James Segil

Openpath, a provider of modern mobile access control, is announcing a partnership with Lincoln Property Company (LPC), one of the diversified real estate service firms in the United States. Openpath has been selected as LPC’s technology partner to standardize and bring best-in-class technology solutions across its current portfolio and planned developments of commercial spaces. Openpath’s platform focuses on integrated technology to provide frictionless mobile access and scalable cloud-based solutions that can also integrate with legacy systems. This collaboration future-proofs LPC’s security offerings for modern commercial development. The partnership marks a shift in the commercial real estate market, as operators and tenants demand technology-capable properties that provide ease, efficiency and advancement to address high-risk security challenges. Already deployed in a number of LPC’s Los Angeles properties, Openpath will continue to outfit buildings across the country, providing state-of-the-art, personalized security plans and solutions for individually customized building needs. Integrated security solution LPC is one of the ten largest commercial property developers in the nation, managing or leasing over 403 million square feet and $76 billion in assets. As the first developer to choose an access control and technology partner, LPC is now leading the charge for tenant experience and innovation. With the built world becoming more technology-reliant, an integrated security solution is critical to making an environment attractive for LPC’s tenants and employees. This partnership provides a future-proofed solution for LPC properties, as Openpath’s cloud access control technology provides a standardized solution that can be integrated across LPC’s current and future technology needs. In addition to mobile access control, Openpath offers LPC buildings a broad range of first-to-market services including Lockdown and Tailgating Prevention to address current workplace security concerns. While required integrations will continue to evolve, Openpath and LPC’s strategic relationship enhances and ensures the property's attractiveness years down the line. Customization capabilities “This partnership provides an opportunity for us to continue to develop and personalize our solutions tailored towards Lincoln Property Company’s unique portfolio of commercial spaces,” said James Segil, co-founder and President of Openpath. LPC is focusing on the future of how we integrate better solutions" “Our mobile platform provides necessary customization capabilities while giving LPC’s tenants the freedom of control in their daily security. LPC is focusing on the future of how we integrate better solutions and we’re excited to see this next stage of development as we continue to design products that meet evolving property needs.” “Our goal is to ensure that every building provides the highest quality experience for our tenants,” said Eric Roseman, VP of Innovation & Technology Ventures, Lincoln Property Company. “We are excited to be the first major real estate firm to partner with Openpath to bring this technology to a nationwide commercial portfolio, and to spearhead the movement of tenant experience by providing our buildings with state-of-the-art security and mobile access control.”

Openpath, a pioneer in workplace technology and security, released the results of its Office Technology Study. Over 25 percent of employees surveyed said access control is the most outdated feature in their office, and 40 percent said they find it difficult or unpleasant to get into their office every day. That’s why Openpath created a new kind of access control that improves everyday experiences by increasing convenience and maintaining the highest level of workplace security and safety. Need Of Smart Office Technologies Nearly 75 percent of respondents to our survey believe smart office technologies should be implemented to create a better work environment"“In order to provide employees with the workplace experience they want, we must tailor our solutions to address the issues they are facing on a daily basis,” said Alex Kazerani, Openpath’s co-founder and CEO. “Nearly 75 percent of respondents to our survey believe smart office technologies should be implemented to create a better work environment: Openpath’s smart access control technology enables employers to do just that. “Our products are designed to offer the ultimate security and convenience, eliminating the headaches and time wasters associated with lost or stolen key cards and forgotten pin codes. Instead, employees need only their smartphone, that doesn’t need to leave their bag or pocket, to unlock doors and easily move around the office.” Highlights From Openpath’s Office Technology Study: 40% of respondents find it difficult or unpleasant to get into their office every day Over half of employees think their company access control system could be improved or modernized One in three respondents would like to see improvements in their access control system by integrating smart technology 36% of respondents believe that smart technology needs to be integrated into their office security protocols, specifically at the office entrance One in four people think the most outdated feature in their office is their access control system The majority of respondents believe they will be working in a smart office in the next 5 years The top benefits people see from working in a smart office include: increased productivity, better work environment and the elimination of hassles from their daily routine Openpath Mobile Access Control System With Openpath Access, employees can securely unlock any door in the office using the smartphone that never leaves their pocketJames Segil, co-founder and President of Openpath, said, “The results from Openpath’s Office Technology Study demonstrate the need for smart office security solutions, like Openpath Access, as well as the demand for technology that solves employees’ daily challenges and improves their overall work environment. By creating more effective and efficient offices with smart technology, companies can improve productivity, employee happiness and profit.” As a company on a mission to improve workplace efficiency and security, Openpath developed the most secure and convenient mobile access control system on the market. With Openpath Access, the company’s flagship product, employees can securely unlock any door in the office using the smartphone that never leaves their pocket. The system automatically authenticates a user’s smartphone as they near the door via LTE, Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth, ensuring seamless access and fast door unlocks, regardless of cell service or power outages.

