In your business, protecting your team, assets, and property is just as vital as securing your data. Access control puts you in charge of everybody entering your workplace, creating a safer environment and giving you full control over who goes where and when.
Smile IT has provided access control for businesses all across Brisbane, helping improve their safety and compliance while providing greater peace of mind to management.
One of the most requested systems we install is UniFi Access by Ubiquiti, and there are good reasons for this. Let’s take a close look at what they are and why this is such a popular access control setup.
Introducing UniFi Access Control from Ubiquiti
UniFi Access by Ubiquiti is an enterprise-grade door access control system that integrates seamlessly into the UniFi ecosystem. It’s highly scalable, license-free and genius in its simplicity, requiring just a few PoE-connected components to operate. You could be securing a single-entry point or an entire worksite – UniFi is the flexible solution that will make it happen.
Key Components of UniFi Access Systems
UniFi Access is made up of several key components that work together to create a secure entry experience. Each of them plays a crucial role in keeping your workplace protected and easy to manage.
Control Hubs
Control Hubs are the backbone of the UniFi Access system, playing the part of middleman between the door lock and the access reader. There are three different types, catering to specific access control situations: doors, gates and elevators. You can combine these different hubs in a single setup to build a flexible and secure access control system.
Key models include:
- Door Hub: Manages single-door access with support for multiple readers and accessories.
- Gate Hub: Designed for seamless gate access control. Supports license plate recognition when paired with UniFi Protect AI Cameras. Also supports access via intercom or connected access readers.
- Enterprise Access Hub: An integrated hub and reader unit with entry and exit control for up to eight doors.
- Elevator Hub: Supports up to 18 floors, connecting in-elevator readers with PoE for floor selection and authorisation.
Readers
UniFi Access Readers are the user-facing devices that authenticate credentials and grant access. These sleek-looking units support various methods, including NFC (Near Field Communication) cards, key fobs, mobile apps, and PIN codes.
Some of the standout models are:
- G3 Reader Pro: This NFC reader with video intercom features a touchscreen, NFC, and supports Google and Apple wallets. It’s suitable for high-traffic areas.
- G3 Reader: A compact reader supporting NFC and Apple and Google wallets. It has ‘request-to-exit’ and is ideal for standard access points.
Intercoms
The UniFi Access Intercom enhances security by allowing two-way communication between visitors and occupants. With an integrated camera, ultra-bright touch display and crystal-clear two-way audio, it connects to an Access Hub with PoE. Engineered for durability in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, it’s a comprehensive entry management solution that looks as good as it functions.
Locks
UniFi Access supports various electric locks, including fail-safe and fail-secure models, ensuring compatibility with different security requirements. The system’s flexibility allows integration with existing locking mechanisms or the implementation of new ones.
Touch Pass
With Touch Pass, users can gain entry using their smartphones via the UniFi Identity mobile app. Once the Touch Pass is provisioned by an administrator, it’s deployed into the UniFi ecosystem. The user can add it to their Apple Wallet with the UniFi Identity application and unlock doors they are authorised to.
Why Choose UniFi Access Control?
Built for Resilience
UniFi Access is engineered to stay secure when it matters most. With support for battery backups and emergency overrides, it keeps doors protected even during power cuts or system failures.
All-in-One Security
Real-time monitoring and recording via CCTV of who comes and goes at your business is possible thanks to the integration of UniFi Access with UniFi Protect. This takes your security to the next level, providing important footage of foot traffic that can prove vital in legal proceedings if an on-site security issue reaches that stage.
Grows with You
This is an access solution that’s designed to grow with your business. If your SMB develops into a large enterprise, UniFi Access will be there for you along the entire journey. The modular design is built to support your business now and into the future.
Easy to Manage
Managing users, setting access rules, and monitoring activity is straightforward with UniFi’s intuitive interface. Plus, tight integration with the broader UniFi ecosystem keeps everything running smoothly.
Flexible Authentication
From NFC cards to mobile passes and PIN codes, UniFi Access supports multiple ways to unlock doors. You can tailor your security to fit your team’s needs.
Smile IT: Your UniFi Access Control Experts
We hope that breakdown of UniFi Access gives you a solid idea of what this system is about! If you’re looking to install access control at your business, Smile IT is here to guide you. Our experienced team specialises in deploying Ubiquiti’s UniFi door access systems for businesses of all sizes.
We want your business to be as secure as it can be. We also integrate your UniFi Access with UniFi Protect and your broader IT network, giving you a streamlined, powerful security solution under one trusted partner. Peace of mind, compliance and streamlined operations will be the result.
Get in touch with the Smile IT team today and let’s talk about security at your worksite and how we can improve it.
When he’s not writing tech articles or turning IT startups into established and consistent managed service providers, Peter Drummond can be found kitesurfing on the Gold Coast or hanging out with his family!