Access Control Systems

Comprehensive access control solutions for businesses, industrial facilities, commercial premises and residential properties. From managing individual doors to centrally controlling multiple access points, Fotellis S.A. provides modern systems incorporating RFID, PIN, biometric identification and smartphone-based access technologies, offering complete services from system design and installation to ongoing technical support.

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What Are Access Control Systems?

Access control systems provide comprehensive solutions for managing and controlling the entry and exit of individuals in buildings, commercial premises and restricted areas. Using technologies such as RFID cards, personal PIN codes, smartphones and biometric identification, these systems identify users and verify their access permissions.

Their operation relies on access readers, electronic controllers and appropriate locking mechanisms, which work together to authorise or deny each access request. Depending on the system architecture, they can support centralised management of multiple doors and sites, event logging and the assignment of different access permissions based on the user, location and time period.

Where Are Access Control Systems Used?

Logistics & Industrial Facilities

Shops & Retail Spaces

Homes & Residential Complexes

Offices & Commercial Premises

Public Spaces & Buildings

Key Benefits

Enhanced Security

Controlling and verifying access permissions helps prevent unauthorised entry, protecting commercial premises, facilities and critical areas.

Event Monitoring & Logging

Recording access events enables authorised administrators to identify who entered, when and through which access point, providing greater visibility and oversight of controlled areas.

Access Rights Management

Administrators can grant, modify or revoke access permissions for individual users or groups. Depending on the system, access can be restricted to specific doors, days and times.

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

What Does a Complete Access Control System Include?

A complete access control system combines readers, electronic controllers, electric locks and peripheral devices to manage entry and exit. In centrally managed systems, dedicated software enables the management of users, access permissions and events.

01 User Credential RFID card, PIN, smartphone or biometric identification

02 Access Reader Credential recognition Learn More

The reader captures the user's credential and transmits the relevant data to the access control system. The available technology depends on the type of reader.

03 Access Controller Access permission verification Learn More

The electronic controller verifies the user's access permissions against the predefined rules. If access is authorised, it activates the appropriate output to unlock the door.

04 Electric Lock Controlled door unlocking Learn More

The electric lock controls the unlocking of the door according to commands received from the system, allowing authorised users to gain access.

Management Software Users, permissions and events

In centrally managed systems, the software enables administrators to create user profiles, register access cards, define authorised doors and access schedules, and view recorded events.

Door Peripherals Exit controls, door status and monitoring

Depending on the installation, the system may include exit buttons, door status sensors and devices for detecting unauthorised door opening.

System configuration and available features depend on the equipment selected and the specific requirements of each installation.

SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY INSTALLATION

Types of Access Control Systems

Access control systems can be divided into stand-alone and centrally managed systems, depending on the number of access points, management requirements and the specific needs of each installation.

01

Illustrative equipment for a stand-alone access control system

STAND-ALONE OPERATION

Stand-Alone Access Control Systems

Stand-alone access control systems are primarily used to control access through a single door, without the need for a central management platform.

Access cards and personal PIN codes are registered locally, using a keypad or an appropriate programming procedure. When a user presents their credential, the system checks the stored access permissions and, if access is authorised, activates the electric lock.

Access control using cards or PIN codes
Local management of access permissions
Primarily suitable for single-door applications

02

Illustrative equipment for a centrally managed access control system

CENTRALISED MANAGEMENT

Centrally Managed Access Control Systems

Centrally managed access control systems enable multiple doors, floors or buildings to be controlled through a single software platform.

Authorised administrators can create user profiles, register access cards and define specific access permissions for individual doors and time periods. Controllers verify user credentials and manage door unlocking, while access events are logged and displayed through the central management platform.

Centralised control of multiple doors
User-specific and time-based access permissions
Centralised access event logging

THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND ACCESS CONTROL

Access Controllers & Door Modules

Access controllers and door modules are essential components of a centrally managed access control system. They work with access readers and electric locking mechanisms to manage access permissions and control multiple entry points.

01

Central cluster controller for an access control system

CENTRALISED CONTROL

Central Access Controllers (Cluster Controllers)

Central access controllers are key management units within a networked access control system. They connect to the site's network and coordinate the operation of multiple access points.

They offer local data and access permission storage capabilities, allowing doors to remain operational even if communication with the central server is lost, depending on the equipment and system configuration.

