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The role of CCTV in access control

A picture tells a thousand words

CCTV has been an integral part of access control over the years. Traditionally CCTV has replaced the original door 'peep hole' allowing electric door locks to be opened from offices not next to the entrance door. More advanced systems place CCTV cameras to watch their clock card or door access areas.

As with everything electronic, traditional access control systems have advanced dramatically over the last few years. The simplistic clock card system has advanced and state-of-the-art biometric systems that range from fingerprint readers to facial recognition systems are now readily available. This is great for computerised high tech installations where money is no object. Some companies have a CCTV camera connected to a VCR that requires the operator to constantly change tapes. We all know how difficult it is to try and find the exact spot on the tape you need.

The majority of companies do not have biometric systems, nor can they afford to install them. They are still plagued by the traditional access control problems of staff clocking in for their late arrival friends or for other staff who do not even turn up for the day.

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