Access Control
SDS franchises spec readers, panels, and multi-door jobs on the spot, then pull them straight from stock at 20+ locally owned franchises, no corporate approval needed.
Why Contractors Buy Access Control Through SDS
SDS is a wholesale distributor built for licensed security and fire contractors and integrators, not a direct-to-consumer retailer. Every franchise is independently owned and operated, which means the person at the counter can spec a reader, a control panel, or a full multi-door install on the spot, and pull it from stock or the franchise network without waiting on corporate approval. That matters most on access control jobs, where a wrong credential type or a missing power supply can stall an install mid-job.
Choosing an Access Control System by Job Type
Multi-tenant commercial buildings
Office buildings, medical suites, and mixed-use properties typically need a networked system that supports multiple doors, tiered access levels, and audit trails, usually paired with a cloud or on-prem control platform rather than a single stand-alone panel.
Single-entry small business
A single storefront or office suite is often better served by a simpler standalone reader-and-lock setup, sometimes integrated directly into an existing intrusion panel rather than a dedicated access control platform.
Access control plus video
Many commercial jobs now call for access control and video surveillance to work together, tying a door event to a camera clip for verification.
Shop by Component
Credentials and readers. Card, fob, mobile-credential, and biometric readers from brands including HID, AWID, Camden Door Controls, and 3millID.
Door hardware. Electric strikes, mag locks, and exit devices from Assa Abloy, HES, DynaLock, Trine Access Technology, and RCI (Rutherford Controls).
Control panels and software. Access control panels and management platforms from Kantech, Keri Systems, Keyscan, PDK (ProdataKey), ZKTeco, DKS DoorKing, and CDVI.
Power and integration. Power supplies and system integration hardware from Altronix, plus cloud connectivity through Alarm.com for remote management and monitoring.
See the full access control brand list on our Suppliers page →
Access Control Guides for Contractors
Practical guides from Security Data Supply on selecting, powering, and integrating access control systems.
Common Questions
Wired access control runs a dedicated cable from each door to a central control panel, which is more reliable for high-traffic commercial doors and doesn’t depend on battery life. Wireless access control uses battery-powered locks that communicate over Wi-Fi or a proprietary gateway, which is faster to install and better suited for retrofits where running new cable isn’t practical.
SDS stocks access control hardware and software from HID, Kantech, Keri Systems, ZKTeco, Assa Abloy, PDK, DKS DoorKing, and more, all available same-day at will-call.
For most commercial installs, yes: tying access events to video verification helps resolve disputes and flags tailgating or credential misuse that a door log alone won’t catch.
Get Access Control Products at Your Local Franchise
Find your nearest SDS franchise for same-day will-call pickup, or contact your local franchise to get a system specced out before you're on-site.