Management of multiple doors
Network communication with the system
Local operation capability

02

Door module for connecting an access reader and electric lock

ACCESS POINT MANAGEMENT

Door Modules

Door modules are peripheral units within an access control system. They connect to the devices installed at each controlled door.

They support the connection of access readers, electric locks and exit buttons, transmitting the necessary data and signals to the central controller. In this way, they facilitate the management and control of each access point.

Connection of access readers
Control of electric locks
Communication with the central controller

IDENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Access Control Reader Technologies

Access readers are essential components of an access control system, enabling the recognition of user credentials. Depending on the security requirements and the intended use of the installation, technologies such as RFID, PIN keypads, biometric identification and smartphone-based access can be used.

01

RFID reader for access control cards and key fobs

CARD-BASED IDENTIFICATION

RFID Readers

RFID readers are used to recognise proximity cards and key fobs, allowing users to present their credentials without making physical contact with the device.

They are a widely used solution for controlling access to offices, businesses and commercial premises. Available features depend on the system and the type of credentials used.

02

CARD & PERSONAL PIN

Keypad Readers

Keypad readers allow users to enter a personal PIN code to gain access. Depending on the model and system configuration, they can combine card recognition with PIN entry.

Combining different credentials can provide an additional layer of verification in areas with higher security requirements.

03

Biometric reader for an access control system

BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION

Biometric Readers

Biometric readers use individual characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, depending on the technology of the device.

They can be used in installations with specific identification requirements, where their selection and use must also take account of personal data protection requirements.

04

SMARTPHONE-BASED ACCESS

Mobile Access Readers

Mobile Access solutions allow a compatible smartphone to be used as an electronic credential, without necessarily requiring a physical access card.

Depending on the equipment, communication can take place via Bluetooth or NFC, supporting modern access management methods in commercial and professional environments.

SPECIALISED VEHICLE ACCESS CONTROL

Automatic Vehicle Access Control with Nedap uPASS

Advanced vehicle identification and access control solutions for corporate car parks, industrial facilities, logistics centres and sites with enhanced security requirements.

Vehicle Access Control systems use Nedap uPASS readers with UHF RFID technology to identify authorised vehicles as they approach a controlled entry point.

A passive RFID tag installed on the vehicle's windscreen acts as an electronic credential. The reader transmits a UHF signal, receives the tag's response and forwards the identification data to the access control system.

The controller verifies the vehicle's access permissions and, if access is authorised, activates the appropriate output to open the barrier or gate.

Vehicle Identification at a Distance

UHF RFID technology enables the identification of compatible electronic credentials as vehicles approach an access point, within the system's specified reading range.

Convenient & Efficient Vehicle Access

Automated identification reduces the need for manual checks at entry points, making everyday access easier for staff and other authorised vehicles.

Controlled Access to Secure Areas

The system verifies registered access permissions before allowing the barrier or gate to be activated, helping to protect the facility.

Centralised Management Capability

Depending on system compatibility and configuration, vehicle access control can be integrated into a wider access control system, supporting access permission management and event logging.

NEDAP uPASS · VEHICLE ACCESS

Corporate vehicle approaching a controlled entrance with an automatic access barrier

Nedap uPASS UHF RFID reader for vehicle access control

Passive UHF RFID windscreen tag for identifying authorised vehicles

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION uPASS UHF RFID TECHNOLOGY

HOW IT WORKS

As a vehicle approaches the entry point, the Nedap uPASS reader identifies the RFID tag installed on its windscreen. The identification data is transmitted to the access control controller, which verifies the vehicle's access permissions. Once access is authorised, the appropriate command is issued to open the barrier or gate.

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TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Where Is Vehicle Access Control Used?

Corporate Car Parks
Industrial Facilities
Logistics Centres & Warehouses
Residential Complexes
High-Security Facilities
Controlled Entrances with Barriers & Gates

Technologies & Manufacturers

Carefully Selected Equipment for Every Installation

Every installation has different access control requirements. For this reason, Fotellis S.A. selects suitable professional equipment and designs each system with an emphasis on reliability, compatibility, security and future scalability.

From central access controllers and door modules to RFID readers and biometric identification devices, we use technologies tailored to the specific needs of each project. The selection of suitable solutions is based on technical requirements, the number of access points and the characteristics of the installation.

