What is the main function of a physical access control system?

The main function of a physical access control system is to manage automated passage through secure perimeters. This system is designed to restrict and control access to physical locations, such as buildings, data centers, or areas housing sensitive equipment. By utilizing various methods such as card readers, biometric scanners, and keypads, physical access control systems ensure that only authorized individuals can enter designated areas. This function is critical for protecting physical assets and maintaining the security of environments where sensitive or critical information is processed.

While managing logical access to data is crucial in cybersecurity, that function typically falls under the purview of software-based access controls rather than physical systems. Similarly, verification of user identities through multiple factors, often referred to as multi-factor authentication, pertains more to logical access systems rather than the physical access control domain. One-time access permissions might be a feature found in both physical and logical systems, but it does not encapsulate the primary role of a physical access control system, which focuses on automating and regulating physical entry rather than temporary access. Therefore, the emphasis on managing automated passage through secure perimeters encapsulates the core purpose of a physical access control system effectively.