place comply with the requirements of the Disabilities Discrimination Act.

Access control methods such as a heavy-duty combination lock (number punch lock/keypad entry), can be used to negate the need for key control and the combination can be changed if there is any change of staff. This type of access control is useful on staff room and stockroom doors where the public have access to.

Smart swipe cards, tokens or fobs are easier to control than keys. Lost cards or fobs can be deleted from the system and new ones issued to the legitimate user. If fitting these, the system should have an anti pass back facility which ensures that the same card, token or fob cannot be used twice to enter a building unless it has been used to exit the building first. These systems can be used to control or restrict movement around the building for example on gates, lifts and barriers etc.

The use of access control on barriers along with an intercom system can be useful for private car park and warehouse areas to allow legitimate visitors such as delivery vehicles etc.