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The Four Types of Access Control Systems
When choosing an access control system, it is crucial to think about the needs of your commercial business and what types of restrictions for employees you would want to have in place. There are four types of access control systems to meet your specific needs:
- Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
- Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Rule-Based Access Control
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
This is the most secure type of system because the system administrator is the only person who can set the control settings that cannot be changed by anyone else. Typically, with these types of systems, only the custodial staff and owners have access. A MAC system classifies each user and allows access based on the programming set forth by the administrator. This type of access control system is usually used by companies that require strict security measures.
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
This access control system is the most flexible for business owners because each control point can have a list of people authorized to gain access. This type is not the most secure as some of the other options because only one person controls the entire system, which could mean someone might gain access to a certain area by mistake.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
RBAC is gaining in popularity for business owners in commercial properties because access can be assigned to employees based on their job titles. This also takes less time to set up and makes it easy to change a user’s access in the case of a promotion or credential change.
Rule-Based Access Control
Rule-Based Access Control systems are different from RBAC systems because they are usually used in conjunction with another type of access control system. Using this type of access control allows a business owner or administrator to create a rule restricting access to the building from the time they close until they re-open the next day. A benefit of using this system is that rules can be changed or made to fit with holiday schedules as needed.
Choosing Which Access Control System is Best for You
There are many different options for access control systems, just like there are many options when it comes to commercial security systems. Knowing what your business security needs are is the first step to choosing which system is best suited for your business. It is important to think about whom you want to manage the access control system and what type of identification will be needed to gain access.
You can choose to have a card reader that allows staff to carry a badge that will give them access to authorized areas or a more complex system that uses a biometric scanner, depending on the level of security you need.
High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, serves the Chicagoland area providing integrated commercial fire and life safety, security, and access control systems. Our team of experienced fire and life safety professionals provides full security system design, integrated with commercial fire alarm systems, to meet all local, state, and federal safety code requirements. We provide comprehensive safety and security services to meet your specific business needs, including monitoring 24/7/365.
HRSS is recognized for providing high-quality equipment and reliable commercial fire and life safety systems in the Chicagoland area. Our experienced life safety experts work directly with you to provide a code-compliant system design and integrated system services, giving you peace of mind knowing your business is safe and secure. Contact us today to learn more about pairing your commercial security system with an access control system for the added safety and security of your business.