ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS: WHICH TECHNOLOGIES ARE MOST EFFECTIVE?

Traditional technologies still in use

RFID badges and magnetic cards

Access cards are the most commonly used solution, whether in companies or apartment buildings. Each employee, resident or visitor is equipped with a badge, which he or she must hold up to the reader to unlock the door. It's important to distinguish between 2 types of card: magnetic stripe cards and RFID chip cards.

Magnetic cards require physical contact or passage through a slot to be read by the reader. Not very robust, easily readable, clonable or erasable, it is therefore not very secure and is less and less used. This technology remains practical in low-risk locations, where priority is given to ease of use and low equipment costs.

RFID badges are contactless, and can be detected at ranges ranging from a few centimeters to several meters, depending on the type of badge and reader. This makes them more convenient to use, while offering a generally higher level of security. Depending on the frequency and encryption technology used, the RFID system makes cloning much more difficult than the magnetic system. This system is particularly well-suited to vehicles, especially for managing parking access, thanks to its remote detection. It is also more advanced in its management, allowing precise time-stamping and logging (who entered, at what time, through which door), the setting of authorized or unauthorized times, and the modification of access authorizations in real time.

‍Theaccess badge, in particular RFID, is therefore a practical and effective solution for securing entrances. It can, however, be lost by the user, unlike other technologies. The possibility of deactivating authorizations via the management system does, however, limit the risks - provided the user notifies the administrator!

Keypads and keypads

This solution is also frequently used: the lock is fitted with a housing on which the user must enter a pin code to unlock it. The keypad is easy to install, and does not require users to be issued with keys or badges. It is possible to personalize each user's privileges by assigning them different codes. However, this solution is either not very secure, or not very practical, as codes would ideally have to be renewed regularly (at the risk of users not being able to memorize them).

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Electronic keys

Less common, they work like physical badges, but with direct contact on the reader. They can be useful in industrial or semi-public environments where mechanical robustness is required.

Like RFID badges, they can be integrated into a centralized management system, enabling access profiles to be defined, time-stamping of passages and user traceability.

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Biometric technologies: precision and inviolability

To guarantee a high level of security, biometric access is a particularly attractive option. The reader identifies the user on the basis of unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprint, face or eyes, to grant or deny access. This data has a number of advantages: it cannot be forgotten or lent out, and it cannot be forged, thus preventing identity theft.

Please note, however, that the use of this technology is strictly regulated by the CNIL, as it involves the management of critical personal data. Biometric control can only be used to protect particularly sensitive premises, applications or devices. It is therefore generally reserved for environments such as banks, airports or military installations.

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Connected and contactless solutions

Access control via smartphone is becoming increasingly popular, whether via Bluetooth, NFC or QR code. These connected systems offer greater flexibility than traditional badge- or code-based technologies, enabling temporary and remote access, for example. Thanks to cloud applications, rights can be managed in real time, and scenarios can be freely customized and upgraded (time slots, differentiated access, etc.).

However, this solution is dependent on network quality (Wi-Fi or 4G/5G), terminal compatibility and mobile application security. It is essential to ensure that communication between the device and the system is encrypted, and that data is stored securely.

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Towards enhanced security: multi-factor authentication

The most effective access control systems are simply those that combine several technologies! For example, you can combine the use of a badge or smartphone with that of a keypad. This method increases the robustness of the system, even if one of the factors is compromised. It is particularly recommended for sensitive areas such as data centers, hospitals and high-risk industries.

You can also enhance your building's security with additional control devices: video surveillance, alarm, security guard...

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Not sure which system is right for your premises? Don't hesitate to contact our customer service department by email or telephone.