a security system is disclosed which utilizes plural remote terminals for controlling access at plural locations throughout a secured area or building . each of these remote terminals is capable of independent functioning , and includes a memory for storing plural independent identification numbers which define the personnel who will be granted access . these numbers stored in the terminal memories may be different from terminal to terminal , or may be uniform throughout the system , and may be the same as a list stored at a central processing location . thus , access may be limited to the same group of individuals regardless of whether it is provided by a central memory list or a remote memory list . the remote memories provide total memory flexibility , so that the deletion of identification numbers from the list does not reduce the memory size . the memory , in addition to identification numbers , stores data defining real time access limitations for each of the individuals who will be granted access , so that flexibility in time of day access control is provided on a programmable basis .