In this article, we focus on the different types of access control systems for businesses. An increasing number of businesses are now looking at ways to improve and secure access to and from their premises.
As a result, companies are investing in these systems to manage entry, track employee whereabouts, and provide secure access to a site or building. The different types of access control systems businesses invest in are:
- Video intercom and video door entry
- Audio intercom
- IP intercom
- Card and fob access systems
Before we get started, if you are currently looking for a system for your business, head over to the access control section of our website for more information.
Access Control Systems for Business.
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Key article takeaways (TL;DR)
- Access control systems manage who can access buildings, doors, and restricted areas.
- Common systems include key fobs, video intercoms, biometric readers, and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras.
- Each system offers different benefits for offices, schools, warehouses, and car parks.
- Role-based permissions and time-based restrictions can be applied to most systems.
- Choosing the right system depends on site layout, traffic flow, and security level required.
The different types of access control systems
In the following section of this guide to the different types of access control systems, we focus on solutions covering intercoms, and keyless door access solutions.
IP intercom systems
IP intercom systems are growing in popularity for companies committed to providing secure access to, from, and around their building.
Over the years, IP intercom systems have revolutionised the access control industry by combining audio and video technology over Internet protocol (IP) networks. These systems enable seamless and secure intercom functionality, allowing users to communicate remotely, manage access control, and enhance overall security.
With the integration of advanced features, IP intercoms redefine modern communication in commercial, educational and industrial settings.
Why choose IP intercom for your business?
IP Intercom systems offer businesses a range of benefits including:
- Flexibility
- Peace of mind
- Ease-of-installation
- Data capture
- Performance & quality
- Scalability – adding more intercoms to the system
- Company image
Both video and audio intercom systems can operate easily over IP and can be deployed:
- Externally – outside the main entrance, at the main gate, or at other key external access points
- Internally – to restrict access to certain areas of the building such as server rooms, areas holding petty cash, and more
Whether you’re considering a video door entry or an audio intercom system, we would highly recommend an IP-based solution.
IP Intercom Systems.
Find out more about our IP video and audio intercom systems today.
Our IP intercom partners
Here at Safeguard Systems, we work with a range of IP intercom system manufacturers including:
- Hikvision
- Paxton
- Videx
Here are some useful links to their product pages:
If you are keen to learn more about these solutions, read our article covering the benefits of IP intercom systems. Alternatively, click the button below to view our IP intercom solutions page.
Video Intercoms
In this section of our guide to the types of access control systems, we focus on video intercoms. These systems offer an additional layer of security for a business as you get to see who’s at the door before letting them in.
This helps companies manage visitor access, and deliveries whilst preventing unauthorised access.
These security systems provide real-time video communication, empowering you to manage site and internal access. With their user-friendly interfaces and integration capabilities, video intercoms redefine safety.
Furthermore, they foster a secure and connected environment for both public sector and commercial spaces. These security systems are the perfect option for a range of businesses and organisations including:
- Schools
- Office based businesses
- Warehouses and factories
- Doctors surgeries
- Hotels
- Gyms and more
Why choose a video intercom for your business?
Video door entry systems are a fantastic way to:
- Grant, track, and manage visitor access
- Restrict access, and manage the flow of visitors to and from a business premises
- Provide security and peace of mind to reception staff
- Impress visitors – no need to leave them waiting in the rain whilst someone runs down to let them in
- Manage health and safety
Video Intercom & Door Entry Systems.
Find out more about our video intercom and door entry systems today.
Our Video Intercom Partners
Here at Safeguard Systems, we work with a range of video intercom system manufacturers including:
- Paxton
- Videx
- Fermax
- Intratone
Here are some links to their products and solutions.
If you would like to learn more about this subject read our article covering the the benefits of video intercom entry systems. Alternatively, to find out more about the video intercom systems we install, click the button below.
Audio Intercom Systems
Audio intercoms are an effective form of access control for businesses looking to secure access to, from, and around their site. However, there is a current assumption that the rise of video intercoms has diminished the need for their audio-only counterparts.
Whilst video intercom systems are currently very popular, audio intercom still plays a vital role in helping businesses manage access around a site.
Why choose audio intercom systems?
How these security systems are implemented can vary. Normally this includes:
- External and internal door access and security situations
- 1-2-1 communication
- Integrating with public address systems
As you can see there are a number of settings where audio intercoms offer a fantastic access control solution.
