DEV Community

CHICAGO COMERCIAL FENCING
CHICAGO COMERCIAL FENCING

Posted on

How to Create Your First Access Control Script for Fence Systems

When it comes to modern fencing solutions, integrating smart systems for enhanced control and security is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Whether you are managing residential or commercial properties, adding access control via scripting can boost safety, automate entry points, and provide centralized management of who enters and leaves.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create your first script for access control, covering everything from the basics of the system to real Python code you can run on a Raspberry Pi.

Why Automate Access Control?

Many property owners are turning to automated fence systems. These setups integrate with sensors, locks, cameras, and remote management interfaces to streamline access without the need for manual operation.

Let’s say your home or facility has undergone an Aluminum fence installation in Chicago. This type of fencing is both secure and stylish, making it an ideal candidate for automation.

Step 1: Hardware and System Setup

You’ll need:

  • A Raspberry Pi
  • A relay module
  • Optional: RFID reader, keypad, camera, motion sensor

Here’s a quick GPIO setup script in Python:

import RPi.GPIO as GPIO

RELAY_PIN = 17

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
GPIO.setup(RELAY_PIN, GPIO.OUT)
GPIO.output(RELAY_PIN, GPIO.HIGH)  # Default to OFF state
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

This initializes the relay that controls your gate or lock.

Step 2: Create the Web API to Control Access

Install Flask to build a local control server:

pip install flask
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Now the Python API:

from flask import Flask
import RPi.GPIO as GPIO

app = Flask(__name__)
RELAY_PIN = 17

@app.route('/open')
def open_gate():
    GPIO.output(RELAY_PIN, GPIO.LOW)
    return "Gate opened."

@app.route('/close')
def close_gate():
    GPIO.output(RELAY_PIN, GPIO.HIGH)
    return "Gate closed."

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run(host='0.0.0.0', port=8000)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

This gives you a simple way to control your gate via browser or REST call.

Step 3: Secure Your System

Here’s how to protect your endpoints using a token system:

from functools import wraps
from flask import request, abort

def token_required(f):
    @wraps(f)
    def decorated(*args, **kwargs):
        if request.args.get('token') != 'my_secure_token':
            abort(403)
        return f(*args, **kwargs)
    return decorated

@app.route('/open')
@token_required
def open_gate():
    GPIO.output(RELAY_PIN, GPIO.LOW)
    return "Gate opened securely."
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

This adds basic security to your web endpoints.

Step 4: Event Logging

Logging is crucial for tracking access events:

import logging

logging.basicConfig(filename='access_log.txt', level=logging.INFO)

@app.route('/close')
@token_required
def close_gate():
    logging.info("Gate closed at event time.")
    GPIO.output(RELAY_PIN, GPIO.HIGH)
    return "Gate closed and logged."
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Logs can help detect patterns of use or abuse.

Automation is increasingly a key service for any experienced fence company in Chicago. Companies offering modern fencing should understand these technologies to stay competitive in today’s market.

Step 5: Enhancing with RFID or Keypad

Here’s how to simulate an RFID-based check:

AUTHORIZED_IDS = ["1234567890"]

@app.route('/rfid/<card_id>')
def rfid_access(card_id):
    if card_id in AUTHORIZED_IDS:
        GPIO.output(RELAY_PIN, GPIO.LOW)
        return "Access granted"
    else:
        return "Access denied"
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

You could hook this up to a real RFID reader connected to your Pi via USB or GPIO.

Future Upgrades

You can expand your system with:

  • Mobile app integration
  • Camera snapshots on entry
  • Cloud-based alerts
  • Time-based schedules using schedule or cron

In fact, automated solutions are not limited to metal structures. Even traditional wood fencing Chicago setups can benefit from smart locks and sensors. Adding tech to classic fencing makes it even more functional and secure.

Conclusion

Creating your own access control script is an empowering step into the world of smart property management. With just a few components and some Python knowledge, you can build a secure and customizable solution for your fencing system.

Stay curious, keep improving, and consider contributing your project to the open-source community or building upon it with IoT platforms like Home Assistant.

Top comments (0)