When a credential is presented to a reader, the reader sends the credential’s information to a control panel, a highly reliable processor. The control panel compares the credential's information to the client’s database. When the credential presented does not have permission to enter that door at that time, access is denied and the door remains locked. If there is a match between the credential and the database, the control panel operates a relay that in turn unlocks the door. Often the reader provides feedback, such as a flashing red LED for an access denied and a flashing green LED for an access granted.

The access control database keeps a record of not only changes made to the database itself but events that happen within the system. That is, the requesting of access by individual credentials and the granting/denying of access. Events can be alarmed events and recorded. An alarm is an event that requires acknowledgement. For example, if a person holds the door open too long to allow others to piggyback on his access, an alarm can be sent to a security guard’s computer screen letting him/her know that an event has occurred that needs to be addressed.

The access control systems that Triad Security Systems specializes in are robust systems. They can be designed for smaller implementations (i.e. less than 10 doors) and simply provide general access in and out as well as enterprise wide systems with hundreds of doors that incorporate a number of other features. These features can include visitor management, video surveillance integration, photo ID badging, graphical alarm monitoring interface, intrusion detection integration, elevator control, offline lock integration, security guard tours and portrait monitoring.