Glossary of Representative Terms Regarding Access Control

If you’re shopping for access control for the first time, or just want to refresh your memory on some key terms, our Access Control 101 glossary of key terms covers the basics.

Access Control/Access Control System
Access control systems are software and hardware that identify individuals and evaluate whether they are authorized to enter based on the credentials they present. It doesn’t enforce that decision; that’s the job of entry control. Credentials can be faces, fingerprints, PINs, key cards, smartphones, etc.

ADA
ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA creates and enforces strict rules to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. The Act became law in July 1990. ADA-compliant gates or turnstiles have been manufactured to comply with the act and require a lane width of at least 32 inches.

anti climbing
The system is designed to detect instances where unauthorized persons have climbed access control units. Fastlane products include anti-climb sensors that detect any such attempts and alert security personnel.

anti-crawl
A system designed to detect a person attempting to crawl under a turnstile. The matrix of infrared beams that Fastlane products use to detect tailgating and other attempts at unauthorized entry will notice the presence of any such intruders and generate an alarm.

Anti-passback
Passback is a collusive activity in which one person correctly passes through an access control point and then hands back their credentials to a fellow attempting to use the same credentials.

If a system has anti-passback, it means it can detect and prevent this, usually by preventing the same credentials from being used twice in quick succession.

Barrier arm gate
These turnstiles use retractable metal arms to create a psychological deterrent and a physical barrier. Fastlane barrier arm turnstiles are designed with the latest infrared technology to optimize and monitor the passage of people into and out of buildings.

two-way
Two-way turnstiles or gates allow people to enter and exit. Typical equipment can be set up to be bidirectional or non-bidirectional depending on operator preference, so you may have side-by-side entryways, exitways and bidirectional paths all using the same model of turnstile.

BIM (Building Information Modeling)
This is a broad term that describes the process of creating and managing digital information about a building or similar asset, often including a 3D digital model of the structure. This data is useful to those involved in the design, construction and management of buildings, as well as security professionals.

Biometric Access Control
Fast Lane Turnstiles

Use biometrics such as fingerprint, voice, retina or face as credentials to identify and authorize users. Modern biometric systems are sophisticated, offering options such as contactless fingerprinting.

starting power
In various contexts, “disengagement” is used to describe a system that is deliberately designed to give or break, in order to avoid certain risks or unsafe situations. In access control, breakaway force or breakaway pressure is the amount of force that needs to be applied before an obstacle yields without damage, which is especially important for emergency escape plans.

BYOD (bring your own device)
A method of access control that leverages users’ own devices, such as smartphones, other mobile devices, or wearable technology, meaning those users don’t have to remember separate, additional credentials.