Access control system installation in the Netherlands for your organisation

Access control systems are an essential part of modern security, using technology to regulate access to buildings, rooms and other protected areas. These systems range from simple electronic locks to advanced networks that communicate with various security components.

A basic element of access control is unlocking doors and gates electronically. Several methods are available, each with its own characteristics suited to specific security needs.

Keypads

These systems require users to enter a code on a keypad to unlock the door. They are cost-effective and easy to install, and each user can have their own code. They are, however, seen as outdated, because a code can easily be passed on without any clear way to trace who did so.

RFID

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses wireless communication between a tag and a reader. Users carry a tag, often a card or fob, that unlocks the door when held close to the reader. Every card has a unique ID, so each card issued can be given different rights.

Biometric verification

These systems use unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or iris scans, to verify identity. They offer a high level of security, as biometric data is hard to copy.

Mobile access

Modern systems such as Paxton10 let you use smartphones and other mobile devices as access keys. They use technologies such as Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication). This offers convenience and flexibility for users. These apps use security algorithms to prevent credentials from being cloned. This is also known as 'smart credentials'.

Access control systems are a crucial component of today's physical security. How these systems are powered matters a great deal for their reliability and efficiency.

The two most common ways to power access control hardware are Power over Ethernet (PoE) and the standard 230 V mains supply. Most equipment uses a power supply to convert 230 V to 12 or 24 V to run the controller itself.

The main differences and advantages of both power options

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Power over Ethernet is a technique that sends power together with the data signal over a standard twisted-pair UTP cable. This means network equipment such as access control systems can receive both power and signal through the network cable, with no need for a separate power supply.

Advantages of PoE (power over Ethernet)

Simple installation

With PoE, there is no need for separate electrical wiring to the door controller, also known as the ACU (access control unit). This can simplify installation and reduce costs.

Flexibility

Access control devices can be placed anywhere a network cable can reach, without depending on a nearby power socket.

Reliability

PoE is supplied through a network switch that can also be connected to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), which ensures a constant and reliable power supply. Access control systems also use very little power, so they can keep running for quite some time if the mains supply is interrupted.

Safety

Because it uses low-voltage power, connecting access control systems carries little to no safety risk.

Remote control

When Power over Ethernet is supplied through a managed switch, PoE ports can be managed remotely. This makes it possible to power-cycle an access control door controller remotely. It also gives insight into the power consumption and the network traffic to and from the controller.

230 V mains power

The traditional way to power access control hardware is from the standard 230 V mains supply. This is the standard voltage for electrical appliances in many countries, including the Netherlands. It usually requires an adapter to convert 230 V to 12, 24 or 48 V.

Advantages of 230 V mains power

Power

For systems that need more power than PoE can deliver, 230 V is the stronger alternative. Large, heavy locks may need mains power to work.

Universal

Every site has access to mains power, which makes it a standard option for access control. It can also be used more easily, without extra components such as PoE switches.

Differences between PoE and mains power for access control

The main differences between PoE and 230 V mains power lie in installation complexity, power capacity and flexibility of placement. PoE is often simpler and cheaper to install, while 230 V systems are better suited to hardware that needs more power than PoE can sometimes provide.

Conclusion

The choice between PoE and 230 V mains power depends on the specific project requirements. PoE offers great flexibility and ease of installation, while 230 V mains power can be the better option for systems that need more power and where a constant, stable supply is essential.

In practice, many organisations choose a combination of both: PoE for smaller, distributed systems and 230 V for installations with higher power needs. For installers and organisations investing in access control systems, it is essential to weigh up the advantages of PoE and 230 V, so they choose the type of power that fits their specific security needs.

There is a wide range of access control solutions. Some are aimed at hotels, others at high-security environments, corporate offices, car parks and so on. Some of the most common manufacturers in the Netherlands:

Paxton

Paxton is a leading manufacturer of electronic access control, video management and door entry systems. Paxton has been working on online and offline access control systems for more than 35 years. All of Paxton's manufacturing and development takes place in England.

HID

HID Global Corporation, founded in 1991, has had a significant influence on the development of access control systems. The company became known for its proximity card technology, which emerged in the 1990s. This technology uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to communicate with the reader without direct contact.

Genetec Synergis

Genetec Synergis is part of Genetec Security Center, a unified security platform that combines security functions such as video surveillance, access control and number plate recognition. Genetec's history begins in 1997, when the company was founded in Canada. Genetec has since grown into a leading supplier of open-architecture security solutions.