Site Survey, Installation & Technical Support

From the initial enquiry and free site survey through to installation, preventive maintenance and technical support, Fotellis S.A. manages every stage of implementing an access control system, tailored to the needs and requirements of each installation.

00

Initial Contact

Tell us about your premises, entry and exit points, and access control requirements. Our team will guide you through the available options and explain the next steps.

01

Free Site Survey

We assess the layout of your premises, the number of doors, access points and user management requirements. Based on the characteristics of the site, we determine the appropriate equipment and system architecture.

02

Installation

We install the access readers, controllers and necessary door hardware, and configure the access permissions. The installation is followed by system testing to verify correct operation.

03

Maintenance &
Technical Support

We provide preventive inspections, scheduled maintenance and technical support for access control equipment, helping to identify potential issues early and maintain reliable system operation.

Why Choose Fotellis S.A.

Since 1972, Fotellis S.A. has combined experience, technical expertise and modern security technologies to deliver comprehensive access control solutions for businesses, commercial premises and residential properties, tailored to the specific requirements of each installation.

50+ Years of Experience

Decades of experience in the security industry, with expertise in the design, installation and technical support of modern access control systems for a wide range of applications.

Reliable & High-Quality Equipment

We select professional access control equipment from recognised manufacturers, focusing on reliability, compatibility and the suitability of each device for the technical requirements of the installation.

Tailored Solutions

Each system is designed according to the layout of the premises, the number of access points, user requirements and the necessary access permissions, with the ability to accommodate future expansion.

Specialist Technical Team

Our experienced technical team handles system installation, configuration and support, from setting up access readers and controllers to managing user access permissions.

Comprehensive Access Control Solutions

We combine RFID readers, PIN keypads, biometric technologies, access controllers and electronic locking systems, with options for centralised management and control of multiple access points.

Specialised Access Control Applications

We design access control solutions for industrial facilities, warehouses, commercial buildings and sites with demanding security requirements, as well as vehicle identification solutions using UHF RFID technology.

1972 Year Founded

25,000+ Security Systems

Free Access Control Site Survey

Frequently Asked Questions About Access Control Systems

Can I manage my access control system remotely?

Yes, provided the system supports remote management. Depending on the equipment and software, you can manage users, access permissions and events through a suitable network connection, without needing to be physically present on site.

Does an access control system require maintenance?

Regular maintenance is important to ensure the reliable operation of an access control system. It includes checks of access readers, controllers, electric locks and connections, as well as inspections of system settings and overall performance. Fotellis S.A. provides preventive maintenance and technical support services.

Can access control systems be integrated with CCTV and alarm systems?

Yes, many access control systems support integration with CCTV and intruder alarm systems. Depending on equipment compatibility, access events can be linked with other security functions, enabling more comprehensive security management across the premises.

Are user entries and exits recorded?

Access control systems with event logging capabilities can store information about access attempts, such as the access point, date, time and outcome of the identification process. The data retention period depends on the system's capabilities and the applicable retention policy, in accordance with personal data protection requirements.

Are access control systems GDPR compliant?

Access control systems can support the implementation of appropriate personal data protection measures. However, GDPR compliance depends on how the system is installed, managed and used, the lawful basis for processing personal data and the applicable data retention policy. The use of biometric data requires particular consideration due to its sensitive nature.

What happens if an access card or key fob is lost?

In systems that support credential management, a lost access card or key fob can be deactivated to prevent further use. A new credential can then be issued and registered for the user, without the need to replace the entire access control system.

Can I set specific access days and times for each user?

Yes, access control systems with scheduling capabilities allow access permissions to be defined for individual users or groups, based on specific days, times and access points. For example, staff can be granted access only to authorised areas during designated working hours, according to the requirements of the premises.

Does an access control system work without an internet connection?

Some access control systems feature controllers with local data and access permission storage, allowing essential functions to continue operating even if communication with the central server is lost. System operation in the event of a network or power failure depends on the equipment used and the design of the installation.

Free Access Control Site Survey

We Design the Right Access Control System for Your Premises

We assess the needs and technical requirements of your premises, conduct a free site survey and recommend comprehensive access control solutions, incorporating suitable identification technologies, access permission management and entry point control, all tailored to the specific requirements of your site.

Contact Us Our team will contact you to discuss the next steps.