Access Control Systems: A Complete Guide for GTA Business Owners

What is Access Control and Why Does Your GTA Business Need It?

Access control systems determine who can enter your business, which areas they can access, and when. For GTA businesses, from downtown Toronto office buildings to Hamilton industrial facilities, access control has become essential for security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Gone are the days when a simple lock and key provided adequate security. Modern businesses face challenges that traditional locks can’t address: lost keys that require expensive rekeying, no record of who enters or when, inability to revoke access quickly, and no integration with other security systems.

Access control solves these problems while providing valuable insights into how your facility is used.

Types of Access Control Credentials

Keycard and Fob Systems

The most common access control method for GTA businesses:

Proximity Cards (Prox Cards)

• Wave near reader to unlock
• Inexpensive and easy to use
• Low security—can be cloned with cheap equipment
• Best for low-risk applications

Smart Cards

• Encrypted communication with reader
• Cannot be easily cloned
• Higher security for sensitive areas
• Slightly more expensive than prox cards

Key Fobs

• Convenient keychain attachment
• Same technology as cards
• Popular with employees who don’t want another card

Biometric Access Control

Uses unique physical characteristics for identification:

Fingerprint Scanners

• Fast and convenient
• Can’t be lost or forgotten
• Works well for most GTA businesses
• Some resistance from employees

Facial Recognition

• Touchless operation (ideal post-pandemic)
• Works well in good lighting
• Can be fooled by photos (basic systems)
• Premium systems use 3D mapping

Iris/Retina Scanners

• Highest security level
• Expensive to implement
• Used for high-security areas
• Not practical for most applications

Hand Geometry

• Measures hand dimensions
• Works well in dirty environments
• Moderate security level
• Common in industrial settings

Mobile Access Credentials

The future of access control:

Smartphone Access

• Use phone as credential via Bluetooth or NFC
• Can’t be forgotten (who leaves without their phone?)
• Easily managed remotely
• Popular with younger workforce

Benefits of mobile access:

• No cards to produce or replace
• Remote credential management
• Temporary access easy to grant
• Integration with other apps

PIN/Keypad Entry

Simple but limited:

• No credential to carry or lose
• PINs can be shared (security risk)
• No audit trail of individual access
• Best combined with cards/biometrics (two-factor)

Access Control Reader Types

Proximity Readers

• Read distance of 2-6 inches
• Work through wallets and purses
• Standard for most applications
• Affordable and reliable

Long-Range Readers

• Read distance up to 30 feet
• Ideal for parking garages
• Hands-free entry for vehicles
• Higher cost than standard readers

Biometric Readers

• Fingerprint, facial, iris scanning
• No credential to lose
• Higher security
• More expensive hardware

Multi-Technology Readers

• Accept multiple credential types
• Card + PIN for two-factor authentication
• Flexibility during technology transitions
• Recommended for sensitive areas

Access Control System Architecture

Standalone Systems

Best for small GTA businesses with 1-3 doors:

How it works:

• Each door has its own controller
• Programming done at each unit
• No central management
• No network required

Pros:

• Lowest initial cost
• Simple installation
• No ongoing fees

Cons:

• Managing multiple doors is tedious
• Limited reporting capabilities
• No remote management

Networked/Centralized Systems

Ideal for medium to large businesses:

How it works:

• Central server manages all doors
• Controllers at each door connect via network
• Single interface for management
• Comprehensive reporting

Pros:

• Easy management of multiple doors
• Detailed access reports
• Integration with other systems
• Remote management capability

Cons:

• Higher initial cost
• Requires network infrastructure
• Server maintenance needed

Cloud-Based Systems

The modern choice for GTA businesses:

How it works:

• Controllers connect to cloud via internet
• Management through web browser
• No on-site server required
• Mobile app for administration

Pros:

• No server to maintain
• Access management from anywhere
• Automatic updates and backups
• Scalable and flexible
• Lower total cost of ownership

Cons:

• Monthly subscription fees
• Requires reliable internet
• Data stored off-site

For most Toronto and GTA businesses, we recommend cloud-based systems for their flexibility, lower maintenance, and remote management capabilities.

