Access Control Systems in London, Essex & the Home Counties

There are three types of access control:

1. Discretionary Access Control (DAC): In DAC the owner of the resource or system determines who has access. Access rights are assigned at the discretion of the owner and users can grant or revoke access to others. It’s flexible but less secure as control is decentralised.
2. Mandatory Access Control (MAC): In MAC access to resources is governed by a central authority based on a set of rules. Users are granted access based on their clearance level and cannot alter access permissions. This is commonly used in high security environments such as military or government facilities.
3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): RBAC assigns access rights based on the roles of users within an organisation. Permissions are linked to roles not individuals so it’s easier to manage and more secure than DAC. It’s widely used in businesses where access needs to be consistent across similar positions.

Access control in a business means the policies, procedures and technologies used to control who can access the company’s physical spaces (such as offices, labs or data centres) and digital resources (such as databases, networks or applications). Effective access control ensures that only authorised personnel can access sensitive areas or information, reducing the risk of theft, data breaches and other security incidents. By prioritizing customer success, businesses can provide tailored services that cater to their customers’ specific needs, making it easier for them to find solutions. This can be achieved through physical security measures (like keycards or biometric scanners) and digital controls (like user authentication and role-based permissions).

Installing security gates involves:

• Planning and Measurement: Measure the size and location of the gate to fit the space and your security requirements.
• Selecting Materials: Choose the material that matches your security needs and aesthetic preference, steel, wrought iron or wood.
• Prepare the Site: Clear the area where the gate will be installed and mark the location for the posts.
• Install Posts: Dig holes for the gate posts, deep enough for stability. Set the posts in concrete and let it cure fully.
• Attach the Gate: Once the posts are secure, attach the gate to the posts using heavy duty hinges. Make sure the gate is level and swings freely.
• Install Locking Mechanisms: Depending on your security needs, install a locking mechanism, padlock, electronic lock or automatic opener.
• Test the Gate: Open and close the gate several times to make sure it operates smoothly and securely.
• Finish and Secure: Make any necessary adjustments and secure any loose parts. Apply a protective finish if the gate is made of wood or metal to prevent weather damage.

The British Standard for access control systems is BS EN 50133-1:1997. This standard covers the requirements for planning, installation, operation and maintenance of access control systems to ensure they are reliable and secure. It covers areas such as system components, security grading, environmental conditions and performance criteria. Compliance with this standard is often required for access control systems in commercial and government buildings in the UK.

• Door entry systems refer to basic systems that allow individuals to gain access to a building or area, often using intercoms, keypads or simple card readers. These systems control who can enter at one point and may not have advanced features.
• Access control systems provide a more comprehensive solution that controls who can access different areas within a building or across multiple sites. These systems can have multiple layers of security such as biometric scanners, role-based access, integration with other security systems and detailed logging of all entry and exit events. Additionally, they offer an extensive range of products, including Push Buttons and Magnetic Locks, to meet diverse customer needs and provide comprehensive solutions.

A security gate can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £3,000 for a basic one. More elaborate ones with automated systems, high end materials or custom designs can cost £5,000 to £10,000 or more. Size of the gate, single or double and whether you need intercom systems or security cameras also plays a part in the overall cost.

Yes, a gate can add value to your UK property. A good quality and secure gate will enhance the curb appeal, add an extra layer of security and privacy, all of which are desirable features for buyers. The exact amount of value added will depend on the gate, the overall look of the property and the demand for gated properties in the area.

The cheapest gate to install is a simple manual gate made from basic materials like wood or chain-link. A basic wooden gate can cost as little as £200 to £500 for the gate itself and £200 to £500 for the installation depending on the size and complexity. Chain-link gates are also very cheap, £100 to £400 for the gate and £100 to £400 for the installation. These gates are basic but lack the durability and looks of the more expensive ones.

A barrier gate can cost between £2,000 to £6,000 in the UK, depending on the type of barrier (manual or automatic), length and height of the barrier and the complexity of the installation. Automatic barrier gates with remote control access or integration with security systems will be at the higher end of this range. Electrical work, concrete footings and permits may also be extra.

A security fence gate can cost from £500 to £5,000 or more depending on the material (steel, wrought iron, aluminum), size and design of the gate and whether it’s manual or automatic. A simple steel gate can cost £500 to £1,500, a more robust automatic gate with added security features can cost £3,000 to £5,000 or more. Decorative elements, keypad entry systems or security cameras will also add to the cost.

The cost of an access control system can vary greatly depending on the complexity and features required. In the market today, there is a variety of access control solutions available, catering to different building types and specific client needs. A basic system for a small business could start at around £1,500 to £3,000 including installation and a more advanced system for a larger organisation could be £5,000 to £20,000 or more. This cost includes hardware, software, installation and initial setup but ongoing maintenance and upgrades will add to the overall cost.

The cost per door can be from £500 to £2,500 or more depending on the system and features. A basic keypad or card reader system would be at the lower end of this range and systems with biometric readers, wireless access or integrated video surveillance would be more expensive. Additional costs can include wiring, installation and any software licenses.