How do access controls deliver the highest security?

Access control answers a single question. Who may go where, and when?

An access control governs, by a fixed set of rules, which person may enter which areas at which time. The spectrum runs from the card through PIN, RFID and QR code to facial recognition. Add a metal detector and the authorisation check becomes a check for dangerous objects or stolen goods at the same time. The protection covers people, physical assets and sensitive data.

Five types of access control

Mechanical. The classic locking system with cylinder and key, durable and still common in master-key systems for hotels, offices or sports facilities.

Electronic. A reader checks a badge, chip or another medium against the stored rights and records who entered which area and when. Single doors run as a standalone solution and can often be retrofitted, while larger buildings are controlled through networked online systems with central software.

Mechatronic. The combination of electronics and mechanics. The key with an RFID chip only opens once the system has checked the access right. Typical for public authorities and offices with high or time-limited requirements.

Physical. Turnstiles, tripod turnstiles, sensor gates and security airlocks guide the flow of people quickly and safely.

Manual. A gatekeeper or door supervisor decides on entry according to the security concept. The trained eye is irreplaceable, but it costs staff, who have to be scheduled early.

Combined controls

For events, tickets are scanned by handheld while the trained eye assesses the guests. The highest security level is reached by combining physical and manual control. Personalised tickets are checked at the turnstile. Before that, the guest goes through a person check with the walk-through detector. Where needed, X-ray for the hand luggage and a follow-up check with the hand-held wand are added. In industry, electronic access control secures the doors. The metal detector at the entrance and exit additionally protects against objects brought in and against theft.

Where access controls are used

Access controls stand wherever people, physical assets or data need protection. This ranges from the doors of public institutions through industry and warehouses to banks, hospitals and data centres. A hotel guest should only reach their room and the spa area. Before opening, the supermarket lets in only staff and suppliers. The plant grants access at the shift change but keeps sensitive areas locked. A metal detector extends the check specifically to weapons.

What the detector finds

Programmes such as spectator or building detect firearms, ammunition, striking and stabbing weapons, knives or pepper spray. They filter out harmless items such as coins, keys or foils. This keeps the check accurate and low on alarms even at high throughput.

The traffic-light system sets the pace

With the go and wait symbols, the detector only clears the next passage once the previous check is complete. The speed is adjustable, and distance lines in front of the frame order the approach.

Qualified staff

Reliable checks require experienced staff with a feel for people. For most guarding activities the 40-hour instruction at the IHK, the German chamber of industry and commerce, is enough (section 34a(1a) of the German trade regulation act (Gewerbeordnung, GewO), section 6 of the German guarding ordinance (Bewachungsverordnung, BewachV)). For certain tasks, such as running entry in a leading role at access-controlled major events, the IHK expert examination is mandatory. Since 2019 every guard has to be entered in the German guard register (Bewacherregister) (section 11b GewO). They wear a visible badge with a name or ID number and the name of the company. Alternative screening methods such as the hand-held wand or manual pat-down belong in the concept.

Practical example: TUI board conference

The requirement for DTI
Check the access authorisation by ticket at the turnstile, and screen for firearm, stabbing and cutting weapons beforehand.

The solution
In front of the turnstiles, a security airlock of walk-through detectors and baggage scanner with manual access control. Final certainty comes from a look inside the luggage or the hand check with the Garrett Super Scanner V.

Suitable devices

Garrett PD 6500i Dual Optics. The microprocessor-controlled walk-through detector with pinpoint technology is designed for high throughput, tells ferrous from non-ferrous metal and comes with a people counter. The IP65 version is weatherproof and can be moved by one person on castors.

To the Garrett PD 6500i Dual Optics
To the Garrett PD 6500i IP65

Garrett SmartScan. The archway attachment measures body temperature without contact during the regular check. The temperature is health data under article 9 of the GDPR, the EU general data protection regulation, so privacy-friendly operation runs without storage, using only the traffic-light signal.

To the Garrett SmartScan

VMI Spectrum 6040 X-ray scanner. For access controls with hand luggage. Its 160 kV generator delivers the image quality needed, and the device is network-capable and can be coupled with a walk-through detector.

To the VMI Spectrum 6040

Garrett CMA interface module. For central monitoring of several checkpoints over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, with logging of throughput and alarms, and it can be coupled with a VMI X-ray device.

To the Garrett CMA Wireless interface module

Our references show a selection of the deployments we have supported with our security technology.