Question: How can integration with CCTV be used to enhance access control?
Answer: There are many possibilities, but one of the most useful is based on using the CCTV system to capture the image of every person as they “badge in” at an access control point.
Since many access control systems store pictures of the persons to whom badges are issued, displaying a live image from a camera next to the stored picture of the badge holder allows operator verification and override of access rights.
Whilst perhaps onerous for low level security, this could be an invaluable aid if fraudulent badge use is suspected or for remote sites and high security sites.
Another possibility is to programme the access control system so that it allows entry without visual confirmation during normal working hours, and verified access from an operator outside these hours.
Q: Can CCTV integration help with analysing failed entry attempts?
A: Certainly! If, as discussed in the answer to the previous question, images are captured of everyone who makes an entry attempt, it is a simple matter for an integrated system to tag those that correspond to failed attempts.
These images can then be readily located without having to trawl through hours of CCTV recordings.
And, even in systems where images of persons making entry attempts are not routinely recorded, it is possible to programme a CCTV system integrated with access control so that it automatically zooms in and records images from any access point where a failed attempt is made.
Q: How can integration with access control save money on a CCTV installation?
A: Once again there are many possibilities, but a popular option is to arrange for the access control system to trigger the CCTV system to record high-resolution pictures of everyone entering or leaving the building or controlled areas within the building.
People can then be tracked around the building utilising less cameras with wider area coverage since, if necessary, the high-resolution pictures from the entry and exit points can be used for facial recognition to evidential standards.
This is a much more cost-effective approach than using high-resolution cameras for facial recognition throughout the premises.
Q: Can integration help with CCTV image storage and access?
A: Yes! The access control system can be arranged so that it instructs the CCTV system to switch to a lower frame rate when the premises or room are not occupied, thereby reducing the amount of storage needed for the recordings.
The same could, of course, be done with motion sensors but access control integration has the additional benefit of allowing images to be tagged with the identity of the person who has entered the building or area.
This makes it much easier to search the recordings at a later date, especially if it is necessary to follow the movements of a particular person around the premises.
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