Electronic access control - Expert commentary
Access control systems that leverage proprietary technologies severely limit system flexibility Access control’s ongoing transition from closed systems to more open integration provides benefits for integrators, and especially for end users looking to maximize their system return on investment. End users want greater flexibility, specifically in terms of hardware choice. As a result, more non-proprietary solutions are coming to market. For the integrator, offering more o...
Communicating access control information across multiple platforms is simplified with the PSIA's PLAI specification Managing access control across large companies or institutions, including those that span giant campuses or even multiple locations all over the world, is essential to optimum security. Too often, however, the effectiveness of a company’s access control system – or, more likely, of its multiple access systems that were installed in various locations o...
The secure inner doors of the vestibule at the front entrance of Park and River Forest High School Most school visitors have legitimate reasons for coming to school. A frightening few, however, show up with violent or other illegal intentions. Today, school security directors are actively managing visitors with secured front door vestibules and visitor management software. Oak Park and River Forest High School, a single-school district serving Oak Park and River Forest, Ill.,...
900 MHz wireless and WiFi (2.4GHz) are different technologies but sometimes used interchangeably 900 MHz wireless and Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) are sometimes used interchangeably in the access control world to describe solutions that do not require running wires all the way to the opening. It’s true that, as wireless options, both technologies offer some general advantages over traditional hardwired solutions.In this article, Minu Youngkin, Allegion, Integrator Marketing Mana...
Access control growth is driven by several factors A major shift from PC-based clients systems to solid state, embedded operating systems, browser-based user interfaces, remote services, and changes in compliance legislation are helping drive the rapidly growing adoption of access control systems in both the residential and commercial security markets. John LaFond, VP of Integrated Systems at Linear LLC, explains these contributing factors as Linear LLC looks towards the futur...
Reporting has a direct effect on an organization’s security and safety At what time of day do you have most people in your building? Do you have enough parking spaces for your employees? Are there always enough first aiders in the building to meet safety requirements? Security systems provide a wealth of data, which can provide the answers to these questions and more. By extracting reports from your system, you can gather valuable information to increase safety or improv...
Bluetooth Smart creates new ways to open doors and gates The latest generation of access control systems offers more secure and sophisticated credentials, and new credential form factors including mobile devices that offer a more secure and convenient way to open doors and parking gates. Mobile access control also delivers a simple and user-friendly secure identity management process, and a platform for integrated, multi-layered physical access control (PACS) and IT security s...
Key control is a very strategic and integral element within a school’s security platform It used to be that the word “lockdown” was only ever used in reference to an emergency protocol to restrict movement in a prison environment. Today however, the term is in common usage in educational and other environments to describe measures taken under certain conditions of threat. In this article, Fernando Pires, VP of Sales and Marketing at Morse Watchmans, explain...
Innovation in the world of physical security systems tends to be a reactive response Threats such as Mifare hacking, the General Data Protection regulation coming in 2016, and the need for security to integrate with other IT-based systems – these are just some of the challenges security manufacturers and system users have to deal with and respond to. Daryn Flynn, Business Development Manager at Nedap Security Management, states that external factors such as these do...
Endless possibilities for security deployment have been made possible with technological advancements Significant technological advancements have created endless possibilities in how security is not only deployed, but also leveraged by the end user – the customer. For example, customers can now view surveillance at eight different offices in eight different states from a single, central location. A security director can manage an enterprise-wide access control system, in...
The best standards are often baseline, common-denominator standards that leave room for innovation The collaboration between ONVIF and SIA to develop new access control standards is just the latest standards-related news from the Security Industry Association (SIA), the American trade association headquartered in Silver Spring, Md., near Washington, D.C. In fact, SIA has a long history and tradition of standards development, dating back to the 1980s. SIA has produced 1...
What is it about biometrics that triggers so much worry? Initial resistance gives way to mainstream acceptance when biometric technology allows convenient and secure access to healthcare, banking services, amusement parks, office buildings. What is it about biometrics that triggers so much worry? In the past, concerns seemed to have their foundation in the use of fingerprints in law enforcement; the association between fingerprints and criminality was strong.&n...
Retrofit solutions provide hardware, software, and processes for quick upgrades As security systems age, their components become obsolete, end users outgrow them, or end users may be faced with expensive and time consuming upgrades. Users can spend months researching new solutions or take a chance on a lengthy upgrade with unforeseen challenges and costs. Both options include finding money in the budget for a new system, upgrades or labor expenses that often were not planned f...
An open technology platform can adapt to any environment throughout the organization Looking at electronic access control (EAC) from an applications perspective is very helpful to security professionals when analyzing how to best protect a facility and its people. The fact is, no two doors are alike and no two end users are alike. Breaking down individual doors into a series of classifications can be most helpful in assuring that the EAC is performing to the highest standards...
