Today, computer-supported Access Control incorporates a broad range of systems. The following tasks must be differentiated when selecting hardware and software: 

Access Authorization:
With the help of an identification medium (usually an employee badge and/or a numeric keyboard), an authorized person can obtain access to a parking lot, building or to an area/facility that must be especially secured. 

Access Control:
Apart from the possibility to open doors, turnstiles, barriers and similar facilities via an authorization, electronic AC systems offer also control functions, like e.g. the storage which employee passed which entrance or exit at what time. The recording of access attempts is often linked with door opening mechanisms, an alarm system and the logging of all authorized and unauthorized access attempts.