Mechanical Locks

Marks USA, a division of NAPCO Security Technologies, renowned for its architectural-grade hardware, locking and access lock lines, announces the release of their new 2020 Custom Lockset Catalog. The new catalog includes over 250 Marks USA custom levers, knobs & escutcheons; standard and custom design decorative locksets.  ArchiTech Designer Series Networx Locksets Also featured are ArchiTech Designer Series Networx Locksets, customisable with over 300 trims and finishes Also featured are ArchiTech Designer Series Networx Locksets, customizable with over 300 trims and finishes, with Bluetooth LE and iLock App support. Marks Custom Locks featured, have been used in a variety of high-profile worldwide projects , i.e., The Plaza Hotel and Condominiums, New York , The Trump International Hotel, Washington D.C., VIA 57 West, New York (also known as The Pyramid Building due to its iconic shape), and the Lucida and Georgica Buildings, as well. Marks USA manufactures mortise, cylindrical and tubular locks in an infinite customizable collection of designs, styles, looks, and functions, many of which can be “tried on”  on their interactive official website, where designers and architects can design, spec and share their own custom lock vision, in various settings, inside and out, in mortise & cylindrical locks, and including matching interior locks.  High-security keying systems Ready for any requirement, Marks’ custom trim may include engraving, conventional and high-security keying systems, electronic access control are all offered for commercial, residential and industrial projects. Marks USA products are long-lived and backed by the industry's only Lifetime Mechanical Warranty.

Brivo, the global provider of cloud-based physical security, has acquired Parakeet Technologies, a provider of smart building solutions which include sensors, thermostats, wireless locks, and lighting controls. The acquisition accelerates Brivo’s ongoing push to enhance its in-building capabilities beyond its current access control, video, and security. The companies had already been working together as partners, and now plan a deeper integration between their products, including a common user interface, unified billing, and bundled services. Highly reliable remote management “We saw Parakeet’s IoT platform as an ideal way to quickly bring Smart Office capabilities to our channel partners and end users,” said Steve Van Till, President & CEO of Brivo. “Parakeet has a great track record of providing highly reliable remote management to widely dispersed properties, and they share our core values around customer service, cybersecurity, and innovation.” The Parakeet product leverages cloud services, cellphone apps, and an on-premise IoT gateway. The gateway provides connectivity to Z-wave sensors, locks, thermostats, lighting and other devices. Internet connectivity to the gateway is supported via WiFi, Ethernet or an integrated cellular modem with a built-in service plan. Manage smart building infrastructure We uncovered a need for a remotely managed IoT service that would boost productivity and save money" Parakeet’s responsively designed web app enables property managers and security personnel to manage smart building infrastructure from one central dashboard, while collecting data to track, monitor and manage staff. Parakeet launched its product in 2015 in the Vacation Rental market. According to Brad Huber, Founder and CEO of Parakeet, “Among property managers who cover large geographic territories for dozens or hundreds of clients, we uncovered a need for a remotely managed IoT service that would boost productivity and save money.” Professional installation and ongoing service Commenting on the installation challenges across large regions, he added that “being able to provide our products through Brivo’s international base of security dealers will give our customers the convenience of professional installation and ongoing service.” The Parakeet platform will continue to be offered as a stand-alone solution for the Vacation Rental Market under the new name, Brivo Vacation Rental, and will be unified with Brivo’s billing system. All current Parakeet customers will continue to be supported on the existing product, with options to add Brivo offerings to their current service plans.

