Access Control Options
When exploring access control alternatives for your gated community, there are plenty of factors to contemplate. From cost to reporting abilities, it's essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of all of the possible options. Here are the most common and demonstrated access control prospects for your community from our experts on guard software.
24-hour gate guard
The safest and most costly form of access control is a guard who controls your gate 24/7. The benefits of keeping a guard at the gate are your community is entirely sure of who is inside, and you don't need to worry about people tailgating their way through the entrance. The drawbacks include the increased price and possible bottlenecks at the gate as the guard reviews each person.
Callbox
The callbox is the most familiar form of access control and can be merged with many other types of access control – clickers, RFID, fobs, apps, and more. While it hearkens back to the days of landlines and home phone numbers, a callbox is still the most widely operated access control choice, a regular, if frustrating, view in gated communities and apartment installations across the nation.
Smartphone app
One of the more recent arrivals to the scene, smartphone apps are a technologically clever way to handle access control. More reasonable than a 24/7 guard and less hassle than old-school callboxes, it's easy to understand why communities are beginning to embrace this new opportunity. Unfortunately, this is also one of the sole options for keeping a log of who unlocked the gate and when.
RFID reader
RFID readers are another prevalent form of access control from businesses to gated communities. RFID stands for radio frequency identification and works by employing electromagnetic fields. This is a remarkably secure choice as access mandates having the right ID, called credentialed access, but it is also more costly than using a smartphone app.
Clicker
Not only for garage doors these days, now many gated communities are employing clickers to access their gates. This convenient option does not require pulling right next to the callbox or scratching your rims on the curb. However, one disadvantage is many communities demand a security deposit and assess high fees if you are unfortunate enough to require a replacement. Also, getting extra clickers to share with visitors and service providers can be challenging.
License plate reader
You may be acquainted with this opportunity in your paid parking garages, but now many gated communities are also utilizing license plate readers for access control. However, this feature is more costly than clickers, RFID readers, and smartphone applications, so it is more reserved for communities pursuing higher levels of security.
NFC
NFC or near-field communications is a high-tech alternative for access control. While more prevalent as an alternative for mobile payments, NFC technology is beginning to be integrated into additional applications. For example, as people become more and more relaxed with wearable technologies, NFC entry control will be more standard.
When deciding which type of access control is most suitable for your gated community, many options exist. Contact us today to learn more about our guard software. We want to keep your community safe.