Key Features for Commercial Access Control

Time-Based Access Rules

Control when credentials work:

• Business hours only for employees
• Extended hours for managers
• Contractor access limited to specific dates
• Automatic lockout after hours

Zone Management

Different access levels for different areas:

• All employees: main entrance, break room
• Finance team: accounting office
• Management: executive suite
• IT: server room

Visitor Management

Professional handling of guests:

• Pre-registration for expected visitors
• Temporary credentials
• Sign-in/sign-out tracking
• Photo capture
• Host notification

Anti-Passback

Prevents credential sharing:

• Must exit before entering again
• Eliminates “tailgating” on single credential
• Ensures accurate occupancy counts
• Common in high-security environments

Integration Capabilities

Connect with other systems:

• Security cameras: capture photos at access events
• Alarms: auto-arm when last person exits
• Elevators: floor access control
• HVAC: trigger climate control
• Time and attendance: track hours worked

Access Control for Different GTA Business Types

Office Buildings

Toronto office buildings need:

• Main entrance access control
• Elevator floor restrictions
• Suite-level access for tenants
• Parking garage control
• After-hours scheduling

Retail Stores

GTA retail businesses benefit from:

• Back-of-house access control
• Stockroom protection
• Manager overrides for sensitive areas
• Time-based access for staff
• Integration with POS systems

Industrial and Warehouse

Hamilton and GTA industrial facilities require:

• Vehicle gate access
• Loading dock control
• Hazardous area restrictions
• Contractor management
• Integration with safety systems

Healthcare Facilities

Medical offices need:

• Patient privacy protection
• Medication storage access
• After-hours access for on-call staff
• Visitor tracking
• HIPAA-compliant audit trails

Cannabis Facilities

Ontario cannabis operations require (per AGCO):

• Strictly controlled access points
• Visitor escort requirements
• Detailed access logs
• Integration with video surveillance
• Background check verification

Planning Your Access Control Installation

Security Assessment

Before installation, evaluate:

• Current security vulnerabilities
• High-value areas requiring protection
• Employee access patterns
• Visitor frequency and management
• Future expansion plans

Door Hardware Considerations

Not all doors are created equal:

• Electric strikes: Allow door to open when signaled
• Magnetic locks: Strong holding force, fail-safe or fail-secure
• Electric mortise locks: Integrated lock and access control
• Electrified hardware: Existing locks modified for access control

Door types affect hardware selection:

• Wood doors
• Metal frames
• Glass doors (require special hardware)
• Fire-rated doors (maintain ratings)
• High-traffic entrances

Network Requirements

For networked and cloud systems:

• PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches recommended
• Dedicated VLAN for security
• Reliable internet for cloud systems
• Backup communication methods

Cost of Access Control Systems in the GTA

Per-Door Pricing

Typical installed costs:

System Type	Per Door Cost	Best For
Standalone keypad	$800 - $1,500	Single doors, low security
Networked prox card	$1,500 - $2,500	Multi-door, office buildings
Biometric	$2,500 - $5,000	High security areas
Mobile access	$1,500 - $3,000	Modern offices, tech companies

Credential Costs

• Proximity cards: $3-5 each
• Smart cards: $8-15 each
• Key fobs: $10-20 each
• Mobile credentials: Often included in subscription

Ongoing Costs

• Cloud subscriptions: $5-20 per door/month
• Maintenance: 10-15% of system cost annually
• Credential replacement: Budget for turnover

Why Choose Securitron Canada for Access Control

Implementing access control requires expertise in security, networking, and door hardware. Securitron Canada offers GTA businesses:

• Comprehensive assessments identifying all access points
• Custom system design based on your specific needs
• Professional installation minimizing business disruption
• Training for administrators and end users
• Integration with cameras, alarms, and other systems
• Ongoing support and maintenance programs

We serve businesses throughout Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, and the entire Greater Toronto Area.

Secure Your Business with Modern Access Control

The right access control system protects your assets, improves accountability, and provides valuable insights into facility usage. Whether you need a simple single-door solution or a comprehensive multi-site system, Securitron Canada has the expertise to deliver.

Contact us today for a free security assessment. We’ll evaluate your GTA business, understand your access control challenges, and recommend a solution that meets your security needs and budget.