Offline vs. Online Access Control

An online VS offline access control system is a question that is specific to each end-user and the needs/expectations for the system.

An “offline” system is a standalone that allows you to complete basic access control. It’s great for a single door and is easy to manage.

An online system is more sophisticated and scalable. Employees can receive individual authorizations immediately. The system can create user profiles for different access points and monitor through activity logs.

Offline Systems

The “offline” system would be standalone and would allow you to carry out basic access control. This system works for a single door and is easy to install and manage.

Offline systems or standalone, typically are for a smaller project.  Only basic control is required: a reader/keypad, a proximity tag/card, and a power supply.

Each door can only be unlocked with a tag or card which can be issued to each user for that specific door access. 

Doors cannot be centrally managed and controlled. Each tag is manually added to each door controller that the tag is required to access. On the other hand, online access control allows you to change/update authorizations from a computer or smartphone. 

Online Systems

Online systems are more sophisticated, and scalable.  User Profiles can be created; programming authorization can be issued; lost keys can be deleted; new keys can be programmed quickly and easily.  

Employees can receive individual authorizations immediately. The system can create different user profiles for different access points, as well as better visibility and monitoring through “activity logs”

Thanks to centralized systems it is also possible to integrate additional security services such as alarms and video monitoring. Today’s technology can even control access depending on someone’s temperature, or pre-set capacity limits. 

When connected to the cloud, Remote Management of your systems is possible from anywhere and at any time. This allows the system administrator to unlock doors via point-and-click.

For example, if a team member lost his or her key card and needs access to the building, an administrator can lock or unlock the door for them remotely. There will also be a record of the activity.  Having an online cloud-based system allows for simple easy-to-use control of your system in and out of your building.

Online vs offline is a question that is specific to each end-user and the needs/expectations for the system.  M3T can work with clients of any size to implement your scale of service needed. 

Robin Orlando

Account Manager