So often, one’s focus in security and access control zeroes in on the hardware. Its latest functionality or compatibility with emerging technologies grabs the headlines. Yet it is the access control software which knits a system together — and the signs are, this is finally getting the attention it deserves in security procurement. Supported integrations “Today, access control software is more accessible to a wider variety of actors,” writes Bryan Montany, a research analyst at IHS Technology, “providing end-users with broader and more comprehensive data relating to patterns in building occupancy.” “Software has also supported integrations with other security systems, enabling security managers to respond in real time to emerging incidents and potential security breaches.” Software solutions In other words, one can escape the limiting functionality of outmoded access management with a new generation of software solutions. They can fix everyday access irritants and below are seven. Freedom from the access management terminal Multi-seat management should be a given. One’s intuitive, customized dashboard could have a personalized login screen configuration for every administrator. Software should offer flexible management options, including secure system administration from anywhere and multi-timezone capability options. An access management “terminal” should be tied to the person — not the other way around. Maximum flexibility, whatever the legacy system Access control software puts in the hard yards when it bends the existing system or setup to new needs. It can integrate across several databases, making workflows easier and less error prone. One may even wish to manage any existing mechanical locks from the same interface as the electronic or electromechanical locks. The right access control software handles that for the person. Tailored access for every site user and visitor Streamlining access rights management for staff, contractors and visitors can boost business efficiency. The access control software should filter access to specific locks according to the precise security needs of the site and users. For any system, one should be able to create individual schedules for key-holders, doors or audit trails. In a few clicks one can require users to revalidate keys regularly, making it safer to issue a contractor with time-limited access. Smarter, more effective building management Smart buildings need intelligent software. Is it known who uses which doors at the site, and when? Is one planning an office expansion and weighing up appropriate security for each type of room use? A properly configured software control panel should accurately track user movement around the site. It feeds back the data needed to make better business decisions. Saving security budgets with a Software as a Service (SaaS) option Ideally, one would want to spend the security budget on actually securing people and assets. In the real world, IT costs and contingency budgeting eat up much of it. When one runs access management software with a reliable SaaS provider, security infrastructure budgeting becomes more predictable. The data enjoys complete redundancy and is therefore more secure. And the company’s software is always, automatically up to date — critical for cyber security resilience. Mobile solutions for the modern mobile workforce Are mobile workers and contractors returning to base — or the nearest credential updater — to redefine or revalidate their access rights? Access control software can (and should) be mobile. So, instead of updaters, workers update credentials on the go, wherever they are, via an app and its encrypted Bluetooth connection. All business process software in one place Multiple systems create double or triple the work. Duplicating data entry increases the chance of errors. With access control powered by the CLIQ Web Manager, for example, one can integrate powerful access management features with the existing business process software. One hub for everything. Thanks to the CLIQ Web Manager’s open architecture, one can build a single interface to control all “live” workflows. Manage HR, support ticketing, financial reporting and more, alongside daily access control tasks like validating and revalidating credentials, cancelling lost keys and ordering automated audit trails for locks or users.

In the pursuit to develop the smartest locking technology for the markets, Camlock Systems has engineered and manufactured their strongest electronic latch yet. Packed with innovative features, the exclusive Series 100 is an ultra-strength motorized rotary latch that epitomizes Camlocks commitment to creating flexible, high-quality, modular locking solutions. By understanding the customers’ needs and keeping pace with their technological advances, Camlock is able to channel over 100 years of experience into the development of locking systems that offer the ultimate protection of customer’s assets. Developing the high-strength, tamper and shock-resistant mechanism of the Series 100 is just one of the ways Camlock has responded to the technological needs of their customers. Dual jaws Designed for high volume applications with large machine estates, this patented latch offers a unique solution to concealed, electronic latching. By doubling the number of jaws compared to a typical latch, the two symmetrical jaws built-in corrosion-resistant steel not only reinforce the latch’s strength, but also provide more convenient mounting options. The inherent strength of the Series 100 is a result of the dual jaws placing equal force on the locking bar, securing it into place. The powerful motor delivers enough force to operate heavy doors and performs reliably under load Furthermore, the Series 100 uses a geared motor instead of a traditional “hair-trigger” mechanism. The powerful motor delivers enough force to operate heavy doors, performs reliably under load, and combined with the two, strong jaws protects the latch against vibration, spike and percussive shock. Concealed fit for versatile installation In addition to being strong, Camlock's intelligent mechanism delivers the ultimate power-efficiency by maintaining low power and recalibrating only when needed, instead of after every cycle. With 60% less power usage than other rotary latches, the Series 100 saves money whether mains, battery-powered or both. With Camlock Systems solutions, one can be sure of an accurate fit every time and the innovative design of the Series 100 is no different, offering a flush, concealed fit for versatile installation. The powerful, geared motor, can spring open even heavy doors, with minimal power usage, while the optional ‘pull or spring-to-open’ operation gives one control over how powerfully the latch propels the door open. Product features Cycle rating: 75,000 Percussive, automotive vibration, and forced entry tested Keyless - designed to integrate with any access control system Glass-reinforced, flame-resistant plastic housing. Stainless steel and brass latching parts for superior strength Spike, tamper and shock-resistant - mechanism will not fail under vibration, percussive shock or power spikes Fitted with a mechanical override for protection in the event of a power failure. Lock status monitoring for added security Mains, battery-powered or both. Energy-efficient, low operating current. System recalibrates itself only when required Patent pending. The Series 100 is only available directly from Camlock Systems IP65 rated (dust and water spray resistant). Designed to work in both hot climates and below freezing Available as a simple latch or compatible with an existing intelligent system Built on three generations of locking innovation, Camlock Systems have built a reputation for precision and quality through the design and engineering of patented mechanical and electronic locking technology that meets customers’ unique needs.

