Most people understand what access control is, what it offers, and why it’s essential. It enables seamless entry and exits from rooms and buildings using a range of credentials—PINs, fobs, badges, biometrics—forming a critical pillar of modern security infrastructure. But the technology behind those credentials and readers deserves careful consideration before simply requesting “access control” in an RFI or RFP.

For decades, dedicated access control panels have been the backbone of robust, enterprise-level security systems. Typically paired with a SQL relational database, these systems determine who can access what and when, while also logging detailed movement records. They support thousands of users and doors, extensive scheduling and door groups, and integrations with building systems such as HVAC, elevators, and lighting. They also connect with other security components—burglar alarms, fire panels, and video management systems. Advanced platforms allow for macros, APIs, and deep customization, all housed in mature on-premise environments that often bolster cybersecurity.

So, what’s not to love? Quite a bit, actually.

Delivering these capabilities often requires a significant investment, including:

• Dedicated access control panels
• Dedicated server hardware
• Enterprise application software
• SQL database licenses
• Initial and ongoing operator training
• System interface licenses
• Recurring software licensing and maintenance agreements

And these costs apply only to your access control system—not your other security technologies. Training staff to use multiple standalone systems can also be time-consuming and inconsistent. This is where the combination panel enters the picture.

Imagine a single panel that manages your burglar alarm, fire alarm, and access control—using one unified software interface. It sounds simple because it is. Combination panels streamline installation, training, and ongoing service while significantly lowering both upfront and lifecycle costs. Many are also built with IT-friendly managed services in mind, supporting cloud-managed or cloud-hosted applications.

But as Economics 101 reminds us, there’s no free lunch. Combination panels come with several limitations:

• Very Large Buildings or Organizations:Systems involving hundreds of doors and thousands of users can exceed the performance capacity of a combination panel.
• Complex or High-Security Requirements:Highly regulated industries (e.g., HIPAA) or government environments (e.g., FIPS) often require tighter control and stronger performance standards, which may exclude cloud-based systems.
• Specialized System Integrations:Some organizations depend on unique or advanced integrations that only enterprise access control systems can accommodate.

If any of these describe your environment, a dedicated enterprise access control system may be the better fit—though combination panels continue to advance rapidly, making them worth evaluating. And yes, we support multiple enterprise-grade options.

However, if your organization doesn’t fall into those categories, a combination panel could offer substantial savings in time, cost, and complexity, resulting in smoother day-to-day operations.

Ready to explore your options? Contact us today and we’ll help you determine the best solution for your security infrastructure.