With an access control system, the user has a keyfob, swipe card or access code to allow them to open a door, gate, or any kind of entrance. A door entry, or intercom, system has a panel at the entrance and the visitor can then talk to somebody within the property who can then decide whether to grant access via the entry system. Access control systems are typically used on sites which require automated management of the right of individuals to access specific areas of a site.

This depends on how your CCTV system is configured and what your requirements are. We always ask our clients to explain their objectives before installing any system so we can ensure that you get the right system for your needs. In most cases, it makes sense to ensure the CCTV system will continue to record independently of your internet connection and there are a number of different ways we can achieve this for you, building additional redundancy into the design. For example, if the CCTV cameras are hard-wired to your recorder, NVR or DVR, or have an internal memory, then the recording will be stored, even though you may not be able to access images remotely for a period of time. The activity on your site is still being saved to the hard drive of the recorder.

There are generally two types of CCTV camera – static and ‘pan, tilt & zoom’ (PTZ). A static CCTV camera gives you a fixed view of an area you wish to monitor or protect; however a PTZ camera can be controlled by a either an operator using a joystick, artificial intelligence software, or linked to detectors or motion sensors to control the movement of the camera. The advantage of a PTZ camera is that you can change the view to cover a larger area where required.