What is the Elevator Access Control?
Elevator access control is an authentication system designed to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the elevators. Depending on the system, users may be required to swipe a card, enter a PIN code, perform a fingerprint scan, or use another form of biometrics before gaining access to the elevator or restricted floor.
For example, a hotel guest may need to swipe an IC card to access the elevator or a restricted floor.
Elevator Access Control Components and How They Work
Elevator Access Controller
The elevator access controller is the brain box of the elevator access control system. It grants or denies access to the elevator or specific floors.
It coordinates all internal functions and external integrations. It controls how all parts of the internal functions work together. such as card readers, elevator buttons, and management software. It likewise connects to external integrations like building security software to share data, centralize monitoring, trigger alerts, streamline access permissions, and support emergency responses.
Elevator Card Reader
The elevator card reader is installed inside or near the elevator car to read the access cards, such as the IC or RFID cards for secure access. The card reader uses radio signals to check the card’s information and transmit it to the system to verify the floor the user is permitted to go.
To use the card reader- you tap or swipe the card on the card reader, the reader transmits the card’s information to the access controller to verify the person’s access right.
If the card is valid, the floor buttons the user is permitted to access will become active, while others stay inaccessible, or all the elevator buttons become active depending on the set mode.
Induction Card
The induction card (IC card) is the card you swipe on the card reader to access the elevator. It is a contactless card that holds a user’s identify information and access rights. When you swipe it, your information is transmitted securely to the access controller, which grants or deny access to the elevator or floor level. The card is configured to allow users access certain floors or elevators. It can be deactivated by the system administrator if the card is missing.
485/232 Signal Converter
The 485/232 signal converter is a device that enables the different parts of the elevator system to communicate with each other over long distances. It facilitates the communication between the card reader, access controller, and management software to ensure they can transmit and receive data reliably, especially in large buildings where the devices can be far apart.

Three Main Modes of Elevator Access Control System
Full Control
In this mode, the user can access any floor in the elevator once the system verifies the IC card as valid. The elevator buttons by default until you swipe a card on the reader, after which, any floor button can be selected. The IC card elevator access control system is installed in the elevator car.
Single Floor Control
For single floor control- you can only access one floor even if your IC card is valid. After swiping the card, and the system reads it as valid, the elevator automatically moves to the authorized floor or you are only permitted to select the authorized floor, while other floors cannot be selected. The IC card elevator access control system is installed in the car.
Call Mode
In this mode, the IC card elevator system is installed outside the elevator door on each floor. If you do not swipe your card, the floor’s call button remains inactive, but once you swipe a valid card, the call button lights up automatically. This notifies the elevator system that a passenger is waiting to take the elevator.

Elevator Access Authorization Method
Elevator access authorization method refers to the various methods in which a user can be authorized to access the elevator. The selected method determines the security protocol to restrict or allow access.
Elevator Card Reader Access
Elevator card reader is installed inside or outside the elevator door and works with the IC card to grant a user access to the elevator. The IC card is swiped on the card reader and the card reader scans the card, verifies the user identify, and grant access to the floors authorized for that card.
This is the most common method. It is used in hotels, residential buildings, and offices to ensure only authorized persons can access the building.
Elevator Biometric Access Control
This involve using biometric scanning such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans and others such as voice recognition and hand geometry to access the elevator. The elevator biometric access control uses the unique biological feature of the individual to grant access to the elevator. This method offers a high level of security because biometric features are difficult to forge or manipulate.
Touchless Elevators
This method works not only for hygiene, but also to strengthen security. Touchless elevators ensures that only authorized people can call the elevator or travel to certain floors without physical contact. Rather than touching shared surfaces, users authenticate and select floors through gestures or smartphones via mobile application. Specific gestures is integrated into the access control to authenticate users. Smartphone access control involves app login, which ties floor selection to user profile- this feature is suitable for smart buildings and high security buildings.

How To Choose the Right Elevator Access Control System
Choosing the right elevator access control system is important to not just enhance the security of the building, but also optimize traffic flow and enhance user experience. To quickly evaluate your needs and select the right elevator access control system, answer the following questions as you deem fit.
1. What are your security needs?
Your security needs will determine the level of elevator access control system to implement. For instance, high-security buildings, such as offices or hospitals that handles sensitive data, may require biometrics or multi-factor login for ID verification to keep out unauthorized users. Cards or PIN are ideal for smaller buildings such as homes or small shops- the risk is lower, the setup is simple, and the cost is inexpensive.
2. Is it a high-rise or multi-elevator building?
If you are dealing with a large-scale building, it is advisable you choose a system designed to manage many users, complex access rules, and heavy traffic without difficulties. But basic access control setup with a card or PIN is usually sufficient and cost effective for low-rise buildings.
3. Who will use the elevators, and what are their specific access needs?
Identify the user groups, such as visitors and staff, and determine which floors they can access and at what times. This helps you decide whether you need a system that supports role-based rules, time-based permissions, or both.
4. What is your preferred access method?
There are different access methods, such as IC card, biometrics, PIN, or touchless, choose the one that suits your users and budget. If you are unsure which one to pick, you can contact Dazen now for a customized consultation.
5. What are your existing security systems?
If you have an existing security system such as CCTVs, alarms, visitor system. building management software, ensure the access control system can connect seamlessly with your existing security infrastructure.
6. What is your budget?
In selecting the right elevator access control system, you need to balance your needs with your budget. At Dazen, we offer affordable elevator access control solutions because we understand that no elevator is truly complete without a seamless, secure entry.
7. How user-friendly is the elevator access control system?
Give high priority to ease of use. Know what your user group can handle without any assistance, and implement it. Choose a system that is simple for both the users and the administrators.
Contact Dazen for Your Access Control Solution
At Dazen, you get more than just improving your elevator security. We offer plug-and-play, budget friendly installations, intuitive card, touchless interfaces, you name it. We provide seamless integration within your existing security and building systems. Our access control solutions are fully secure with intuitive operation. Contact us today to learn more, and we will respond within 24 hours.