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.

- ★ 4.9 ratingHundreds of client reviews
- 10,000+Systems installed & serviced
- Since 2008Family-owned
- CSLB #1094834C-7 licensed, bonded & insured
- BSIS ACO #8164Licensed alarm company
Capabilities
What an access control system includes
Electric strikes, maglocks, and request-to-exit devices
Gate, garage, and elevator control
Schedules, temporary credentials, and audit trails
Remote unlock, credential management, and multi-site administration
Single-door upgrades and enterprise installs
What to expect
Steps in an access control project
Opening & hardware survey
Check each opening's hardware, power, and egress needs.
Credential & workflow design
Set user groups, schedules, and lockdown procedures.
Professional installation
Mount readers and locks and run clean low-voltage wiring.
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.
Project brief
Camera and infrastructure work across a multifamily parking environment.
View projectSpecialty solution
License-plate recognition planned as a complete vehicle workflow.
Explore solutionSpecialty solution
Multi-site security management with clearer standards and control.
Explore solutionSpecialty solution
Visitor entry and credential management built around the complete arrival workflow.
Explore solutionRelated evidence & planning
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.
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.
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!
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:
- We call you.A short phone consultation about the property and what you need.
- We visit if it helps.For qualifying projects, we review the property on site.
- 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)
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.
Security Camera Systems
Cameras placed for the views you actually need, with clear footage you can check from your phone.
Explore serviceLive Monitoring & Remote Site Surveillance
Construction sites and vacant properties, watched from a UL-listed, Five Diamond central station.
Explore serviceVirtual Security Guard & Incident Response
Virtual guarding through our UL-listed monitoring partner: live remote patrols, verified events, and audio talk-down.
Explore serviceAlarm Systems
Simple to arm, easy to verify, and ready for central station monitoring.
Explore serviceIntercom Systems
See and talk to visitors before you open the door or gate.
Explore serviceEarly Detection Systems
AI analytics and thermal sensing that flag a problem while it is still developing, not after the damage is done.
Explore serviceGates, Fencing & Perimeter Security
Gates, fencing, and gate operators tied into your access control and intercoms.
Explore serviceSecurity Audio & Emergency Communication Systems
Speakers, paging, and talk-down so your team can warn people and direct them live.
Explore serviceSecurity System Upgrades & Modernization
Upgrades for older systems that are unreliable, unsupported, or never documented, keeping whatever still works.
Explore serviceConsulting & System Design
An honest audit of what you have and what is missing, plus a plan you can budget in phases.
Explore servicePreventive Maintenance & System Health
Scheduled inspections, cleaning, and testing, so problems get caught before you need the footage.
Explore serviceProject 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 →
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
