Key Features of Airport Access Control System: The significance of security in airport operations cannot be overstated. It encompasses various crucial aspects such as ensuring passenger safety, optimising boarding processes, and effectively managing personnel and surveillance. In busy airports, this can be a real challenge.
One of the key cornerstones of airport security is access control. It entails controlling admittance to certain parts of the airport and tracking the movement of persons throughout the airport.
It is essential to have a reliable airport access control system to ensure the continued safety and well-being of airport staff and passengers. This article will dig into the critical components of airport access control that are crucial in fulfilling the growing need for safe and adequate security measures.
4 Key Features of Airport Access Control System
An access control system comprises several critical components to ensure restricted areas of the airport remain secure and monitor the movements of individuals in real time. These are:
1. Credentials and Readers
An airport access control system employs an array of authentication techniques to confirm a person’s identity before allowing them into restricted airport sections. These methods include biometric identification, badges, key fobs, access cards, and smartphones, among others.
Mobile credentials, which are gaining widespread popularity, leverage advanced technologies such as cloud-based software and QR codes to manage access to restricted areas effectively. These authentication measures are exclusively provided to those with proper authorisation and securely kept in a database overseen by the airport access control system.
Access control readers are strategically placed at different entry points throughout an airport to authenticate the identities of those seeking entry. These readers communicate with the access control system to verify identification. Based on the credentials presented, the system then authorises or denies access to the restricted area, ensuring that only authorised personnel can enter.
2. Infrastructure
An airport access control system requires an all-encompassing infrastructure to function effectively and efficiently. This infrastructure’s foundation comprises hardware components such as servers, network equipment, and software applications and seamless integration with other security measures.
Typically, the system is centralised and administered through a Security Operations Centre (SOC). Here, the distribution of access control readers, administration of credentials, and vigilant monitoring of all access attempts are overseen. The infrastructure must be safe, dependable, and able to handle many access attempts.
3. Physical Access Barriers
The airport access control system’s integrity depends on physical barriers that impede unauthorised access. These barriers, encompassing gates, turnstiles, doors and locks, roped-off sections, and other physical impediments, deter unauthorised access to restricted areas. The barriers are designed with tamper-resistant features and are difficult to breach, ensuring maximum protection.
In many cases, physical barriers are integrated with access control readers, offering an extra layer of protection. For instance, a gate may require a valid credential and biometric identification, like a fingerprint, to gain entry. This multi-layered approach ensures that only authorised personnel gain access.
4. Perimeter Access Control and Management
Perimeter access control is another critical feature of an airport’s access control system. The airport perimeter is the first line of defence against unauthorised entry into the airport facility. A perimeter access control system is designed to monitor and control access to the airport perimeter.
A comprehensive perimeter access control system typically comprises surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and other detection devices. The system is further fortified with physical barriers like fences, walls, or bollards strategically placed to deter and prevent unauthorised access attempts to the airport perimeter.
Choosing the Right Airport Access Control System
Having familiarised yourself with the essential components of an airport access control system, it becomes imperative to acquire knowledge on selecting the appropriate system. Opting for the right access control system is vital in devising an effective airport security protocol.
Features and Maintenance
Picking the appropriate features for your access control system can prevent future troubles in terms of upgrades and upkeep.
When it comes to hardware, opting for non-proprietary/open-source cloud-based solutions outweighs proprietary, on-premise hardware. Cloud-based software facilitates faster API integrations that unify diverse aspects of your security and liberates you from a stagnant system that doesn’t evolve or upgrade.
Compatibility
Choose a system that can integrate with your existing security infrastructure, such as CCTV cameras and alarm systems.
When comparing on-premise and cloud-based access control, the latter invariably comes out on top. This is because cloud-based access control software can seamlessly interact with the widely employed and non-proprietary HID and Mercury hardware systems.
Conclusion: Key Features of Airport Access Control System
A strong airport security strategy would be incomplete without an access control system. This system creates multiple layers of security by incorporating various key features that serve as an efficient and effective means of safeguarding the airport and its users.
To ensure that the access control system is optimised for the airport’s specific needs, it’s recommended to consult with experienced airport security consultants like Airport Gurus. Airport security consultants assist in designing and implementing these systems, taking into account the unique requirements of each airport.
It’s, however, essential to note that only a handful of organisations offer complete airport solutions, including access control systems, which highlights the need for careful consideration when choosing a provider. Ultimately, investing in robust access control systems is a critical aspect of maintaining the safety and security of airports.