Our Audio Intercom Partners
If you’re interested in learning more about the range of audio intercom systems, Safeguard Systems can install, here are some helpful links.
Key fob door entry systems
Key fob door entry systems are a secure means for a business to control access to and from its building and premises.
These systems either use a:
- Fob
- Keycard
- Mobile phone
In the next section of this guide to the different types of access control systems, we summarise the benefits of key fob door entry systems.
Why choose key fob door entry systems for your business?
The access control systems, help companies manage site access effectively and allow businesses to track attendance, timekeeping and employee whereabouts.
Furthermore, key fob door entry systems help businesses negate the risks of staff losing office door keys and the associated costs of replacing them.
To summarise, these access control systems help to monitor staff:
- Attendance
- Timekeeping
- Productivity
There are various uses for key fob door entry systems:
- External – at the office front door, entry gate, or external facilities such as bin stores
- Internal – to allow and restrict access to certain areas and monitor who is where in the building. This could be server rooms, meeting rooms, and offices where expensive equipment or cash is kept
In the remaining section of this guide to the different types of access control, focus on the solutions offered by our partners at Paxton.
Our key Fob Door Entry Partner – Paxton Access
Here are Safeguard Systems, our recommended keyless door access system is Paxton.
There are two core systems we recommend to businesses.
- Paxton Net2 – for fob, audio, and video door entry
- Paxton 10 – for companies looking to use mobile phones as the access token (via Bluetooth connectivity).
Here are some helpful links to the Paxton website.
Keyless Door Entry Systems – Related Reading
If you are currently researching your keyless door entry options here are some links to articles we have written on the subject.
Alternatively, click the button below to find out more about the key fob door entry systems we design and install.
The different types of access control systems – summary
There we have it – a detailed guide to the different types of access control systems for businesses.
To summarise:
- IP intercoms are now the key choice for companies looking to secure access to their sites
- Video intercom solutions offer an effective means to secure access to our buildings or sites. They help manage the flow of visitors, improve site safety, and prevent unathorised access
- Audio intercoms play a pivotal role in managing external and internal access in a range of settings
- Key fob door systems help companies manage access, and track and monitor data such as staff attendance timekeeping and whereabouts
We hope you have enjoyed this article and have gained some new insights into the types of access control solutions for businesses.
Looking for a new access control system for your business?
As you can see we are experts in access control, covering a wide range of systems.
Give us a call today on 0800 689 1835 to discuss your requirements or send us a message via our contact form.
Frequently asked questions
The five key types are discretionary access control (DAC), mandatory access control (MAC), role-based access control (RBAC), rule-based access control (RuBAC), and attribute-based access control (ABAC). Each has unique features suited to different levels of security and management needs.
Door access control systems include key fob and card readers, PIN code keypads, biometric scanners (fingerprint or facial recognition), video intercoms, mobile-based entry, and networked smart locks. Each offers varying levels of convenience, security, and suitability for different site types.
Key fob systems use encoded tokens assigned to staff or authorised users. When tapped against a reader, the system checks credentials and unlocks the door if access is permitted. They’re widely used in offices, schools, and apartment buildings for ease of use and audit trails.
Video intercoms let staff visually and verbally confirm a visitor’s identity before granting access. They’re ideal for main entrances, school reception areas, or apartment blocks. Some systems also log entry attempts and can be connected to remote monitoring centres for after-hours control.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras scan vehicle licence plates and grant or deny access based on a pre-approved list. They’re commonly used at business parks, gated residential areas, and logistics hubs to manage vehicular access without the need for physical tokens or fobs.
Standalone systems manage access locally at each door—good for small premises. Networked systems are centrally managed, allowing you to update permissions, monitor access logs, and integrate with CCTV or alarms across multiple entry points from a single platform.
Yes. Most modern access control systems (key fob, card, or biometric) create time-stamped logs of each access event. This helps track staff attendance, investigate incidents, and support health and safety or fire roll-call protocols.
Mobile access control systems allow users to unlock doors using smartphone apps or Bluetooth credentials. They’re convenient for hybrid teams or multi-site businesses and reduce the risk of lost cards or fobs—but they require strong network infrastructure and app security.
For schools, video intercoms and time-restricted fob systems offer secure, controlled entry. Offices benefit from fob or mobile-based systems with area-based access permissions. Industrial sites and car parks often require ANPR for vehicle control and rugged access control readers for external doors.
