Orion Entrance Control, Inc wanted to remove friction and frustration for their integrators and end users with a single-source reader that could support any RFID technology and fit seamlessly into their turnstiles and other physical access control (PAC) products.
The reader needed to be able to:
- Provide reliable and secure user identification and access control with excellent read range.
- Read all of the RFID card technologies their clients might be using.
- Have a compact form factor and sleek design for integration with their PAC products.
- Enable remote updates to support changing client requirements.
Integrated access solutions
Orion Entrance Control creates software, hardware, and infrastructure solutions for physical access control (PAC), occupant sensing, and visitor management. They develop access control software and manufacture high-end turnstiles, speed gates, swing gates, optical door alert systems, and other security solutions.
Founded in 2009, they pride themselves on engineering and product excellence, with all of their products manufactured locally near their New Hampshire headquarters. They work with distribution partners and integrators to bring their access solutions to large commercial clients worldwide in education, healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries. One of Orion’s priorities is offering seamless, integrated access solutions that minimize friction for integrators and are simple and reliable for end users. They wanted an RFID reader that would support any RFID technology and be easily integrated into their turnstile products.
Challenges faced by Orion
Turnstiles and other components provided by Orion need to work within the access systems already in use
Orion has 32 different turnstile products, from full-height mechanical turn gates to classic tripod turnstiles, to high-speed retractable barrier gates. An RFID reader embedded into the turnstile reads user credentials (e.g., an ID badge or mobile credential) and connects to the back-end software that verifies access authorization levels.
Both their US and international customers use various RFID transponder technologies. Turnstiles and other components provided by Orion need to work within the access systems already in use by their customers.
Traditional credentialing system
Traditionally, Orion would work with integrators to determine the credentialing system the customer needed and then order the corresponding readers.
This created delays for installers as they waited for the right readers to arrive. It also created complexity in Orion’s supply chain, as they had to manage inventory from multiple reader manufacturers. When the pandemic disrupted supply chains for some of their suppliers, they knew they needed to look for another solution.
Read-range challenges
At the same time, RFID reader read range was becoming a critical issue for many clients.
More sophisticated reader technology and encryption create read-range challenges for some readers, especially when embedded under glass within a turnstile. This creates frustration for end users and slows down entry queues.
Need for a standardized reader solution
Working with multiple reader manufacturers, each differently sized and shaped readers, created engineering challenges
They also needed a standardized reader solution that would fit any of their turnstile products. The architectural community has pushed for smaller, more streamlined turnstiles, so embedded systems must be highly compact.
Working with multiple reader manufacturers, each with differently sized and shaped readers, created engineering challenges for Orion and headaches for installers. All of this resulted in more work for integrators and more delays for buyers.
Need for a frictionless access range
"We were looking for a reliable reader that had a great read range, could accept everyone’s credentials, and would be ready to go when you fit it in the turnstile," said Jerry Waldron, Customer Care Manager, Orion Entrance Control.
"It’s one more thing we can do to remove friction and provide better service to our customers."
Orion's reader requirements
Orion Entrance Control, Inc. wanted to remove friction and frustration for their integrators and end users with a single-source reader that could support any RFID technology and fit seamlessly into their turnstiles and other physical access control (PAC) products.
The reader needed to be able to:
- Provide reliable and secure user identification and access control with an excellent read range.
- Read all of the RFID card technologies their clients might be using.
- Have a compact form factor and sleek design for integration with their PAC products.
- Enable remote updates to support changing client requirements.
Solution: ELATEC TWN4 Palon family of readers
The Palon Compact Panel Reader features robust panel housing suitable for indoor and outdoor use
The ELATEC TWN4 Palon family of readers fits the bill. The versatile readers are designed for seamless integration into third-party products and devices. Palon supports advanced interfaces (including RS-232, RS-485, USB, and more) and is simple to mount and install.
The Palon Compact Panel Reader features robust panel housing suitable for indoor and outdoor use and a classic design that fits seamlessly into Orion’s turnstiles. They also have the option of using the TWN Palon Compact M reader, which comes without housing.
RFID and smartphone credentials
The TWN4 Palon line supports 60+ transponder technologies, including both low- and high-frequency RFID and smartphone credentials via near-field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE).
This gives Orion the flexibility to support virtually any existing transponder technology its clients use with a single reader.
Customer experiences
"One of our most important values is creating remarkable customer experiences," said Steve Caroselli, Chief Executive Officer and President, of Orion Entrance Control.
"We want to provide more than they expect and deliver a product with exceptional quality. With ELATEC, we’ve found a partner that shares that core ethos."
Read range and reliability
Palon reader acts as a data converter to connect the barcode reader to the Weigand interface, simplifying cabling
ELATEC’s readers provide excellent read range and reliability, reducing frustration for users and system managers. ELATEC was also able to help Orion integrate the Palon readers with a barcode reader to meet a customer’s requirements.
In that instance, the Palon reader acts as a data converter to connect the barcode reader to the Weigand interface, simplifying cabling for the installer. The integrated system supports barcodes for visitors and RFID for employees for a unified access experience.
Flexibility
“ELATEC gives us the flexibility to serve all our clients and the confidence that we’re going to be able to deliver a product that just works," said Steve Johnston, Director of Sales and Marketing, Orion Entrance Control.
"We know that when it shows up on-site, it’s going to be a good experience for the installer and the owner of the company.”
Benefits for ELATEC readers
A universal reader allows Orion to reduce friction for clients, installers and distribution partners, and their people. Orion can support all their customers with the same RFID reader, simplifying sales, supply chains, inventory management, installation, and support.
The sales team no longer must confirm in advance which transponder technology the end customer needs, the TWN4 Palon supports them all. And the engineering team can eliminate the headaches inherent in trying to fit readers with different form factors into their products.
Single-part number solution
ELATEC’s readers support fast, contactless reconfiguration after installation via a configuration card
A single-part number solution reduces the time it takes to get the right system into the hands of installers and end customers. It also provides flexibility for the future. ELATEC’s readers support fast, contactless reconfiguration after installation via a configuration card or remote update.
That means that it’s easy to update the readers for clients who add a new transponder technology, integrate mobile credentials into an existing system, or upgrade their security standards. Their turnstile and door access solutions are ready for the future.
Seamless access experience
Orion also appreciates the service and support they get from ELATEC. ELATEC has a production capacity in the U.S., which eases Orion’s supply chain worries.
With ELATEC’s support, they can offer their customers a truly integrated PAC solution that provides a seamless access experience.
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