How’s this for a simple access control scenario? You walk up to a door, wave your hand in front of a button, the button lights up, and the door opens. That’s the simplified user experience that startup Openpath is promoting as it enters the crowded and mature market for physical access control. Openpath says a simple user experience provides the extra boost needed for mobile credentialing to gain momentum. In this case, it’s even simpler than using a card credential (no searching in a bag or purse for the card). And there’s no personal identification number (PIN) code to remember; no “intrusive” biometric element that can concern some users. James Segil, President and Co-Founder of Openpath, says the simplified process “uses fewer thought cycles.” Reliability of the system comes from Openpath’s SurePath triple-connect technology “We wanted to make mobile access control that people want to use and can use safely and with ease,” he says. “We wanted to make using a smart phone for access control easier and more reliable than using a keycard.” Simplified User Operation In the simplified scenario, the mobile credential resides on a smart phone that can remain tucked away in the user’s purse or pocket. The credential remains active without the user needing to open an app. The wave of the hand signals intent, which causes the button to light up, activate and the door is ready to open. Segil says the simplicity of operation has contributed to the system seeing an unheard-of 94% adoption rate among users. Reliability of the system comes from Openpath’s SurePath triple-connect technology. The smart phone credential is delivered using Bluetooth, WiFi or LTE (cellular) – whichever signal reaches the reader first enables the door to be opened. So even if a company’s WiFi is down or Bluetooth proves unreliable, there is still a third option. Openpath deploys “seamless” cloud integration and makes it easy for landlords and tenants to integrate Openpath with other systems Seamless Cloud Integration Segil is a serial entrepreneur who has had experiences as a frustrated user, dealing with many different offices, people and access control deployments over the years – subletting office space, changing PIN codes, dealing with 10 different offices using 10 different cards. Based on that experience, Openpath’s founders saw a need for a more user-centric approach to access control, and a chance to improve the office experience to be more aligned with employees’ experiences in their smart homes. Segil says he also saw “significant lethargy” among incumbent players in the access control space, and a market in which mobile and cloud technologies had still not taken hold. In addition to a simplified user experience built around mobile credentialing, Openpath deploys “seamless” cloud integration and makes it easy for landlords and tenants to integrate Openpath with other systems. The “elegant” readers, including a flush-mounted version, fit in well with high-end office environments. The company launched in May 2018. Openpath has been signing up national and regional channel partners all across the U.S. Openpath is focused on the commercial real estate market, where they have already seen significant adoptions, especially among mid-sized companies. Larger deployments as part of new construction are in the pipeline. National System Integration In the past six months since its launch, Openpath has been signing up national and regional channel partners all across the U.S. and now has a nationwide footprint and is able to service customers all over the U.S. They are not yet disclosing any specifics about the number of partners they have signed up and who they are. “I can share that we have a number of large national system integration and security brands on board as channel partners and many more regional and local system integrators,” says Segil. They are looking for additional integrator partners. “There is a cohort of folks out there who say ‘I get it,’ and I want to offer it to my customers,” says Segil. The cloud element of the system can provide recurring monthly revenue (RMR). Openpath’s system offers flexibility in terms of meeting each customer’s security needs. In addition to the “super convenient” scenario described above, the system can also be configured to be “super secure,” using two-factor authentication and other measures, says Segil. There are multiple “flavors” between the two extremes. It can also be integrated with elevators to enable the buttons on allowed floors. Integration With Existing Systems Cloud software simplifies operation for both tenants and landlords. The system is backwards-compatible to existing systems and can be used to retrofit and mobile-enable a legacy system, providing the benefits of mobile features and cloud