Security is a concern for everybody in the UK, whether they are big businesses or small residential apartments. This has led to various innovations to address these concerns. Some of these involve integrating the latest technologies, and when we integrate technology into something, we come up with the best possible solutions. In terms of security, the biggest precaution which can be taken by individuals or organizations is limiting and monitoring their access. Let’s explore one of the methods of doing that (through door entry systems) especially when you are in and around London.
What is a Door Entry System?
As the name suggests, a door entry system is a security mechanism to manage unwanted access to one’s property. It is part of multi-layered access solutions. It is installed at the gate of the building and limits access to the building by allowing only people with proper credentials to enter. Moreover, door entry systems can be used in different types of buildings, residential apartments, office buildings, industrial buildings, or any other type of property.
How Does the Door Entry System Work?
The system requires setting up a door entry handset, called the Base Station, at the Gate or the main entrance of the building. There are other handsets installed in different units of the property called substations. This system works by establishing communication channels between the base station and the substations. These channels can be wired or wireless through the Internet. Amongst the two, wireless door entry systems have shown better efficiency as compared to wired entry systems. They are cost-effective and easier to maintain. Although, there are options available for people to not install any unit stations and make the process even more hassle-free.
In London, the residents of the buildings can manage the access through a Key Card, or a mobile application. Whenever there is a request to enter the building, the system searches the resident database and if it matches the records, it allows them access. On the other hand, whenever a visitor requests access, the concerned resident is notified by the system through a mobile application or a call.
Then, the resident is given autonomy to allow the visitor to enter and is registered as their guest. All the information is electronically recorded and can be used to find the culprits in case of a breach. For getting the best wireless door entry system in the UK, you should research online, look locally, compare, and then choose the best vendor.
How do Key Cards Work?
For a key card to work, a key card reader and an electronic key card door lock are installed at the gate. In hotels, we have seen key cards being used for managing access to individual rooms. Key cards can activate the readers by proximity, by tapping on the reader, or by swiping a card through the reader. The reader then identifies the card, authorizes it, and sends a signal to the magnetic lock to unlock. It gets automatically locked as soon as the door is closed again.
Types of Key Card Entry Systems
Swipe Key Cards
This type of key card is characterized by a magnetic strip that is swiped against the magnetic reader to unlock the gate. It is a less-expensive option with a user-friendly interface. The mechanism behind these key cards allows the individual tracking of the cards. This system is better suited for large businesses with requirements to access a similar area by different people, for example, a hotel. Also, the swipe card door entry system prices vary according to the type of organization. Even though the key card systems are effective they have their drawbacks.
In this era of mobile apps, some people find carrying cards cumbersome. Moreover, the cards are handed over to different people regularly making them wear and tear easily. Nonetheless, the key cards are easier to clone and therefore pose serious security threats. So, are there any alternatives to it- you may ask? Yes, there are. Let’s explore them now.
Alternatives to Key Card Entry Systems
1. Door Bell Intercom System
Here an intercom is installed at the gate and the residents’ apartments. It allows the visitor to buzz the intercom in the apartment they are visiting. The tenant can then talk to the visitor and then press the release button to let them enter. It is the best door entry system for flats.
2. Video Door Entry System
This system is an extension of the doorbell intercom wherein the visitor can interact with the tenant through a video entry system. They can even alert the tenant through the doorbell video intercom using the smart doorbell and ask for access. The technology of smart doorbells also alerts the residents on their smart devices and showcases a video of the entry gate. This is slightly safer than the normal call intercom as the residents can see the visitors and it becomes somewhat difficult to impersonate another person.
3. Keypad Door Entry system
A keypad is installed at the gate and access is granted on successfully entering the access PIN. This is relatively suitable for an area that has limited visitors and requires the people to maintain great confidentiality.
How do Door Entry Systems Make Your Building Safer?
Door entry systems are becoming popular due to the immense addition they make to the security of a building.
- These systems have one-time installation costs and their maintenance cost is relatively low. If one opts for a wireless entry system, the costs of installing wires are further reduced.
- They ensure no unwanted or unauthorized access to the property. The residents or the tenants have full flexibility to choose to give access to their visitors.
- These systems are time-saving and create efficient security door systems as all the data is stored, which makes it easier to identify in case of a breach.
- Door entry systems can be installed to the existing or new gates and are available in a range to suit the different needs of different types of properties.