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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

Smart access control here is mostly Hikvision equipment, including face recognition terminals and readers that identify a person by face, card, QR code or PIN keypad. 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 is smart access control?

Smart access control lets people open doors by face, fingerprint, card, PIN or QR code instead of a key, with users and permissions managed in software or an app. Entries can be logged, and access can be changed or removed without replacing locks. It suits offices, schools and apartment blocks. The range here includes face recognition terminals, card readers and QR code readers.

How does biometric access control work?

Biometric access control identifies a person by a physical feature, such as their face or fingerprint, instead of a card or code. The user is enrolled once, and the reader compares a new scan with the stored template before releasing the door. Look for liveness detection and data handling that suits UK GDPR. The range here includes face recognition terminals and a fingerprint reader.

What is a standalone door access system?

A standalone door access system controls a single door from one unit, storing its users and credentials locally, so it needs no separate controller or server. It suits small offices, gates and plant rooms. Networked systems connect readers to a controller or management software instead, which suits sites with many doors and central administration.

How does a smart card access control system work?

A smart card system uses contactless cards or fobs with a chip, such as MIFARE or DESFire, read by a reader beside the door. The reader passes the card's identity to the controller, which checks permissions and releases the lock. DESFire cards typically offer stronger encryption than older MIFARE Classic cards. The range here includes MIFARE and DESFire readers, plus MIFARE cards and key fobs.

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

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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