operation to multiple sites. The software can interface with enterprise applications such as Active Directory, and an application programming interface (API) facilitates integration with other systems and building components. It operates with marketing automation platforms such as Flack and visitor management systems such as Envoy. The system is backwards-compatible, providing the benefits of mobile features and cloud operation to multiple sites Open standards make the system easy to install in new or existing buildings using RS485, or Cat 5 or Cat 6 wiring, whatever is in place. Retrofit installations can use existing panels, servers, software, etc., or they can be replaced. The Openpath panel is installed right next to an existing panel in a retrofit and preserves all legacy integrations of the previous system. Access Credentials Compatibility In its simplest configuration, the Openpath system consists of single or four-door panels wired using standard ports, Wiegand ports and REX ports, each connected to software in the cloud. Each panel works offline if the internet connection is down. Various key fobs, cards and other credentials are available in addition to mobile credentials. Openpath was one of the new exhibitors at last fall’s GSX show in Las Vegas, occupying a large-sized booth for a startup company. The “beautiful” hardware drew a lot of attention, says Segil. “The channel loves us, and we signed a lot of people,” he adds. “We were excited by the response.”

Openpath, a company on a mission to bring frictionless access and better security to our workplaces, reveals that 94% of its users now use their smartphone over a keycard to enter the office, an enviable accomplishment in an industry with shockingly low mobile adoption rates. Recognising a general lack of mobile adoption in the access control industry, Openpath launches the Mullion Smart Reader to fill out its portfolio of access control readers. The sleek, versatile and compact design of the Mullion Smart Reader enables Openpath to further provide the most convenient form of mobile entry - hands-free, keyless, mobile access – to businesses everywhere. Traditional Access Credentials “Employees want convenience; they don’t want to go through a bunch of steps to get into their office in the morning. With the majority of our users agreeing that the simplest way to unlock their office door is to stand in front of it, we developed the hardware and software to deliver that experience to any office setting,” said Alex Kazerani, Openpath’s co-founder and CEO. “By achieving 94% mobile adoption over traditional access credentials, we have cracked the code to delivering the user experience employees want with the elegant, easy-to-install hardware businesses need.” Openpath user analytics show that the majority of users have not only shifted to using their mobile phone for access, but also prefer to leave their smartphone in their bag or pocket to enter the office. With Openpath’s Touch access feature, employees get the convenience of an automatic door with the security of an encrypted, credential-based access system. Hands-Free Entry With the new Mullion Smart Reader, it is easier than ever for companies to install Openpath in the most convenient spot to enable hands-free entry with Touch Faster and more convenient than opening an app or using a key or fob, Openpath Touch automatically recognizes a user’s smartphone as he/she approaches, even if it's in a purse or pocket, and allows the user to enter with only a wave of their hand or a touch of the reader. With the new Mullion Smart Reader, it is easier than ever for companies to install Openpath in the most convenient spot to enable hands-free entry with Touch. Designed to fit anywhere and bring a modern look-and-feel to locations that require a smaller reader form factor, the Mullion Reader can mount on any wall or door frame and leverage existing reader wiring. Once installed, Openpath’s technology uses Bluetooth and motion detection to authenticate the user and unlock the door. Like all Openpath Smart Readers, this new model continues to support keycards and fobs to ensure flexible options for those who want to offer various credential options. James Segil, co-founder and President of Openpath, said: “To truly enable convenient, elegant mobile access for all, we need to make smart office access control more accessible. With the introduction of this Mullion form-factor to our existing Smart Reader line-up, we are able to provide the many design and deployment options necessary to meet the demands of any building configuration. With the Mullion Smart Reader, we ensure that any office can utilize our technology in a way that is both practical and affordable while keeping security, aesthetic and ease of use a top priority.”