Quick Answer
Choosing the right access control system depends on three things: how many doors you need to control, how many users will have access, and whether you need to integrate with other systems (alarms, CCTV). For most small to medium businesses in Northern Ireland with fewer than 20 doors: start with Smart Air. For larger premises or multi-site operations: go straight to Incedo. Always get a site survey before deciding — door types, existing hardware, and building layout all affect the right choice.
Access control is one of those investments that pays off the moment a key goes missing, an employee leaves, or you need to know who accessed what and when. Yet many businesses in Northern Ireland are still running on physical keys.
This guide walks you through choosing the right system for your business.
What Does Access Control Do That Keys Can’t?
| Keys | Access Control |
|---|---|
| Lost keys mean changing locks | Revoke access instantly |
| No record of who accessed where | Full audit trail |
| Keys can be copied | Credentials cannot be duplicated |
| One key opens everything (usually) | Role-based permissions |
| No integration with alarms/CCTV | Full system integration |
Assessing Your Requirements
Before choosing a system, answer these questions:
How Many Doors?
- 1-10 doors: Smart Air or basic standalone system
- 10-50 doors: Smart Air or small Incedo system
- 50+ doors: Incedo with multiple controllers
How Many Users?
- Fewer than 50 users: Smart Air handles this easily
- 50-500 users: Incedo scales well
- 500+ users: Enterprise system needed
Do You Need Integration?
- Standalone access only: Smart Air
- Alarm integration: Smart Air or Incedo
- CCTV integration: Incedo
- Multi-site management: Incedo
What’s Your Building Like?
- Retrofit (existing doors): Smart Air cylinders work well
- New build or major renovation: Full wired access control
- Listed building: Smart Air or wireless locks to avoid damage
- Multiple buildings: Incedo with network or bridge connectivity
System Options
1. Abloy Smart Air
Best for: Small to medium businesses, up to 20 doors, simple access management
Smart Air replaces the lock cylinder with an electromechanical version that accepts programmed keys. It’s:
– Relatively simple to install (often retrofits existing doors)
– Managed via software (issue/revoke keys, view logs)
– Affordable for smaller budgets
– Available with time restrictions per key
Limitations:
– Less scalable than full access control
– Limited integration options
– No real-time monitoring without additional hardware
2. Incedo Access Control
Best for: Medium to large businesses, multiple doors, integration requirements
Incedo is a full networked access control system:
– Central management of all doors from one platform
– Real-time door monitoring
– Integration with alarms, CCTV, building management
– Scalable from 4 to 1000+ doors
– Supports multiple credential types (card, fob, biometric, mobile)
Considerations:
– Higher upfront cost than Smart Air
– Requires more infrastructure (controllers, readers)
– More complex installation
3. Standalone Keypad Systems
Best for: Single doors, tight budgets, simple PIN code access
Keypad or card-based systems that operate independently:
– No network required
– Simple to use
– Limited features and no audit trail
Limitations:
– No centralised management
– PIN codes can be shared
– Limited reporting
We typically don’t recommend standalone systems for businesses — the lack of audit trail and management capability defeats the purpose of access control.
Common Business Scenarios
Office (10-50 staff)
Recommended: Smart Air or Incedo (small system)
Typical requirements:
– Main entrance with staff access
– Floor-level zoning (different departments)
– Server room high-security access
– Visitor management
Smart Air handles this well. For larger offices or more complex requirements, Incedo provides better scalability.
Retail Shop
Recommended: Smart Air
Typical requirements:
– Staff access to shop floor and stockroom
– Manager override for all areas
– Simple key management
– Audit trail for opening/closing
Smart Air is ideal here. Simple to manage, affordable, sufficient features.
School or College
Recommended: Incedo
Typical requirements:
– Multiple buildings (classrooms, offices, sports hall)
– Different access levels (staff, students, visitors)
– Time-based restrictions (out-of-hours access)
– Fire door compliance
– Integration with fire alarm system
Incedo handles multi-building sites and complex permissions well.
Industrial Unit
Recommended: Incedo + Abloy electromechanical
Typical requirements:
– High-security external doors
– Multiple shift access
– Yard gates (weatherproof solutions)
– Time and attendance tracking
– Integration with alarm system
Incedo manages the access, Abloy handles the physical security.
Credential Options
Proximity Cards/Fobs
The most common credential. Staff present the card near the reader and access is granted.
– Pros: Convenient, easy to issue/revoke
– Cons: Can be shared, cards can be lost
Mobile Credentials
Smartphone-based access using Bluetooth or NFC.
– Pros: No card to carry, can be remotely issued
– Cons: Requires smartphone, may not work for all users
Biometrics
Fingerprint or facial recognition readers.
– Pros: Cannot be lost, stolen, or shared
– Cons: Higher cost, hygiene considerations, slower for some users
For most businesses, proximity cards are the right balance of convenience, cost, and security.
Installation Considerations
Retrofit vs New Build
Retrofit: Smart Air cylinders can often replace existing lock cylinders without changing the door hardware. Less disruption, faster installation.
New build: Full wired access control can be designed in from the start. Cleaner installation, better integration options.
Door Types
Different doors need different locks:
– Timber doors: Most systems work well
– UPVC doors: Smart Air cylinder replacement usually works
– Metal doors: May need specialist hardware
– Fire doors: Must comply with fire safety regulations (fail-unlocked)
Security vs Convenience
Higher security means slightly more friction. We help you find the right balance:
– High security: Multiple credentials required, mantrap Airlocks
– Standard commercial: Card + PIN for sensitive areas
– Staff areas: Single credential sufficient
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we keep our existing door locks and just add access control?
A: In many cases, yes. Smart Air cylinders retrofit to existing doors. Full wired access control may require new lock hardware depending on the existing setup.
Q: What happens if someone loses their card?
A: Access is revoked instantly in the software. The lost card becomes useless the moment you deactivate it in the system.
Q: Can access control integrate with our CCTV?
A: Yes with Incedo. Access events can trigger camera recording, generate thumbnails, and send push notifications with snapshots.
Q: Do we need to replace all doors if installing access control?
A: Usually no. We assess existing doors during survey. In most cases, access control hardware is installed on existing doors without replacement.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: For Smart Air (up to 10 doors): typically 1 day. For Incedo systems: 2-5 days depending on scale. We provide a timeline during the survey.
Q: Can we add doors later?
A: Yes. Both Smart Air and Incedo are scalable. We design systems with future expansion in mind.
Summary
| Choose Smart Air if… | Choose Incedo if… |
|---|---|
| Under 20 doors | Multiple sites |
| Simple access needs | Complex permissions |
| Budget constrained | Integration with alarms/CCTV |
| Retrofit to existing doors | Real-time monitoring needed |
| Single building | 50+ users |
Ready to Choose?
Advanced Overwatch provides access control installation across Northern Ireland. We conduct free site surveys to assess your doors, users, and requirements.
Contact us for a free survey — we’ll recommend the right access control system for your specific business needs.
