What is the primary function of a controller in access control systems?

The primary function of a controller in access control systems is to process access requests and control door locking mechanisms. The controller acts as the central hub that receives signals from input devices, such as card readers or biometric scanners, and determines whether to grant or deny access based on pre-established criteria, typically by checking a database of user credentials.

Once an access request is verified, the controller sends signals to the door locking hardware to either unlock or remain locked, effectively managing the physical access to secured areas. This makes the controller pivotal to the operational integrity and security of the access control system, as it directly influences who can enter or exit a monitored location.

Functions such as monitoring activity, storing credentials, or generating reports are important aspects of an access control system but are secondary to the controller's main task of managing access in real-time. These supporting roles may involve separate components or software that gather and analyze data, rather than the core function of the controller itself.