For any of these devices to work, they need to tie-in to a "brain." This brain is the access control system that has a database of approved people and credentials and has the logic for each door, time schedules, security levels, etc. Access control systems come in many sizes to fit the needs of different properties. The typical protocol used for all of these devices when tied to access control systm is called Weigand. The devices converts the input code, card, tramsnitter, etc. into a Weigan digital code which is "read" by the access control panel.

Small systems (without phone entry): These work well for one-to-four doors. They must be cost effective, have intuitive software for the infrequent administrator and be very reliable. We recommend HID, AWID and DoorKing for single-door units and SecuraKey four-door systems.

Medium systems (without phone entry): These work well for 5-to-16 doors. Sometimes these are hardwired and sometimes networked. We recommend Schlage, Blue and Paxton.

Large/Enterprise systems (without phone entry): These are for more than 16 doors and most often used at campuses with multiple buildings across town or the world. We recommend IEI and RBH Systems.

Small, medium and large systems WITH phone entry: When a property needs phone entry access together with access control via tramsitters, cards, etc., it is cleanest when these are integrated. DoorKing, Linear and Keri Systems each provide a good integrated solution.

Keypads

Keypads allow a door or gate to be opened from the outside by someone who knows the code. There are many brands and levels of features. Some are wireless (battery powered and using radio frquency) others are hard wired. Brands we recommend include: Liftmaster, Linear, MultiCode, DoorKing and AlarmLock, IEI and Kaba Ilco for pedestrian gates.

As you decide on the best keypad consider:

• The number of different codes you will want for the various users of the gate system.
• The frequency with which you will want to update the codes to control access.
• The level of use and abuse to which the keypad will be subjected.

Card and FOB Readers

As you decide on the best card reader system consider:

• The number of doors and gates you want to control access to today..and in possibly in the future
• Whether or not you also have or need a phone entry/Intercom system
• Any other existing security control/ card reader/ even cut key systems somewhere else on the property that might link to this system

Bio Metric Readers

As you see in the movies (and in some more secure properties), biometric readers are gaining favor. These readers have the advantage of not requiring a card or fob with a unique code but instead using a personal physical characteristic to identify the authorized person who can be admitted. Retna scanners, finger print readers, and  hand geometry readers are three of the most popular. Each technology has its pros and cons and advocates. We will work with you to determine the solution that works best for your needs.

Companies with many hourly employees (hotels, factories, etc.) are finding these systems to be excellent for employee time cards.

Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI)

More and more of us are getting used to the convenience of driving over the SF Bay Bridges and paying our toll with our FASTRAK device. This and similar technology is also available to control access to your gate system allowing authorized visitors to be recognized as they approach without having to push a transmitter button or speak to a security person. At the same time security data is being recorded.

We find two technologies are working well. First is radio-frequency based. The second is a bar code reader. In either case please call us so we can discuss the relative merits of both to find the best solution for your property.

• Radio Frequency -Vehicle ID
  Sirit (used for FASTRAK), TransCore, Paxton, HID, AWID, and DoorKing each have systems that use antennas to “read” a special transponder that is mounted on the windshield (or license plate) of the vehicle. Each system also has an access control database… often one common to the phone entry system or card reader system on the property.

• Barcode
  BAI makes a system similar to the barcode scanner in the supermarket…only this one reads a special bar code sticker which is placed on the back passenger window of authorized vehicles. The reader, which is mounted on the side of the roadway, reads the barcode. These systems are very common and reliable at gated communities.

Radio Frequency (RF) Transmitters

Everyone is familiar with the ubiquitous “garage door opener,” “clicker” or, technically, radio frequency transmitter. These remain the favorite device for opening a gate for frequent visits to a property. There are many brands with similar functions all perform similarly. Most transmitters can also be programmed into the “HomeLink” modules in your car(s). Some common brands are: Liftmaster, Linear, MultiCode, and Doorking. As your security requirements increase, however, it is important o choose a transmitter with a unique code that can be added or deleted through an access control system. There are three general levels of transmitter/receiver systems to choose from:

• Dipswitch style – each transmitter has the same code
• Receiver programmable – the receiver at the gate tracks transmitters…changes need to be made at the gate operator.
• Access Control programmable – an access control database manages the transmitters (and other information) and can be programmed remotely over a phone line.

Tomar
This device “sees” the strobe light on emergency vehicles and triggers a vehicle gate to open. It shares the same advantages of convenience with the Click-2-Enter.