ZKTeco Product Dealers Kenya
ZKTeco is a leading global developer of access control and time attendance devices and management software solutions. It is also globally known for touchless biometric security devices, smart access control & entrance control devices. Due to huge economies of scale, Digital Online Shop strives to bring a comprehensive product line that is flexible and affordable to the consumer.
We are the authorized distributors for ZKTeco products in Kenya. We provide ZKTeco access control equipment.
ZKTeco Access control
The purpose of access control is to grant entrance to a building or office only to those who are normally authorized to be there. The deadbolt lock, along with its matching brass key, was the gold standard of access control for many years; however, modern businesses want more. Yes, they want to control who passes through their doors, but they also want a way to monitor and manage access. Keys have now passed the baton to computer-based electronic access control systems that provide quick, convenient access to authorized persons.
Access control systems can be also used to restrict access to workstations, file rooms housing sensitive data, printers, and entry doors.
ZKTeco Access control components
Access control systems aim to control who has access to a building, facility, or a “for authorized persons only” area. Assigns employees, executives, freelancers, and vendors to different types of groups or access levels. Everyone can use their access cards or fingerprint to enter the main door, but not be able to access areas containing secure information.
For clarity, we divide the components into three groups: user-facing components, admin-facing components, and infrastructure components.
User facing
The most familiar parts of access control systems are the cards, fingerprint sensors, and ID badges. More recently, smartphone apps elicit an OK beep when presented at a card reader and unlock the door. They bear the user’s data that tells the reader to permit you to be on the premise.
Admin facing
This is where the office administrator sets the parameters of persons allowed to access the premises and under which circumstances, they can do so. This involves a management dashboard, often in the cloud, and a way to provide access—such as a card programming device.
In more advanced systems, the manual operations aspect is usually automated. For example, provisioning (creating and deleting access) is normally done. When a new hire shows up in the system, it automatically positioned new access via an API or integrating database service.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure components are the ones that rely on your building infrastructure to function. The most obvious parts are locks, but there are other components, such as the controller, server, and cables.
ZKTeco Access Control Locks
We use electronic locks to unlock the door on which it’s installed. They usually have a wire that powers them. Some locks will lock when powered, while others unlock when supplied with power. The first ones are fail-safe locks and the second ones are fail-secure.
The choice of which to use depends on the area secured. Entry doors call for fail-safe locks since they need to comply with building codes and fire regulations.
ZKTeco Access Control Panel (or Controller)
It is not visible to most people in a facility because it’s installed in the IT room or the electrical, telephone, or communications closet. The reason for this precaution is that they wired the locks to it. When a valid credential is present at the door reader, the panel receives its request. It unlocks a specific relay, which is usually connected to the specific door wire.
ZKTeco Access Control Server
Every access control system needs a server where we store permissions in an access database. As such, it acts as the center, or “brain,” of the access control system. It is the server that decides whether the door should unlock or not by matching the credential presented to the credentials authorized for that door. The server can be a dedicated local Windows or Linux computer, a cloud server, or even a decentralized server. The server also tracks and records activity and events regarding access, and it allows administrators to pull reports of past data events.
Low-Voltage Cables
When building out space, we specify all the cables so that the general contractor knows what to do.
Importance of ZKTeco access control system
There are multiple other reasons why access control should be an essential part of any business.
Physical Security
Let’s start with the most obvious advantage of access control, which is security. Installing an access control system prevents undesired people from entering your building, but not only that. It also makes sure that other interactions are perfectly regulated, such as visitors coming to your office or couriers delivering packages for your business.
Having an access control system also means that you have control over all areas of your facility. It also makes sure that unauthorized people can’t access archives and servers.
Compliance
Compliance has been a big driver for companies to switch to access control in recent years. Many security managers, when facing breaches, can encounter trouble if they have not been complying with a series of certifications. Having Zk Teco increases your credibility, makes you safer and better protection against malware and hackers, and ultimately leads to increased revenue. Some examples of cases where compliance flows into the need for an access control system include:
Hospitals, doctors’ offices, and health insurance companies need to comply with HIPAA health data regulations.
Banks, insurance companies, and any business that accepts and processes credit cards are subject to PCI credit card data regulations.
