Simply defined, the term “access control” describes any technique used to control passage into or out of any area. The standard lock that uses a brass key may be thought of as a simple form of an “access control system”.
Over the years, access control systems have become more and more sophisticated. Today, the term “access control system” most often refers to a computer-based, electronic card access control system. The electronic card access control system uses a special “access card”, rather than a brass key, to permit access into the secured area.
When used within this document, the term “access control system” refers to an electronic card access control system.