Facility access and gate systems are a critical part of physical security and automation, enabling control over who can enter or exit specific areas of a facility—whether it’s an industrial plant, warehouse, office, or secured site.

These systems regulate vehicle and/or personnel entry through gates, doors, turnstiles, or other controlled access points using automation, sensors, and authentication technologies.

Component	Function
Access Control Panel	Central controller for managing permissions and door/gate logic
Credential Readers	RFID, keypads, biometrics, or license plate recognition (LPR)
Gates/Barriers	Physical control (swing gates, boom arms, slide gates, turnstiles)
Door Controllers	Electric locks, magnetic locks, or strikes
Sensors	Inductive loops, photocells, motion detectors for safety and automation
PLC or Microcontroller	Logic control for custom automation (esp. in industrial setups)
SCADA/HMI	Monitor and control gates and access zones
Software/Server	Manage user credentials, logging, event history, integration

Method	Description	Common Use
RFID Cards	Proximity or smart cards (13.56 MHz, UHF)	Office, industrial employee access
Keypads	Enter PIN to gain access	Secure doors, warehouses
Biometrics	Fingerprint, facial recognition	High-security or cleanroom areas
License Plate Recognition (LPR)	ANPR cameras detect authorized plates	Vehicle gate entry
Mobile Access	Smartphone via Bluetooth/NFC/QR	Modern corporate access
Remote Access	Guard booth, intercom, or remote SCADA control	Truck gates, loading docks

<ol><li>User presents credential (RFID badge, LPR camera sees plate)</li><li>Access control system checks permissions</li><li>Signal sent to PLC or gate controller</li><li>Barrier opens if authorized</li><li>Sensor checks vehicle/door clear</li><li>Barrier closes, and event is logged</li></ol>

<ul><li>Time-based access rules (e.g., day/night shifts)</li><li>Zone-based restrictions (e.g., cleanroom vs. warehouse)</li><li>Logging & audit trails</li><li>Anti-tailgating & anti-passback rules</li><li>Integration with:<ul><li>Fire alarm system (auto-unlock during evacuation)</li><li>Video surveillance (CCTV linked to events)</li><li>ERP/HR systems (for credential management)</li></ul></li></ul>

Gate Type	Description	Suitable For
Boom Barrier	Lifts vertically — fast and simple	Parking lots, warehouses
Sliding Gate	Motor-driven lateral gate	Industrial yards, factories
Swing Gate	Opens like a door	Restricted road entry
Bollards	Retractable barriers in ground	High-security access control

<ul><li>Power backup (UPS or battery) for gate operation during outages</li><li>Network connectivity (PoE, Wi-Fi, wired)</li><li>Environmental protection (IP65+ for outdoor gear)</li><li>Emergency override (manual or fire alarm interface)</li></ul>

Card access systems—also known as key card access control—are widely used for securing buildings, rooms, and gates by granting entry based on a scannable physical credential. They’re a core component of modern security infrastructure in offices, hospitals, industrial sites, schools, and commercial buildings.

A card access system uses electronic credentials (cards or fobs) and readers to control entry. Access is granted when a valid card is presented to a reader, which checks user permissions via a central control panel or cloud-based software.

<table><thead><tr><th>Component</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Access Cards/Fobs</td><td>Hold a user’s unique ID (RFID, smart card, proximity card, etc.)</td></tr><tr><td>Card Readers</td><td>Installed at doors, gates, or turnstiles to scan and send credential data</td></tr><tr><td>Door Controller</td><td>Hardware that manages locks and reads signals from the card reader</td></tr><tr><td>Electric Lock</td><td>Electromagnetic lock or electric strike that releases on valid access</td></tr><tr><td>Access Control Software</td><td>Manages users, schedules, logs, and permissions</td></tr><tr><td>Power Supply & Backup</td><td>Ensures operation during power failure</td></tr></tbody></table>

Card Type	Frequency	Security Level	Notes
Proximity (125 kHz)	Low-frequency	Basic	Most common, easily cloned without encryption
MIFARE (13.56 MHz)	High-frequency	Medium	Encrypted chip, more secure than prox
Smart Cards (HID iCLASS, DESFire)	High-frequency	High	Strong encryption, used in secure facilities
Mobile Credentials	Bluetooth/NFC	High	Use smartphones as keycards

<ul><li>User Permissions: Restrict access by time, location, or role</li><li>Logging & Auditing: Track who accessed what and when</li><li>Anti-passback: Prevent misuse by requiring exit before re-entry</li><li>Multi-factor authentication: Combine card with PIN or biometrics</li><li>Elevator control: Restrict floor access</li><li>Emergency lockdown: Instantly restrict access across all doors</li></ul>

Architecture Type	Description	Use Case
Standalone	Local reader and controller, no central server	1–2 doors, small businesses
IP-Based	Readers and controllers on the network	Scalable, modern systems
Cloud-Hosted	Managed via internet dashboard	Multi-site or remote management
Integrated with Building Systems	Tied to video, alarms, HVAC, fire	Large buildings or campuses

Brand	Notable Systems	Notes
HID Global	iCLASS, Prox, SEOS	Industry leader, highly compatible
LenelS2	OnGuard, NetBox	Enterprise-grade with video integration
Honeywell	Pro-Watch, WIN-PAK	Strong integration with security/alarm
Bosch	Access Modular Controller	Often used in conjunction with video
ZKTeco	BioAccess, SpeedFace	Biometric and card hybrid systems
Kisi / Openpath	Cloud-based mobile + card	Modern, app-friendly, cloud-native

Ideal for:<ul><li>Office and multi-tenant buildings</li><li>Warehouses, schools, and server rooms</li><li>Sites needing audit trails and access schedules</li></ul>Less ideal for:<ul><li>Areas needing rapid throughput (use facial or LPR)</li><li>Extremely high-security zones (biometrics recommended)</li></ul>