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Smart Access Control

Smart access control replaces a door key with a credential the system can check and log: a face, a fingerprint, a MIFARE or DESFire card, a keyfob, a QR code or a PIN. This range includes Hikvision face recognition terminals, card and multi-credential readers, MIFARE cards and keyfobs, alongside an ACTpro panel-mount reader, an Optimus 4G gate intercom and an RGL touch-free exit button.

Choosing Smart Access Control

The choice comes down to how people identify themselves at the door, and where the reader has to live.

Face terminal or card reader

A face recognition terminal identifies the person rather than the card, so a lent or lost fob does not open the door. The DS-K1T671M and DS-K1T671TMW have 7in screens, the DS-K1T680D-E1 an 8in touch screen, and the DS-K1T342MWX-E1 is a compact AI terminal. A card reader with keypad is the simpler option where a card plus PIN is enough; the Pro-Series DS-K1108ADK reads MIFARE, DESFire and FeliCa cards and connects over RS-485, Wiegand or OSDP.

Indoor or outdoor

For exposed doors, the DS-K1108ADK and DS-K1107AMK readers, the DS-K1109DKB-QR outdoor reader and the DS-K1T671M, DS-K1T671TMW, DS-K1T342MWX-E1 and DS-K1T805MBWX terminals are rated IP65, and the RGL touch-free exit button IP65/66. The ACTpro MF1030PM panel-mount reader is rated IP67.

Enrolling credentials

The DS-K1F600U-D6E-F enrolment station registers faces, fingerprints and cards on a 3.97in touch screen, so enrolment happens in one supervised place instead of at the door.

DeviceExamplesCredentials
Face recognition terminalDS-K1T671MFace, MIFARE card
Face recognition terminalDS-K1T671TMW, DS-K1T680D-E1Face
Card reader with keypadDS-K1108ADKMIFARE, DESFire or FeliCa card, PIN
Card reader with keypadDS-K1107AMKMIFARE card, PIN
Multi-credential outdoor readerDS-K1109DKB-QR, DS-K1109DKFB-QRQR code, card, keypad, fingerprint
Enrolment stationDS-K1F600U-D6E-FFace, fingerprint, card

Standards & compliance

The DS-K7M102-M keyfob is a 13.56 MHz MIFARE credential to ISO 14443 Type A, and the IC-S50 MIFARE S50 card meets ISO/IEC 14443A. Readers that list OSDP, such as the DS-K1108ADK, use the Open Supervised Device Protocol, a two-way reader-to-controller link.

Brands we stock in Smart Access Control

ACTpro, Hikvision, Optimus and RGL Electronics.

Hikvision makes 18 of the 21 products, alongside a panel-mount MIFARE reader from ACTpro, a 4G gate intercom from Optimus and a touch-free exit button from RGL Electronics.

Related categories

Access control is usually specified with door entry and intercom systems, door locks and CCTV cameras.

Frequently asked questions

What credentials can these access control readers accept?

Depending on the model, faces, fingerprints, MIFARE and DESFire cards, keyfobs, QR codes and PINs. The DS-K1109DKB-QR combines QR, card and keypad entry, the DS-K1109DKFB-QR adds a fingerprint sensor, and the DS-K1T671M face terminal also reads MIFARE cards. Choose the credential by who uses the door and how often access has to change.

Can a face recognition terminal be mounted outdoors?

Several can. The DS-K1T671M, DS-K1T671TMW and compact DS-K1T342MWX-E1 face recognition terminals are rated IP65, which protects against dust and water jets. Check the rating on the individual product before fitting a terminal where rain will reach it directly, and consider shelter for a fully exposed position.

How does a reader connect to the door controller?

Through an interface the reader supports. The Pro-Series DS-K1108ADK offers RS-485, Wiegand and OSDP, and the DS-K1107AMK MIFARE reader supports RS-485, Wiegand (W26/W34) and OSDP. OSDP is a two-way, supervised link. Confirm the controller accepts the same interface before ordering the reader.

What is the difference between MIFARE and DESFire credentials?

MIFARE and DESFire are both 13.56 MHz contactless card families; DESFire adds stronger encryption. The MIFARE fobs and cards here include the DS-K7M102-M keyfob, IC-S50 card and DS-PT-M1 keyfob. DESFire cards are read by the Pro-Series DS-K1108ADK and the DS-K1109DKB-QR and DS-K1109DKFB-QR outdoor readers.

Where are faces and fingerprints enrolled?

At the DS-K1F600U-D6E-F enrolment station, a 12 VDC unit with a 3.97in touch screen that captures faces, fingerprints and cards. Credentials registered there are then used by the terminals and readers on the doors, so enrolment happens in one supervised place instead of at the door.

Is there a way to open the door without touching a button?

Yes. The RGL WP-EBNT/TF-1 is a weatherproof touch-free exit button in stainless steel, rated IP65/66 and powered at 12 or 24 V. It releases the door from the inside through the lock and controller already fitted, so nobody needs to press anything.

Can a gate be controlled without running a cable back to the building?

The Optimus E1K is a 4G/LTE GSM gate intercom with a single-button keypad, so a visitor at the gate reaches the owner over the mobile network instead of a cable run. It needs a SIM and usable mobile signal at the gate position.

Does the range include time and attendance?

Yes. The HikCentral Attendance Module is a software module for shift management and attendance reporting. On the devices, the DS-K1T680D-E1 terminal has customisable attendance status names, and the DS-K1T671TMW suits installations needing strict attendance monitoring. Choose the terminal by where it is mounted and how staff will identify themselves.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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