SaaS providers, data centers, or any company hoping to maintain SOC2 cybersecurity standards.
Operations & Visitor Management
Some access control systems integrate with your directories, allowing for automated user provisioning and de-provisioning. This means that on and offboarding processes are automatically taken care of from an access management standpoint. This reduces maintenance and manual tasks for your admins and also decreases the chances of human error.
Access control also streamlines your visitor management procedures by ensuring that no visitor has access to your facility without being previously authorized by an admin.
IP and Data Protection
Businesses that deal with privileged data and intellectual property control who comes into their facilities. They also control which areas these individuals access and when. Modern access systems not only allow granular permissions based on group memberships, but they also provide insights and analytics.
Revenue
Driving revenue is not something that is often associated with access control and, in general, with security systems. However, evidence has shown us that our solution is an efficient driver of revenue in multiple use cases. Having an access control system like Zk Teco, for example, can help you to transform your business into a 24/7/365 facility. The efficient security level, mixed with privileged access for people belonging to your directory, make sure that you can leave your facility. This leads to more open hours and more revenue, without additional costs.
User Experience and Authentication
Modern systems allow for higher security by leveraging technology to offer a smooth access experience combined with higher control on the admin side. 2FA is an example of an advanced feature that ensures all users not only need access to the right but also authenticate themselves.
Types of ZKTeco access control
We have mentioned the fact that modern businesses want more and more from their access control system. This is why we chose the cloud as an infrastructure to work with, and that is why Zk Teco is greatly appreciated by customers.
Not all access control systems are cloud-based, and, in this section, we will go through two main types of technology for access control systems. Also, we will briefly touch upon three models used by every access control provider: role-based access control, discretionary access control, and mandatory access control.
Legacy Access Control vs. Cloud-based Access Control
The access control market had been relatively stable for many years, with companies offering standardized products that relied on the same technology. This was before the cloud disrupted the industry, creating a duality of offerings: legacy on-premises solutions and cloud-based access control systems.
The obvious difference between the two is the usage of cloud infrastructure. The latter has a big impact in terms of upfront costs, maintenance, and features of the two systems. Legacy access control systems require a server for functioning. This implies having to hire a person for the server room maintenance, higher facility costs, and in general, slower innovation.
A cloud-based access control system, on the other hand, does not require space when installed and functions immediately after installation.
ZKTeco Access Control Models
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Permissions are always granted according to roles assigned to users. This model is user-friendly because administrators can centrally manage and administer roles.
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
The user has direct control over all of the programs and files in the system.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
This is the opposite of DAC. When MAC is the paradigm, a policy, hardware component, or software component restricts access. This can be a password or keypad.
What to Look for When Choosing a ZKTeco Access Control System.
There are several factors to take into consideration when comparing different providers. Below is an overview divided into three categories: compatibility, features, and maintenance.
Compatibility
Compatibility is very important when choosing an access control system. Making sure that the system you want to purchase is compatible with your facility can save you a lot of time and money. A highly compatible system, like Zk Teco, also makes it easier to maintain the facility and ensure a high level of security. Some compatibility-related questions may be:
- Is it compatible with third-party hardware and free from lock-in?
- Does it integrate with surveillance and other security systems?
- How easy is it to use and configure?
- Does it offer an open API?
Features and maintenance
Features are the deal breaker when choosing any type of security system for your office.
We recommend that you choose a system based on cloud technology that gives you multiple unlocking options (not limited to only keycards or fobs). This saves you time, as you don’t have to issue a new keycard every time there is a new visitor or employee. It also reduces the number of security issues caused by employees forgetting or misusing keycards and fobs.
Lastly, we would recommend choosing a company with solid customer service to quickly clear any doubts.
Some other feature-related questions you should consider:
- Is the hardware IP-based?
- Offline mode supported?
- Is two-factor authentication (2FA) supported?
- Is lockdown supported? If so, is it at the door or place level, or both?
- What communication channels does it run on (e.g.: Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, PoE, and others)?
- Does it support multiple types of authentication input such as mobile apps, remote unlocks, cards, key fobs, and more?
- Are all access methods offering end-to-end data encryption?
- Is customer support included?
- What access restrictions are available (e.g.: time-based access, role-based access, level-based access, count-based access, and others)?