[Glossary](https://telxpress.com/glossary/) / Security & compliance # Access control **Access control** is the system of electronic locks, readers, credentials and management software that decides who may enter which door and when, and records every entry, replacing keys that cannot be revoked. - Security & compliance - Updated October 11, 2026 - Written by the Telxpress advisory team 01 In depth ## What it is, why it matters and *what to ask a vendor* An access control system replaces mechanical keys with cards, fobs, PIN codes or mobile credentials read at each controlled door. A controller releases the door for valid credentials during permitted hours, logs every attempt, and can trigger alarms or camera recording. Cloud-managed systems let an administrator add or remove a person from any location in seconds. ONVIF Profiles A and C cover interoperability for access control. For a growing business the value is control over people and places that change: new hires, departures, contractors, cleaners and after-hours access. A lost key means rekeying; a lost card is disabled in a minute. The entry log also supports compliance programs that require you to know who could reach records, servers or medications. Ask an integrator whether the system is cloud-managed or on-site and what the subscription covers, how it integrates with your cameras and alarm, how doors behave during a power or network failure, how visitors and contractors are handled, which credential types are supported, and how exit paths meet fire code. Ask for an audit of every exterior door before the design is priced. 02 Related terms ## Terms that usually come up *alongside it* - Security & compliance ### [NVR (network video recorder)](https://telxpress.com/glossary/nvr/) A network video recorder (NVR) is the appliance or server that receives video from IP security cameras over the network, stores the recordings and lets authorized staff review, search and export footage. - Security & compliance ### [MFA (multi-factor authentication)](https://telxpress.com/glossary/mfa/) Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires a second proof of identity beyond a password, such as a code from an app or a hardware key, and it defeats most attacks that rely on stolen passwords. - Network ### [VLAN](https://telxpress.com/glossary/vlan/) A VLAN (virtual local area network) splits one physical network into separate logical networks, so that phones, computers, guest Wi-Fi, cameras and building systems are kept apart for security and performance without separate cabling. - Network ### [Firewall](https://telxpress.com/glossary/firewall/) A firewall is the security device or service that inspects traffic entering, leaving and crossing your network and allows or blocks it by rule, protecting your systems from the internet and from each other. 03 At Telxpress ## Where this shows up *at Telxpress* The pages and articles where this term does real work: what we advise, build and support. - Page ### [Business Surveillance Cameras & Access Control](https://telxpress.com/solutions/business-technology/surveillance/) IP cameras from Hikvision, access control and monitoring designed for your site, installed and supported locally with your network and phones. - Page ### [Business Networking, Firewalls & Managed Wi-Fi](https://telxpress.com/solutions/business-technology/networking/) Switching, routing, Fortinet firewalls, Ubiquiti and Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi and managed network services for offices that depend on reliable connections. - Industry ### [AI & Business Technology for Education](https://telxpress.com/industries/education/) AI use cases for schools and campuses, FERPA and COPPA considerations, and the classroom AV, networks and phones we install and support. 04 Sources ## Public *references* The standard or law this definition rests on, as published by its owner. Fetched and checked on the review date above. - [ONVIF profiles (Profiles A and C: access control)](https://www.onvif.org/profiles/) onvif.org Next step ## Want This Applied *to Your Business?* Book a free 30-minute AI readiness consultation. You'll leave with three AI opportunities specific to your business, whether you work with us or not. [Book My Free Consultation](https://telxpress.com/book/) [Take the Free AI Readiness Assessment](https://telxpress.com/ai-readiness/) [Or call 24/7: (949) 861-4500](tel:+19498614500) Last reviewed: October 11, 2026. Published by Telxpress, Irvine, CA.