an access control system combines card type keys or mechanical keys and lock cylinders with keyholder authentication , so that only the authorized keyholder or keyholders can use a key at an access control point . the access control point can be a door , gate , drawer , safe , safety deposit box , computer terminal or other situation wherein high security is desirable . in a preferred embodiment , the access control system includes a series of mechanical keys having encoded data stored on the bottom edges of the keys . the encoded data may be in the form of a bar code or optical data storage , either directly formed onto the key or on a strip of plastic or other material bearing the encoded data , secured to the key . in one form of the invention , user authentication involves a biometric feature such as a fingerprint of the intended keyholder . the fingerprint is digitized , encoded and placed on the bottom edge of the mechanical key for that intended keyholder , preferably along with an encoded keyholder identifying number . an authentication reader at a high security access control point includes a keyway with a reader for the encoded data representing the encoded fingerprint , and also a fingerprint reader for reading the user &# 39 ; s fingerprint at each instance of attempted entry . comparison of the attempted user &# 39 ; s fingerprint with the stored fingerprint is preferably made directly at the access control point , so that only the access decision and a keyholder identifying code need to be sent to a central processor . a decision to grant access effects the release of an electric release or electric strike . the purpose of the mechanical keys or card type keys is to enable the keyholder to also gain access to lower security access points in the system without having to carry more than one key or access item . if desired , a write feature can be included in the system , whereby each access control point accessed by a keyholder will be recorded on the key , providing for later reading of the key to determine where use has been attempted .