Synergis is the access control system within Genetec Security Center. It was introduced as part of the company's vision of a single platform that integrates different security functions. The idea was to develop a system that not only works standalone but can also communicate and work with other systems, such as video management and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).

Access control manufacturers and their software:

• Paxton: Paxton Net2
• Genetec: Synergis
• Vanderbilt: ACT365
• 2N: Access Commander
• LenelS2: OnGuard

Access control is a crucial part of modern security systems, designed to prevent unauthorised access to physical and digital environments. It can be integrated with various other types of security system to provide layered, robust protection. Below is an overview of access control systems and their possible integrations.

Integration with CCTV

One of the most common integrations is between access control and CCTV. When an unusual access attempt is detected, the CCTV system can automatically bring up the footage from the relevant security camera. This lets security staff or others involved respond quickly and judge whether there is unwanted behaviour.

Integration with alarm systems

Access control systems can also be integrated with intruder detection and alarm systems. For example, you can arm the alarm system using an intercom with a keypad. Software integrations, such as seeing which zone a detector has triggered in or locking all doors when the intruder alarm goes off, are further examples of integration with intruder alarms.

Fire and safety systems

In an emergency such as a fire, access control systems can work with fire and safety systems to make evacuation easier. Doors can be unlocked automatically so that escape routes are clear. Closing lift doors in a fire is another example.

Access with smart devices

Mobile access control solutions, which use smartphones and other mobile devices as keys, are on the rise. These systems are convenient for users and improve security with dynamic authentication methods such as GPS location, biometric data and time-limited access rights.

The future of access control integrations

As technology continues to develop, the options for integrating access control with other security systems will grow. Think of integration with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, where access control systems respond automatically to sensor data or user actions.

Attendance recording within access control systems is essential for many organisations. It means recording who is present, when and where, within a building or site.

This data is crucial for various business processes, including security, HR management and compliance with legal requirements. Building attendance recording into access control gives insight into, and control over, physical access and the presence of staff and visitors.

Why attendance recording matters

The importance of accurate attendance recording cannot be overstated. It is a tool for improving security, making staffing policy more efficient and keeping accurate track of working hours, which in turn affects payroll. In an emergency, you can quickly see who is in the building, which is essential for an effective evacuation.

Attendance recording technologies

Modern attendance recording systems use various technologies, such as RFID chips, biometrics (such as fingerprint and facial recognition), magnetic cards or PIN keypads. These technologies can also be linked to mobile apps, so employees can record their attendance on their smartphone.

Data analysis and reporting

The data collected can be analysed to produce detailed reports. These reports are valuable for management purposes, such as optimising staffing levels, tracking employee performance and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Compliance and legislation

Attendance recording plays a key role in compliance. It enables businesses to meet the legal requirements on working hours and attendance, such as those set out in the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) and the Compulsory Identification Act (Wet op de identificatieplicht).

Wireless electronic door handles have become an integral part of access control systems. These advanced handles improve security and make access easier by making traditional keys unnecessary.

In a world where wireless technology and smart integrations are becoming the norm, wireless door handles are a must for anyone looking for an efficient and secure access control solution where running cables is not possible.

How wireless door handles work

Wireless door handles use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other wireless technologies to communicate between the handle and an authorised access system. Users can gain access with RFID tags, smartphones, special cards or biometrics. These systems are easy to install, with no need for extensive wiring or complex infrastructure.

Advantages of wireless door handles

A major advantage of wireless door handles is flexible access management. Access rights can be managed remotely when the handles are connected to a central server. This makes it easy to grant or revoke access rights, which is ideal for environments where access needs change regularly, such as offices or hotels.

Installing wireless door handles is also often simpler and less disruptive than installing traditional access control systems. This makes them an attractive option for both new and existing buildings.

Integration and smart building management

Wireless door handles fit perfectly with the trend towards smart buildings and can be integrated with building management systems. This improves security and also energy efficiency: doors can, for example, be linked to lighting and climate control systems, which can save energy.

A future-proof solution

A wireless door handle is a future-proof investment. Software updates can add new features and improved security protocols without any physical replacement. This makes wireless door handles a sustainable choice for access control.

Why it matters for organisations

For organisations, introducing wireless door handles is a step towards modernising access control. It lets them manage access quickly and easily and generate reports on access data, which supports compliance and operational efficiency.