How Access Control Works: A Simple Guide for Small Businesses
For small businesses, managing who enters and exits your building is crucial for security and efficiency. Traditional keys can be lost, copied, or misplaced, making it difficult to control access. Modern access control systems solve this problem by using electronic credentials, smart locks, and remote management tools. But how does it all work together? Let’s break it down into simple terms.
The Key Components of an Access Control System: An access control system is made up of several pieces of hardware and software that work together to secure doors and manage access. Here’s how they function as part of a complete system:
1. Credentials – These are what people use to unlock doors. They can be:
- Keycards or fobs (like hotel keys)
- PIN codes entered on a keypad
- Smartphones using Bluetooth or NFC
- Biometric data, like fingerprints or facial recognition
2. Readers – The device that scans or receives a credential to check if access should be granted. These can be:
- Card or fob readers mounted on walls or doors
- Keypad readers for PIN codes
- Smart locks with access control technology
- Mobile app-based readers using Bluetooth
- Biometric scanners for fingerprint or facial recognition
3. Locks and Door Hardware – These physically secure the door and unlock when access is approved. The most common types include:
- Smart locks with built-in readers and wireless connectivity
- Electric strikes that unlock when activated by a reader
- Magnetic locks (maglocks) that release when power is cut
- Electrified push bars for exit doors
4. Access Control Panel (Controller) – The “brain” of the system that verifies credentials and tells the lock whether to open. Some systems store this data on-site, while modern cloud-based systems allow for remote access management.
5. Software and Management System – This allows business owners to:
- Set access permissions for employees, vendors, and visitors
- Monitor who is entering and when
- Send mobile access credentials
- Remove access
- And a lot more!
How It All Works Together
- Step 1: A person approaches a secured door and presents their credential (card, phone, PIN).
- Step 2: The reader, or phone sends the credential information to the access control panel or cloud-based system to verify permission.
- Step 3: If the person is authorized, the controller signals the door lock to open for a few seconds.
- Step 4: The system logs the entry, creating a record of who accessed the door and when.
Why Small Businesses Use Access Control
- 1. Improved Security – No more lost keys or unauthorized copies.
- 2. Easier Management – Add or remove users instantly without changing locks.
- 3. Remote Access – Give access to doors from anywhere using a cloud-based system.
- 4. Better Tracking – See who entered and when for security and accountability.
- 5. Customizable Access – Control who can enter specific doors and at what times.
Choosing the Right Access Control System
When selecting an access control system, consider:
- How many doors you need to give access to
- Who needs access and what method they will use (cards, PINs, mobile)
- If you want remote control and cloud management
- The type of locks you have, and need that will work best for your doors
- Scalability for future business growth
A Simple, Smart Solution for Small Businesses
Many access control systems are complex and built for large corporations. Small businesses need an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution. That’s where Centrios comes in. Centrios is a cloud-based access control system designed specifically for small and growing businesses, providing a smart, flexible, and easy-to-manage security solution. Unlike traditional commercial access control systems that require expensive installations and IT teams, Centrios simplifies business access management with an intuitive mobile app, smart locks, and seamless access control management.
With Centrios, businesses get:
- 1. Cylindrical Smart Lock – A wireless, battery-powered lock that integrates with cloud-based access control, with suppor for mobile credentials, Cards and Fobs, and a key-override.
- 2. Smart Reader – A versatile commercial door reader that supports PIN codes, Cards and Fobs, and mobile access credentials.
- 3. Smart Padlock – A durable and weather-resistant option for securing gates, storage units, and off-site equipment, with the ability to use a mobile credential, and access schedules.
Why Small Businesses Choose Centrios:
- No per-door fee – Unlike many cloud-based access control providers, Centrios offers transparent pricing that scales with your business. It starts at FREE.
- No complicated installation – Install smart locks for small businesses quickly by finding an authorized Centrios partner, or buying online and installing yourself!
- Remote access management – Grant or revoke access, track entry logs, and unlock doors from anywhere using the Centrios mobile app.
- Scalable and flexible – Whether you’re securing a single office or multiple locations, Centrios adapts to your needs without complex configurations.
- Contract-free access control – No long-term commitments or expensive licensing fees.
Centrios combines modern smart access control, business security solutions, and cloud-based management into one user-friendly platform. Whether you're looking for a wireless access control system, keyless entry for businesses, or a small business security upgrade, Centrios provides an affordable, secure, and simple way to take control of your property.
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