Access control is no longer simply about replacing keys with cards or fobs.
Businesses need to manage employees, contractors, visitors and changing access permissions across multiple doors and locations. When this depends on older software, separate systems or visits to individual sites, even simple changes can become time-consuming.
Verkada Access Control provides a more flexible approach. Its hybrid-cloud platform allows organisations to manage doors, users and credentials remotely while connecting access events with video security, alarms, intercoms and visitor management.
As an authorised Verkada partner, Fastech can assess your current system and design an access control solution around your premises, people and security requirements.
What Is Verkada Access Control?
Verkada Access Control is a cloud-managed system for controlling entry to buildings and restricted areas.
Through Verkada Command, authorised users can:
- Add and remove users
- Issue or cancel credentials
- Set access permissions and schedules
- Lock or unlock doors remotely
- View door activity
- Receive security alerts
- Manage multiple sites from one platform
This removes the need to manage separate access control servers and software at every location.
How Does Hybrid-Cloud Access Control Work?
Verkada uses a hybrid-cloud model.
The system is managed through the cloud, while access controllers installed on site retain the information needed to operate the doors. This means normal door access can continue during a temporary internet outage.
Businesses benefit from remote management without making every door dependent on a constant internet connection.
Can Verkada Access Control work with existing access control?
Upgrading access control does not always mean replacing every reader, card, fob or lock.
Depending on compatibility, Verkada controllers can work with existing readers, credentials and door hardware. This can allow businesses to modernise their system gradually, starting with priority doors or locations.
However, older readers and credentials may have security or reliability limitations. Fastech can assess which parts of the existing system remain suitable and where replacement would provide a worthwhile improvement.
Manage Doors, Users and Sites Remotely
Verkada allows authorised users to manage access from a computer or mobile device.
A new employee can be added, a former employee’s access can be removed, or permissions can be updated without somebody visiting the premises.
This is particularly useful for organisations operating multiple offices, schools, retail sites, warehouses or commercial buildings.
Different levels of administrative access can also be assigned. A local manager might oversee one building, while a central security or facilities team manages the wider organisation.
Verkada can also integrate with identity management platforms, helping businesses streamline onboarding, offboarding and bulk user updates.
Connect Access Events with Video Footage
An access log can tell you that a card or credential was used at a particular door. It cannot always tell you what actually happened.
When Verkada Access Control is connected with Verkada Video Security, users can view relevant footage alongside door events. This can help teams investigate:
- Forced or held-open doors
- Unsuccessful access attempts
- Suspected tailgating
- Use of lost or shared credentials
- Unusual activity outside normal hours
Instead of manually matching access records with CCTV footage, authorised users can review the event in one platform.
Verkada Access Controllers
The access controller connects readers, locks, door sensors and other equipment to the Verkada platform.
Verkada offers controllers for:
- Individual doors
- Groups of four doors
- Larger installations with up to 16 doors
- Specialist applications involving lifts, sensors, panic buttons and other systems
The right controller depends on the number and location of doors, existing cabling, required integrations and future expansion plans.
Verkada Door Readers
The reader is the device a user presents their credential to when requesting access.
Verkada offers several reader options.
AD34 Door Reader
The AD34 supports physical cards, mobile NFC credentials and Bluetooth access. It is suitable for many office entrances, internal doors and general commercial access points.
AD64 Door Reader
The AD64 includes a keypad, allowing users to enter with a PIN or use a PIN alongside another credential for two-factor authentication.
This may suit higher-security areas such as server rooms, laboratories or stockrooms.
AF64 Access Station Pro
The AF64 supports Face Unlock using a camera and infrared sensor. It may be suitable where verified, hands-free access is required.
Fastech can recommend the most appropriate reader for each door based on the environment, security level and people using it.
Which Access Credentials Can Be Used with Verkada Access Control?
Verkada supports a range of physical and digital credentials, including:
- Compatible existing cards and fobs
- Encrypted cards and fobs
- Mobile NFC credentials
- Apple Wallet and compatible Android devices
- Bluetooth access through the Verkada Pass app
- PIN codes
- Card and PIN authentication
- Face Unlock
- Number plate recognition for vehicle access
Businesses do not need to use the same credential for every person or area.
Office employees might use mobile access, warehouse teams may prefer physical cards, and sensitive areas could require both a card and PIN.
Verkada Wired and Wireless Locks
Hardwired access control is often suited to main entrances, external doors and frequently used access points.
Wireless locks can provide a practical alternative for internal or dispersed doors where new cabling would be difficult or disruptive.
Verkada supports wired access control as well as compatible wireless locking systems. This gives businesses more flexibility when upgrading existing buildings or managing large numbers of internal doors.
The right option depends on the door, building construction, frequency of use and emergency access requirements.
One Platform for Physical Security
Verkada Access Control can work as a standalone system, but it can also integrate with other Verkada security products.
Video security
Door events can be viewed alongside camera footage.
Visitor management
Visitors can be issued with temporary physical or mobile credentials.
Intrusion alarms
Authorised credentials can be used as part of opening, closing, arming and disarming procedures.
Intercoms
Staff can see and speak to visitors before deciding whether to grant access.
Bringing these systems together through Verkada Command can give security and facilities teams clearer oversight across the premises.
Which Businesses Could Benefit?
Verkada Access Control may suit organisations that:
- Manage multiple doors or locations
- Regularly add and remove users
- Need temporary contractor or visitor access
- Want to manage access remotely
- Need different permissions for departments or roles
- Find door incidents difficult to investigate
- Want to integrate access control with CCTV
- Are upgrading an older card, fob or key-based system
It can be used across offices, schools, retail premises, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, healthcare settings and multi-site property portfolios.
Verkada Access Control Installation from Fastech
As an authorised Verkada partner, Fastech provides access control design, installation and support for businesses and organisations across Southampton, Hampshire and the South Coast.
Our services include:
- Reviewing existing access control systems
- Recommending suitable controllers, readers and credentials
- Checking compatibility with existing equipment
- Professional installation
- Configuring doors, users and permissions
- Integrating CCTV, alarms and intercoms
- User training
- Ongoing technical support
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Access Control?
Your current system may still unlock the doors, but that does not necessarily mean it is meeting the needs of your business.
If permissions are difficult to update, locations need to be managed separately or access events take too long to investigate, Verkada could provide a more flexible and connected solution.
Speak to Fastech to arrange an access control consultation and find out whether Verkada is right for your premises.
