David W. Barnard

RS2 Technologies, a provider of access control systems, announced the addition of the ACT365 Cloud-based Access Control and Video Management Solution to its comprehensive line of access control solutions. The ACT365 solution allows RS2 to deliver enhanced value to integrator partners and empowers end customers that look to streamline security and business operations through a cloud-based, intuitive platform. As a cloud-based solution, the ACT365 remote diagnostics and servicing capabilities provide RS2’s reseller channel with the convenience of troubleshooting issues from their cellphone device or web browser to determine whether a site visit is necessary, streamlining operations. The ACT365 solution also benefits their bottom line by offering an additional revenue stream based on a recurring monthly revenue (RMR) service-based business model, which is growing in popularity across the industry.   Access control and video management solutions ACT365 provides partners with innovation, flexibility, reliability and powerful, friendly software ACT365 delivers a solution providing both access control and video management in a web-based platform that allows users to quickly update or remove user permissions, view cameras or open a door directly from a cellphone phone, tablet or PC. The scalable solution offers management of multiple sites from a single, unified, and user-friendly interface without the added expense of local servers and IT resources. There is no software to install and updates are automatic, which ensures delivery of the most up-to-date, secure version of the system. “Bringing ACT365 into the fold allows us to deliver a unique cloud-based product offering to our integrator partners that can add an additional revenue stream through RMR,” said David Barnard, VP of Sales and Marketing, RS2 Technologies. “We’re excited to offer the solution as another option for our partners to add a service-based cloud software technology that’s supported by our trusted team across a variety of markets." "ACT365 provides our partners and their customers with innovation, flexibility, reliability and powerful, friendly software — in line with our mission as an organization”  he adds. RS2 Technologies, an ACRE company, highlighted ACT365 during the ASIS International Global Security Exchange (GSX) last week in Chicago resulting in a very positive response from both existing customers and end users.

ACRE, renowned global provider of state-of-the-art security systems, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RS2 Technologies in Munster, Indiana. This purchase will enhance ACRE’s strategic expansion plans for strengthening its access control business and product portfolio. Following on from the recent acquisition of Open Options in December of 2018, ACRE continues to build its access control strength and reach in the North American market. ACRE’s portfolio now consists of Vanderbilt, Open Options, RS2 and ComNet, providing a robust offering to meet the needs across many verticals and the requirements of simple applications to very complex enterprise systems. RS2 Security Platform  The RS2 platform was designed to easily integrate with other security system components RS2, founded in 1998, has long prided itself on the use of an open architecture platform approach in order to provide a broad product offering while working with a multitude of technology partners. RS2 goes the extra mile to address customer concerns and satisfy customer needs. RS2 has stayed in tune with the demands of the industry, listening to VOC from both end users and installers. The RS2 platform was designed to easily integrate with other security system components. ACRE’s CEO, Joseph Grillo, stated that this transaction continues to expand ACRE’s competitive position in a highly fragmented market with great growth potential. “The acquisition of RS2 boosts ACRE’s portfolio in the access control market and provides us one more seat at the table in a highly competitive market with many companies vying for the same work”, commented Grillo. “ACRE will continue to look for strategic opportunities to build the portfolio with complementary, albeit competitive, acquisitions.” Access Control Portfolio Expansion “This is a great opportunity for RS2 to further expand our customer base and leverage the benefits of being a part of a broader ACRE portfolio,” said David W. Barnard, Director of Dealer Development/Partner. “We are excited to be joining the ACRE family and this will help push RS2 to the next level, and more quickly achieve our 2025 growth goals.” Financial details of the transaction were not released. The transaction is expected to close by the end of April 2019.

RS2 Technologies, globally renowned security and access control systems provider firm, has been named as a new Strategic Alliance Partner in the United States by Zenitel Group, the global provider of Intelligent Communication solutions. Integrated Systems “Zenitel’s continued innovative approach to simple but powerful integrated systems provides a complete unified solution to customers of all sizes”, said Dave Barnard, Director of Dealer Development for RS2. “Zenitel has been established as the industry leader in integrated intelligent communications. Our companies have had a long-standing relationship where integration was valued, but we believe it is now time to go beyond simple integration to providing a full-service solution.” According to Barnard, RS2 Technologies has a reputation as a “one-stop” solution for the access management needs of customers in a wide variety of applications. RS2 delivers cost-effective access management solutions to customers in industries as diverse as shipbuilding, energy, hospitals, education, defense, banking, government (federal, state and municipal), museums, and a variety of diverse manufacturing companies. From small office buildings to large industrial facilities, RS2 has the products to meet the needs of business and industry. RS2 is known for having a rich feature set, continuous integrations, and the lowest total cost of ownership Intelligent Communication “The Intelligent Communication market is targeted to exceed $150 billion by 2021”, said Jim Hoffpauir, President, Zenitel Americas. “To continue to provide innovative solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations, we are creating new strategic partnerships with complimentary technology leaders in the security industry. With our recent release of the new IC-Edge system, partnering with RS2 provides Zenitel with sales channel alignment to emphasize smaller system sales, providing organizations of all sizes an easily accessible and cost-effective solution for highly intelligible audio.”

MCLASS from LifeSafety Power is the only enclosure that carries both the UL/ULC-listings for integrated power, lock power and remote power LifeSafety Power Inc., Mundelein, Illinois, an award-winning provider of smart power management, and RS2 Technologies, LLC, a technology-driven manufacturer of innovative access control hardware and software, launched a new partnership to bring intelligent power networking to the RS2 Technologies Dealer Network. Based in Munster, Indiana, the company’s established National Dealer Network will gain access to LifeSafety Power’s FlexPower Authentic Mercury Security MCLASS Unified Power System, with the ability to yield greater sales through remote managed power services. MCLASS Unified Power System Incorporating one of the most widely specified, open access control hardware platforms in the world, MCLASS from LifeSafety Power is the only enclosure that carries both the UL/ULC-listings for integrated power, lock power and remote power. MCLASS yields substantial installation efficiencies in time and labor through the integral housing that includes Mercury hardware, system power and optional lock power in a single design. A removable back plate mounts power and Mercury controllers, making wiring faster for additional labor savings. In addition, RS2 Dealers will also have the ability to offer intelligent network monitoring via the enclosure, extending the possibilities for recurring monthly revenue. LifeSafety Power’s network modules can remotely monitor the power to both Mercury panels and locks to increase reliability and proactively detect and address potential problems before they occur, with notification via email, smartphone or web-enabled device. “We’re extremely excited to bring LifeSafety Power’s MCLASS platform to our dealers so they can generate new revenue streams,” said Dave Barnard, RS2's Director of Dealer Development. “LifeSafety Power’s proven reliability and use of globally specified Mercury controllers are a winning combination for the RS2 Dealer Network.” Value Added Partnership According to Joseph Holland, LifeSafety Power’s Vice President of Engineering, the partnership gives dealers entry into new specifications and networked services. “RS2 has an established and highly successful dealer network in access control and we will work closely with them to offer a wide range of support services, tools, training and go-to-market strategies to help them grow their businesses. Faster and more cost-effective installation, along with LSP proven reliability, will be a value-add for RS2.” RS2 Technologies will showcase the partnership with LifeSafety Power at its Annual Conference, February 28 through March 3 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. LifeSafety Power is a Gold Sponsor of the event.