Let the right people in with a fob, a card, a phone, a fingerprint or a code, and keep a record of every entry. We design and install access control systems for homes, gated properties, offices, warehouses and multi-tenant buildings across Orange County, Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, with 2N, LTS, Control4 and DoorBird. Looking for a doorbell or gate call box with video? See video door stations and intercoms.
Ways to open the door
What an access control system includes
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Readers | Card, fob, Bluetooth phone, keypad, fingerprint or face readers at each controlled door or gate. |
| Controller | Decides who gets in, where and when, and keeps the entry log. Panels for one to four doors and more. |
| Locks | Electric strikes, magnetic locks, smart locks and gate operators, chosen for each door. |
| Exit devices | Request-to-exit buttons, motion sensors and push bars so people can always get out. |
| Credentials | Encrypted cards and fobs, phone credentials, PIN codes and enrolled fingerprints or faces. |
| Software and app | Add and remove users, set schedules, unlock remotely and see every entry, matched to camera video. |
Safety and security, done right
- People can always get out: locks are set up so the door opens freely from inside with a lever, push bar or exit button, and release automatically with the fire alarm where code requires.
- Fail-safe or fail-secure, chosen per door: fail-safe locks unlock when power is lost (used where people must be able to get through); fail-secure locks stay locked (used for storage and outer doors with free exit).
- Battery backup: the controller and readers keep working through power outages.
- Credentials that can’t be copied easily: we recommend encrypted 13.56 MHz cards and fobs or phone credentials over older 125 kHz proximity fobs, which can be cloned.
- Lost fob? Revoke it in seconds: remove a fob, code or phone from the app or software without changing a single lock.
- Schedules and records: limit each person to the doors and hours they need, and keep a log of every entry, matched to camera video.
- Biometric privacy: fingerprint and face readers store encrypted templates on the device, not photos, and can be limited to set days and times.
- A protected network: readers, controllers and cameras go on their own secured network (see networking), with strong passwords and current firmware.
- Licensed installation: California licensed contractor #909750, insured and bonded, with the door hardware, wiring and programming done by one team.
For homes
Fingerprint or phone entry so nobody hides a key under the mat, temporary codes for the housekeeper and dog walker, gate and garage control from your phone, and an alert whenever someone comes or goes. With Control4, the doors, lights, cameras and alarm work together.
For businesses
Badge access for staff, schedules that lock up automatically after hours, two-factor entry for server rooms and storage, and a record of every entry. Add cameras at each door with our Security Cameras and license plate cameras at the gate, and manage it from one place.
How an access control project runs
- Site walk. We look at each door and gate, the door hardware, power, network and how people come and go.
- Design and quote. Readers, locks, controller and credentials for each door, with one written price.
- Install. Wiring, electric strikes or maglocks, exit devices, readers and gate connections.
- Program. Users, fobs, phones, fingerprints, schedules, and the app on your phones and touchscreens.
- Test and train. Every door tested, including power loss and fire alarm release, then we show you how to add and remove users.
Questions we get asked
Can I open my door or gate from my phone?
Yes. 2N, LTS, Control4 and DoorBird all offer phone apps to unlock from anywhere, and many systems also open with Bluetooth as you walk up.
Are fingerprint readers safe and private?
They store an encrypted template, not an image of your fingerprint, and can be limited to certain days and times. For high-security doors, combine fingerprint or card with a PIN.
What happens if the power goes out?
We install battery backup for the controller and readers. Each lock is chosen to fail safe or fail secure depending on the door, and people can always exit from inside.
What if someone loses a fob?
Remove it from the system in seconds. No locks need to be changed, and the lost fob stops working immediately.
Are old 125 kHz fobs secure?
Older proximity fobs can be copied. We recommend encrypted 13.56 MHz cards and fobs or phone credentials, and can upgrade readers while keeping your existing locks.
Do you work on apartment and office buildings?
Yes. 2N and LTS systems scale to many doors and users, with schedules and permissions for each tenant or employee.
See also: video door stations and intercoms, security camera installation and Security Cameras.
Ready to control who gets in? Call 1-800-715-4958 or request a free quote. California licensed contractor #909750, insured and bonded.