Credentials, doors & gates

Access control for doors, gates, and garages.

Access control decides who gets through a door, gate, or elevator, and when. We install readers, credentials, and locks, and connect them to intercoms and supported cameras, within your building's life-safety requirements.

Wall-mounted entry-control interface showing managed front-door and garage access — Three Factor Security fieldwork in Los Angeles, California
Fieldwork in Los Angeles

Capabilities

What an access control system includes

01

Card, fob, and mobile credentials

02

Electric strikes, maglocks, and request-to-exit devices

03

Gate, garage, and elevator control

04

Schedules, temporary credentials, and audit trails

05

Remote unlock, credential management, and multi-site administration

06

Single-door upgrades and enterprise installs

What to expect

Steps in an access control project

01

Opening & hardware survey

Check each opening's hardware, power, and egress needs.

02

Credential & workflow design

Set user groups, schedules, and lockdown procedures.

03

Professional installation

Mount readers and locks and run clean low-voltage wiring.

04

Commissioning & handoff

Test every door and event, issue credentials, and train your team.

Proof & deeper planning

See access control in real projects

Project briefs cover finished installs. Solution pages explain how access control connects to other systems.

Client reviews

What clients say.

★★★★★

After calling numerous companies about getting a security system installed on our apartment building, I was pleasantly surprised when the kind people at Three Factor not only answered, but were actually knowledgeable and very helpful.

Taylor K.Apartment building · Google, 2024
★★★★★

They installed a new system and all new cameras and integrated everything seamlessly. They went above and beyond in every conversation, taking extra time to answer all of my questions at every stage of the process.

GregNew camera system · Google, 2026
★★★★★

We had a glitch in our security system and Ruben came back to check everything. Even though it ended up having nothing to do with the equipment they set up for us, they still came to our house and fixed it...for free and with a smile!

Connie D.Home, 9 cameras · Yelp, Mar 2026

Common questions

What people ask about access control

Guidance is prepared and reviewed by Three Factor Security’s named Security Solutions Manager and Security Solutions Engineers. Final recommendations are based on a professional assessment, the existing infrastructure, the property’s operating needs, and the systems selected.

How does an access control system work?

Each controlled door has a reader, a controller, and a lock, plus sensors for door position and exit. When someone presents a card, phone, or PIN, the system checks permissions, unlocks if they're allowed, and logs the event.

What happens to access control during a power outage?

Controllers and locks can run on batteries or a UPS. Each door is designed fail-safe or fail-secure based on its function, life-safety code, and fire-alarm interface. That's decided door by door.

Can different employees have different doors and schedules?

Yes. Administrators can set permissions by person or group, issue temporary access, and revoke a credential without rekeying. Holidays, vendors, and after-hours access can be handled separately.

Should access control be cloud-managed or on-premise?

Cloud-managed systems can make remote admin and multi-site visibility simpler. On-premise systems keep the software and data under local control but need local hardware and upkeep. The right choice depends on IT policy, site count, and integrations.

How many doors can an access control system support?

It depends on the controllers, software, and licensing. We plan your starting door count with realistic growth in mind, so adding doors later doesn't force an avoidable platform change.

Can access control integrate with cameras, alarms, and intercoms?

Yes, with compatible platforms and a planned workflow. A door event can link to video, a visitor call, or an alarm, so authorized staff see more than a credential log. Life-safety and security actions still follow code and approved procedures.

What credentials and audit records are available?

Options include cards, mobile credentials, and biometrics where appropriate. Supported systems keep searchable event logs you can filter by user, door, or time. We match credentials to your security policy and privacy needs.

Can access control work with existing doors and hardware?

Often, yes. Existing doors and frames may stay while we add electric strikes, maglocks, or electrified exit devices. We inspect each opening's fire rating, condition, and code requirements before deciding what to reuse.

Free assessment

Plan your access control project.

Tell us how to reach you and what you need. Here’s what happens next:

  1. We call you.A short phone consultation about the property and what you need.
  2. We visit if it helps.For qualifying projects, we review the property on site.
  3. You get an estimate.Verbal or written. Scope and pricing are agreed in writing before any paid work.

Family-owned since 2008 · Licensed, bonded and insured · CA CSLB #1094834 (C-7) · CA BSIS ACO #8164 (Alarm)

Request your free assessment

Five quick questions. We’ll call to talk it through.

What do you need?

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Complete security offering

Where access control fits with your other systems

Explore the other systems Three Factor Security can design, install, and support for the same property.

Video security & intelligence

Security Camera Systems

Cameras placed for the views you actually need, with clear footage you can check from your phone.

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Live oversight & remote visibility

Live Monitoring & Remote Site Surveillance

Construction sites and vacant properties, watched from a UL-listed, Five Diamond central station.

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Live remote guarding, intervention & response

Virtual Security Guard & Incident Response

Virtual guarding through our UL-listed monitoring partner: live remote patrols, verified events, and audio talk-down.

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Intrusion & alarm protection

Alarm Systems

Simple to arm, easy to verify, and ready for central station monitoring.

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Visitor communication & entry

Intercom Systems

See and talk to visitors before you open the door or gate.

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Intelligent early warning

Early Detection Systems

AI analytics and thermal sensing that flag a problem while it is still developing, not after the damage is done.

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Gates, fencing & controlled access

Gates, Fencing & Perimeter Security

Gates, fencing, and gate operators tied into your access control and intercoms.

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PA, talk-down & emergency messaging

Security Audio & Emergency Communication Systems

Speakers, paging, and talk-down so your team can warn people and direct them live.

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System takeovers, retrofits & modernization

Security System Upgrades & Modernization

Upgrades for older systems that are unreliable, unsupported, or never documented, keeping whatever still works.

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Strategy, planning & documentation

Consulting & System Design

An honest audit of what you have and what is missing, plus a plan you can budget in phases.

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Inspection, testing & lifecycle support

Preventive Maintenance & System Health

Scheduled inspections, cleaning, and testing, so problems get caught before you need the footage.

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Project support

Access control after handoff

For each job, we write down coverage and service terms. Maintenance and expansion remain available as the building changes.

Review our service commitment →
Three Factor Security project photographs showing video intercom mounting, a completed commercial sliding gate, and technicians installing its operator.
Three Factor Security fieldworkGate, intercom and entry-system installation

Doors, gates & access coordination

Access control depends on the whole door working together

Access projects often involve several trades. We define the security-system scope and work with your property team and other trades on readers, locks, and fire/life-safety interfaces.

  • Opening and hardware condition
  • Daily entry, visitors, and after-hours access
  • Fail-safe, fail-secure, and emergency release requirements
  • Gate safety devices, intercom, and remote release
  • Credential ownership, access rights, and offboarding
  • Testing, training, and who handles service