Genetec promotes “hybridisation”, a combination of on-premises components and cloud services The impact of the IT department on physical security has been a source of discussion for years. Generally, the influence of IT on purchasing and technology decisions related to physical security systems has been seen as increasing with no end in sight. One industry leader thinks otherwise. Pierre Racz, president, CEO and founder of Genetec, sees the clout of the IT departm...
Gates and fencing can keep visitors to one part of a campus away from other parts of the campus The need for more robust security in schools has been brought to the fore by a series of shooting incidents in schools in the US in the last few years. While such incidents are relatively rare, the threat of untoward incidents in schools is real and too serious to be ignored. This article lists some essential steps for school administrators to respond to potential security issues ca...
Intelligent asset management is a natural extension of access control Key and asset management can integrate with other security disciplines to extend beyond the much-hyped vogue for 'convergence' and move towards truly intelligent building management. Brenda Taylor, Sales and Marketing Director of Traka, shows how assets can be protected with an approach that draws on shared data while making its own contribution to enterprise-wide information. A point for anybody who has be...
An automated key control system bridges the gap between mechanical and electronic access control systems The vast array of doors, entrances and restricted areas securing semi-public locales are increasingly demanding the need for effective and easy access control management. In this article, Fernando Pires, VP Sales and Marketing at Morse Watchmans, highlights the effectiveness and convenience offered by automated key control systems that have narrowed the gap...
Using card-based access control solutions alongside IT password management provides an additional layer of security A mandatory part of any organization's relationship with its employees is the requirement to set up a secure password, which allows access to important documents needed to ensure fluid day-to-day processes of the business. Ken Scotland, Sales Director at ADT Fire & Security, discusses the best ways to build a more secure modern day enterprise by co...
HID and Abloy UK are creating the future of intelligent doors At IFSEC 2009, ASSA Abloy launched Hi-O, a new concept for electronic door solutions that improves and simplifies the installation, service and upgrade of access control systems and allows end users to create the first truly "intelligent doors". SourceSecurity.com spoke with Matt Thomas, Managing Director of Abloy UK, and Ian Compton, Director of Sales for UK, IE and Nordics for HID Global, to find out more ab...
Key to stability during economic downturn is investment in partners and product innovation If we are to believe the words of the Bank of England's Mervyn King, the recession may be coming to an end. No longer are we to fear the shouts of the dreaded "credit crunch" resonating from our TV screens. While green shoots of economic recovery spring up around the world, there is still enough uncertainty to warrant the question: How is the security industry...
Integrated systems solution - The future proof option Does the key to a successful long-term investment in security systems reside in integration? Patric Meyer, SDK support manager, Geutebruck answers 'yes'.If you are only interested in a stand-alone CCTV system for screening and recording video - full stop - then this article is probably not for you. However, most CCTV users these days want much more for their money. Many want their video surveillance system to communicate wi...
Hospitals need stronger 'in-depth' physical security at different entry points Within the course of any given day, a hospital or health care chief security officer (CSO) faces the task of not only protecting multiple points of access but also doing so in a way that enables movement and activity, is convenient for staff and patients and does not impede the facility's primary function: saving lives. Health care facilities exist in a wide variety of medical focus, adm...
Cruise ships need stringent security measures Baggage x-rays, archway metal detectors, body checks, swipe card readers and more... Michael Lawton for ASSA ABLOY Future Lab delves into the world of access control security onboard cruise ships as they are subjected to the tighter security norms of the IMO and ISPS code.If you wanted to describe the security challenges of a cruise liner, you could think of a hotel inside an airport. When it comes to the...
Integrated access control solutions have become easier to apply Leading integrated security solutions provider Honeywell explains the importance and benefits of implementing an integrated access control solution for businesses. An access control solution can be as simple as the use of electronic or magnetic swipe cards instead of keys to unlock a front door. This limited functionality still retains a considerable level of value. In most cases, businesses can limit...
Museums facing growing security challenge with rise of armed robbery It only takes a shocking 58 seconds to steal a painting. Jonas Rehnberg, writer at Assa Abloy Future labs, speaks to former museum security chief Ton Cremers about the safe-keeping of precious artefacts in museums and art galleries. In 2004, armed, masked robbers stormed into the Munch Museum in Oslo and stole two masterpieces - "The Scream" and "Madonna" - before the eyes of shocked spectators....
IP connectivity featured in the latest access control products provides extra flexibility If it's been a while since you last looked at access control systems, be prepared for a surprise, says Matt Haynes of Siemens Building Technologies. For very little extra cost, the latest systems deliver a whole lot more functionality than their older counterparts. Let's be honest, even the most basic of access control systems are likely to perform some useful functions,...
