3 Strategies to Layer Your Electronic Access Control

Is your budget for electronic access control at odds with the number of doors you need secured? The price for components and installation can rise sharply if wiring or door replacements is required. It can also be challenging and expensive to create a unified system if solutions are sourced from different providers.

A better approach is to layer technologies so they match the security needs of each door. This can be accomplished by integrating a mix of wired, wireless, and PoE electronic locks. By equipping openings with the appropriate access control solution, organizations can satisfy their budget without sacrificing security.

What is the purpose of a layered access control system?

Layered access control maximizes security by combining separate technologies. It is the opposite of a one-size-fits-all approach because it recognizes the unique security requirements of each opening. This allows an organization to customize the level of access control throughout a facility while staying within budget constraints.

How to Mix and Match Access Control

Many facilities have a large number of openings with varying security requirements and installation considerations. Case in point – the same solution for a front entrance may not make sense on an interior door. Using a single type of electronic lock throughout an entire property can lead to overspending.    

Some buildings also need to avoid wired options. The volume of openings, especially if an update triggers door replacements, could make the wired project prohibitively expensive. Historic facilities may also be under drilling restrictions so they can maintain preservation standards.

To balance access control with budget, organizations should finetune security at every entrance. Consider these technologies to deliver different levels of access control:

1) Wired for Exterior Doors

Exterior doors are an essential defense against unauthorized access. A wired solution is best suited for high-visibility entrances because they are engineered to protect against tampering and cyberattacks. Interior spaces that store cash, chemicals, sensitive records, proprietary research, and controlled substances can also benefit from this degree of robust access control.

A solution like the SN210 offers credential flexibility. Organizations can choose PIN-only, dual authentication, or mobile access. This choice is especially beneficial when consolidating a mix of credentials.

2) Wireless for Interior Rooms

Most interior rooms do not have highly confidential or dangerous materials that warrant strict access control. These spaces can be protected by wireless locks, which offer the advantage of one-to-one retrofits. Common applications include:

• Private offices
• Classrooms
• Staff-only areas
• Supply closets

Lockdown capabilities are also worth considering. Some wireless locks have real-time capabilities for remote lockdown, which is especially critical in schools. Our IN100 Series can lock or unlock in under 10 seconds. Otherwise, a Wi-Fi lock like the IN120 Series can enable a local lockdown by activating a privacy button.

3) PoE for High-Security Openings

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) access control is a great option where this infrastructure already exists. This wired choice simplifies installation and lowers cost since it uses standard network cabling for both power and data. It also consumes less power than traditional wired locks thanks to savings while in standby mode.

Not only does our IN220 Series accept multiple credentials for up to 10,000 users, but it provides real-time monitoring with remote lock/unlock. It also generates an audit trail, which can be essential for restricted areas.

One of the biggest advantages of these technologies is that they can be configured to accept the same credential. This makes life easier for users and staff alike. There’s also potential for them to run on the same electronic access control system with the right planning.

Interested in learning about how different access control technologies can work together to secure your facility? Download our eBook to get recommendations for specific facility types or fill out the form below to talk to one of our experts.