Put simply access control is the ability to control access to a set of resources in a given area. It could be as basic as a lock on a door or as complex as a security monitoring system. The more complex forms of access control have systems in place that allow customized access for different personnel, through the creation of timezones and access levels. However with all access control it is important to first understand the architecture of the system.Centralized or DistributedIn the case of a system failure access control levels can be compromised if you do not have a thorough understanding of your systems processing arrangement. Centralized processing systems are dependent on a central computer. Information is collected at field drywall access panel wholesaler, such as card readers at entry points, and sent back to the computer for validation. The doorway will not open until it has received a command from the central computer to do so. These centralized systems can be vulnerable if communication is lost between field panels and the computer or if the computer crashes. This can lead to open access for all card holders if systems aren't put in place to limit access during system failures. Distributed processing systems allow the decision making process to take place at the field panel, which is then logged on the central computer. In these processing arrangements if communication is lost or the computer fails the access control levels are not compromised.