In the UAE, security is no longer an option for businesses and sectors such as residential towers & warehouses, schools and commercial facilities. It’s from the offices entrance to parking gates and server room companies are adopting smarter security measures so they can monitor people’s entry into their premises. Most businesses have one common question before implementing Access Control System Cost in the UAE.
The answer varies based on the system type, number of doors, authentication technology used for entry point control software requirements and installation complexity. Here is the complete pricing breakdown to help you understand how much an Access Control System costs for your business in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and around the UAE.
What is an Access Control System?
Access Control System refers to a type of security system that controls and oversees access to a building, room, gate or any other restricted area. Unlike the use of physical keys to gain access to these restricted locations, access control uses the following technological means:
- RFID card access
- Biometric finger scanners
- Facial recognition technology
- Smartphone credentials for access
- Password access
Factors That Affect Access Control System Cost
Cost considerations for the Access Control System depend on a variety of technical and functional requirements. Below are the variables that impact price in the UAE marketplace.
- Number of Doors
Perhaps the largest cost driver is the number of doors involved. Installation in an office consisting of one door is much cheaper compared to a multi-level corporate establishment with a dozen or more controlled doors. Each new door needs:
- Door Controller
- Reader
- Electromagnetic Lock / Strike Lock
- Exit Button
- Wiring
The more doors you secure, the higher the overall system cost.
2. Type of Authentication Technology
The cost is also affected by different types of access technology.
RFID Card Access System:
They are the cheapest and most common type of system used in office and retail settings.
Approximate Cost Estimate: AED 1,000 – AED 3,500 per door
Biometric Access System:
It gives better security compared to the RFID card and eliminates card sharing problems.
Approximate Cost Estimate: AED 2,500 – AED 8,000 per door
Face Recognition Access System:
This technology is preferred in places requiring high security and a touchless setting.
Approximate Cost Estimate: AED 4,000 – AED 12,000 per door
Cost increases depending on the sophistication level of the technology used.
3. Types of Locking Systems
Lock systems can affect prices in terms of their selection.
Examples of common locks systems are:
- Electromagnetic locks
- Electric strikes
- Drop bolts
- Turnstiles
- Flap doors
- Boom gates
High security locks and high security gates are usually more expensive than normal office door locks.
4. Software & Management Platform
Modern solutions will have central management software that provides:
- User management
- Access management
- Attendance management
- Mobile app management
- Visitor management
- Cloud management
Most cloud management software solutions are generally on a pay-per-use basis, but on-site software might have a single license cost.
The price of software packages ranges between AED 1500 to AED 20000.
5. Difficulty in Installation
Installation costs include the following:
- Architecture of the building
- Distance between doors
- Wiring issues
- Presence of any existing networking system
- Integration with lifts, gates, and cameras
Refitting existing buildings may require higher costs of installation
Less Obvious Cost Factors
During calculations for Access Control System Cost, many companies ignore operating costs after purchase.
Annual Maintenance
Scheduled maintenance keeps your systems functional and available.
Software Upgrades
More advanced products may even require software licenses or subscription services to be paid for.
User Identification
Additional costs would accrue as RFID badges, smart phone access, and fingerprints would be needed.
Costs of Integration
Integration of your access control solution with CCTV, HR attendance tracking, elevators, or enterprise resource planning systems can cost you more.
Access Control System Cost Based on Industries
Offices and Corporate Buildings
Normally, offices need integration with the employee attendance system and visitor management system.
Warehouses and Factories
Outdoor readers and gate automation system required.
Residential Tallest Buildings
Normal access control requires lobby access, car park barrier, and intercom system.
Education Institutes
Student attendance tracking and overall access control system requirement.
Healthcare Institutions
High security with restricted access and audit required.
There will be specific requirements in each sector which will define the final Access Control System Cost.
Is Cloud Access Control Costlier?
While cloud solutions may have less initial investment on hardware, there are monthly or yearly charges involved for using the service.
Advantages are:
- Remote control
- Immediate notification
- Mobile access
- Scalability
- Less investment in IT infrastructure
For expanding companies in the UAE, cloud access control makes financial sense in the end.
Access Control System Costs Reduction
There are several measures businesses can adopt to reduce costs while maintaining security:
- Start with high priority doors
- Select systems that allow scalability
- Apply RFID where risks are relatively low
- Make use of biometrics and cards in conjunction
- Pick trustworthy suppliers providing UAE services
Quality hardware investment will further cut costs in the future.
The Importance of Selecting the Proper Supplier
A good supplier would be one who is able to offer you:
- Well-designed systems
- Authentic hardware
- Installation services
- Post-sales services
- Scalability
Even though low quality systems might cost less up front. In the long run they might end up causing you more problems than solutions.
If you’re looking for suppliers in the UAE keep in mind several key points.
The Access Control System Cost in the UAE will vary according to your security needs, technology preferences, number of entry points, and additional software features. For some offices, a simple RFID access control will suffice. On the other hand, others decide to secure themselves fully by going for a biometric access control system.
Getting a clearer idea of the pricing and cost associated with access control systems in the UAE can enable businesses to make more informed decisions. Moreover, it helps them ensure maximum security and efficiency. Whichever form of access control system you may wish to choose, having knowledge of what you ought to select is important.
To effectively implement an access control system in Dubai or the UAE, seeking a professional access control systems provider becomes necessary.
