Access Control
Electronic systems that grant or deny entry to doors, gates, elevators, and amenity spaces.
What is Access Control?
A modern access control system includes readers (or mobile credentials), an access controller, electric strikes/mag locks, REX (request-to-exit) devices, door position switches, and a cloud or on-prem management platform. EIG PRO designs and installs Brivo, Openpath, ButterflyMX, and PDK systems. A complete Access Control deployment includes the devices users see and the supporting network, power, pathways, mounting, licensing, configuration, cybersecurity, testing, training, and documentation needed to operate them. The exact architecture depends on occupancy, coverage, owner standards, integration requirements, and the project specification; a product list by itself is not a complete system design. During planning, coordinate rooms, rack space, switch capacity, PoE budget where applicable, cable routes, internet or cloud dependencies, and responsibility for ongoing subscriptions and support. During closeout, preserve approved submittals, device schedules, labels, test results, configuration backups, credentials handoff procedures, and warranty records. These steps make Access Control safer to operate and easier to service over its useful life.
Frequently asked questions
Published references
Use the current project documents and adopted code. These links identify the standards owner, regulator, or manufacturer behind this article.
Where EIG PRO uses this
Related terms
Wiegand Protocol
A legacy one-way communication standard between access control readers and controllers, now largely superseded by OSDP.
ButterflyMX
A cloud-based video intercom and access control system widely deployed in modern multifamily.
Brivo
A cloud-based access control platform for commercial and multifamily.
Mag Lock vs Electric Strike
Two methods of electrically controlling a door: a magnet that holds the door closed, vs a strike that releases the latch.
OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol)
A modern, encrypted communication standard for access control readers and controllers.
