Continuing our series on specifying and installing access control systems, Richard Herkes of PAC International looks at types of door and special requirements
PIN entry technology is one of the most common types of access control used today. It has the advantage of being very cost effective, but unfortunateley it is one of the least secure.

This is because PINs become widely known unless they are changed frequently, but if they are changed too often, people tend to forget the code number.

Additionally, if an individual leaves a company, they will still know the PIN number. This can be overcome if a dual prox/keypad reader is used so that an ID device is also needed to gain access. The ID can easily be deleted from the system, so the person cannot enter the building using the PIN number alone.

A furthur level of security can be achieved where the system requires a PIN which is only known by the authorised user. Then any attempted forgery of the ID device is useless, unless the PIN is also known.

Using PIN codes with ID devices
When presenting an ID device, a valid PIN code also needs to be entered to gain access. ID and PIN are often used in high security environments. When used in this way most PIN codes are four digits long and pre-defined by the ID device.

PIN codes can't be created or changed by the user(s) of the system. This is because the PIN code is derived from an algorithm based upon the code within the ID device.

Some access control systems have the ability to over-ride the requirement for a PIN code at certain times of the day (See Time Profiles, in next month's edition).

Duress
This feature is only available when using an ID device and PIN number together. When presenting your ID device and adding 1 to your PIN code of 3288, the system gives you a new PIN code of 3289. While you will be allowed access with the new PIN code, the system will generate a duress alarm.

Photo Badging

  • Photo ID:Customers will often ask for an individual's photograph to be put onto an ID card. Photo ID is the ultimate proof of ownership of any ID device. However, putting a photo on a card may sound simple, but it actually requires specialist software. Some methods are described below.

  • Direct Printing: Printing directly onto the surface of the card using a printer is one of the most secure and effective ways of putting an image onto a card. However, the cards must be completely flat to achieve a quality image. PAC for Windows photo ID module works with a range of card printers. (PAC International can supply a list of recommended card printers.)

    Adhesive label
    An adhesive label is an alternative to direct printing. In this case the image is put onto a separate label and stuck to the card.

    The adhesive labels can have photographs laminated onto them or printed directly using dye sublimation.

    Contact cards such as magnetic stripe or wiegand are used with adhesive labels, check that the thickness of combined card and label do not exceed the specification for the reader.

    Bureaux services are available for putting photos onto cards. Some customers may consider buying their own imaging equipment. The cost of this is high so it is advisable to ask for samples of printed cards and get assurances about quality and quantity.

    Mistakes made whilst printing directly onto ID cards can be very costly. Adhesive labels can save you this cost as they are only a few pence each. Labels can also be removed from ID cards so they can be re-used.

    Screen printing (not for printing photos)
    If the image is the same on every card, for example a company logo or corporate colour, then it is worth getting the cards screen printed. Screen printing is cheap compared to direct printing and offers high quality results. Solid colours work best with the screen printing process. Tints of a colour using a dot screen are not recommended. Space can be left for photos or other information to be added later.

    (PAC Customer Services can provide a card printing datasheet.)

    Multiple Function ID devices
    It is possible for one ID device to have several uses. The same device can be used not only for an access control system, but also for time and attendance, cashless vending, library registration systems and many other applications.

    However, it should not be assumed that the one ID device (which works with a particular access control system) will be compatible with time and attendance or cashless vending. Always seek assurances from manufacturers about compatibility.

    Choosing readers
    When choosing a reader, the first consideration should be its location. Is it internal or external? Does it need to be vandal resistant?

    If a vandal resistant reader is required, the best choice is to specify a proximity or hands-free reader. This is because these readers are more tamper proof than, for example, magnetic stripe readers.

    (PAC/KeyPAC vandal resistant proximity readers have no slots or moving parts and are available in either stainless steel or brass with special vandal resistant screws.)

    Is aesthetics important?
    If the appearance of the reader is important, for example, if a different colour or finish than the standard is required, it is worthwhile talking to the manufacturer as sometimes these can be produced.

    Most readers are surface mounted, except some of the proximity readers, which can be mounted flush to the wall. If required, proximity and hands free readers can be completely hidden within the fabric of the door, floor or ceiling.

    A selection of readers

  • Barcode: A surface mounted reader with a slot for card swipe. The Barcode reader uses Infra red technology and a special type of card with a masked bar code. It is fitted in a robust metal housing with anti-tamper allen key heads.

  • Panel Mount Reader: The panel mount reader is specifically designed to be installed into a door entry panel. These panels are widely used in residential applications.

  • Watermark: A surface mounted reader with a slot for card swipe. Highly secure, the reader uses a special type of card encoded at manufacture.

  • Proximity: There are several designs of proximity reader available including: those suitable for interior or exterior applications as well as the special, vandal resistant readers and panel mount readers, which can be mounted in a door entry panel or concealed within the fabric of a building.

  • Proximity PIN reader: This reader incorporates a PIN pad with a proximity reader making it suitable for high security applications. The PIN pad can also be disabled on a time profile, so that at certain times of day or night the reader may be used with proximity operation only, and at other times proximity plus the PIN are required.

  • Smartcard: Smartcard readers are available in contact and non contact versions. For speed and reliability non contact proximity smartcard readers are the preferable choice for access control.

  • Wiegand: A Surface mounted reader with a slot for card swipe. Wiegand cards contain an embedded wire which is encoded at manufacture. The wiegand cards are highly durable and easy to customise.

  • The KeyPAC range includes: a Medium Range reader (up to 25cm range), a Slimline reader (10cm), a Vandal Resistant reader in stainless steel (up to 7cm) and PX 50 (low cost with a 50mm range) Information: www.pac.co.uk

    • Source

    Security Installer

    Postscript

    Next month: System design
    PAC International is the largest designer and manufacturer of electronic access control solutions. (1 Park Gate Close, off Bredbury Park Way, Bredbury, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 2SZ. Tel 0161 406 3400