A method for controlling access within a secure control area using an access control device communicatively connected to one or more barrier(s) arranged within the secure control area, the method comprising: executing ultra-wideband transmissions with authentication device(s) using one or more ultra-wideband transceiver(s) of the access control device; detecting, by a processing unit of the access control device, entry and/or exit of the authentication device(s) (100) through the barrier(s) by processing signal properties of the one or more ultra-wideband transmissions and operating the barrier(s)—by the access control device—in a first mode of operation; switching operation of the barrier(s) by the access control device—from the first mode of operation into a second mode of operation upon determining a last exit of any authentication device from the secure control area.