Controlling who enters your premises — and when — is one of the most important aspects of keeping your business secure. But with so many access control options available, it can be hard to know which system is right for you.
In this post, we break down the main types of access control systems, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right setup for your site.
Access control does more than just keep people out. It helps you manage internal movement, protect sensitive areas, monitor attendance, and ensure compliance with health and safety policies.
It also adds a level of control that traditional locks can’t provide — especially when it comes to audit trails, staff changes, and security breaches.
Here are the most common types used by UK businesses today:
Users enter a numeric code to gain access.
Pros: Low cost, simple to install
Cons: Codes can be shared, limited traceability
Staff are issued swipe cards or fobs that grant access to specific doors.
Pros: Easy to manage access levels, scalable for large teams
Cons: Cards/fobs can be lost or borrowed
Uses fingerprints, facial recognition, or retina scanning.
Pros: High security, can’t be lost or duplicated
Cons: Higher initial cost, sensitive to environment (e.g. dirt, lighting)
Access is controlled via smartphones using secure apps or digital credentials.
Pros: Convenient, cloud-controlled, easy for remote management
Cons: Dependent on phone battery and connectivity
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution — the right system depends on your building, your operations, and the level of security you need. Consider:\n
How many staff or visitors you have
Which areas need restricted access
Whether you need remote access or time tracking
Your compliance requirements (e.g. GDPR, health & safety)
Your budget and future scalability\n
We recommend booking a site assessment so we can recommend the best option based on your needs.
Access control doesn’t have to work in isolation. We can integrate your access control with:\n
Intruder alarms
Fire alarm systems (for automatic door releases)
CCTV systems
Time and attendance tracking\n
This gives you a complete view of who’s on-site, when, and where — helping you respond to incidents quickly and confidently.
At Valley Fire & Security Ltd, we design access control systems around your business — not the other way around. Whether you need a single-entry point or a multi-site network, we’ve got the experience to make it simple, secure, and compliant.