What is the purpose of access control systems in security?

Access control systems are primarily designed to manage and regulate who may enter specific areas within a facility. This involves creating a secure environment by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive or restricted areas. By implementing access control measures—such as identification cards, biometric scanners, or keypad entry systems—organizations can effectively restrict entry to prevent unauthorized access, which enhances overall security.

The focus of access control is not on completely preventing all visitors from entering a location, as this would not serve legitimate visitors or employees. Additionally, access control systems are not designed to monitor employee productivity or automate maintenance tasks, as these fall outside their primary function. Instead, the core purpose is to ensure that security is maintained by allowing only authorized personnel to access certain areas, thereby protecting assets and sensitive information.