Allegion, a provider of security products and solutions, and CBORD, a provider of campus card technology solutions, announced a new integration that strengthens perimeter security across colleges and universities in the U.S. Allegion’s Von Duprin Remote Undogging (RU) and Remote Monitoring (RM) options will now extend the impact of CBORD’s card software system for greater control of secondary doors over perimeter access. The integration improves perimeter security by providing electronic override of mechanical dogging so lockdown can occur from the CBORD interface. To ensure peace of mind, remote monitoring capabilities are also available through the integration. Security issue on campus Colleges need to be able to lock down immediately if there is a security issue on campus" This integration also makes Allegion and CBORD one of the first to bring this solution to higher education campuses for access control at this scale. Higher education campuses face a unique challenge when it comes to security – they are larger, open by design, and tend to have more buildings than other learning institutions, making security a demanding task for facility personnel. “This is one of the most critical security hurdles universities face,” said Robert Lydic, Vice President of PACs OEM business at Allegion. “Due to the required circulation between buildings, colleges need to be able to lock down immediately if there is a security issue on campus.” Electronic access control system Yong Lacy, category leader of openings at Allegion, added, “It is not feasible for universities to leave perimeter doors locked during operating hours because students, faculty and visitors constantly need to move across campus buildings with ease. Remote undogging and monitoring can enhance security to avoid putting the college community at risk in emergency situations.” Many secondary doors are not connected to a campus’ electronic access control system, exposing universities to potential security breaches, especially during emergency lockdowns. The Von Duprin RU and RM options, coupled with CBORD’s software, are designed to extend the benefits of electronic access control to these openings. This integration provides higher education customers a wide range of affordable solutions to meet their perimeter electronic access control needs, seamlessly integrating with security systems like Schlage’s electronic locks, readers and credentials.  Access control software The RM option is the sensor-only configuration for exit-only or fire-rated doors that require monitoring" “CBORD has been a provider of campus technology for more than forty years and works with partners like Allegion to design innovative solutions as security risks continue to evolve,” said Jim Hoefflin, CBORD president. “We’ve taken a best-of-breed in security solutions and integrated it with our industry-leading access control software for a smart integration that responds to the market’s increasing need for improved campus perimeter security.” The Von Duprin RU option is a retrofit kit for exit devices that enables remote undogging for centralized lock down and door status monitoring with integrated request to exit (RX), latch bolt (LX) and door position switch (DPS) signaling capabilities. The RU option connects wirelessly via BLE to the ENGAGE Gateway, providing real-time, bi-directional communication to the Open Options DNA Fusion software via IP network connection directly to the Gateway. Advanced access control adoption The RU option is a modular battery powered kit that can be added on to existing Von Duprin 98/99 and 33A/35A series devices. The RM option is the sensor-only configuration for exit-only or fire-rated doors that require monitoring. It provides visibility to door status with the same RX, LX and DPS signals as the RU option, without the centralized lockdown component. This integration is part of the next wave in Allegion’s quest to work with the leading players in the industry to spearhead advanced access control adoption, making seamless security the new standard at higher education institutions.

MedixSafe, a pioneer in the access control cabinet market, announces that its Key Access Ready Enclosure (KARE) key control cabinets are now available with Bluetooth format card readers. This wireless technology enables users to access their KARE cabinets using their cellphone devices as their access credential, while still offering the high level of security synonymous with MedixSafe’s solutions. Polymer swing handle lock Each key tag easily snaps open so that names and/or numbers of keys can be inserted With the latest addition of this Bluetooth technology, KARE is now available in three different technologies to achieve access – HID, Multi-Class and Bluetooth format card readers – with a key override built right into the electronic lock. The KARE reader features a Wiegand output that can be connected to any access control panel. Much more than merely a place to store keys, it gives the user control over their keys by limiting access to authorized users only and knowledge of who has accessed keys and when. The KARE key cabinets come in three sizes: (48-56 Keys) 16"H x 13.5"W x 4.5"D, (12-24 Keys) 10"H x 10"W x 4.5"D, and (192-224 Keys) 36"H x 14"W x 9"D. Each enclosure has a polymer swing handle lock and allows users to use their existing cards or phone. Access to the KARE cabinet is then controlled by the user’s existing access control database. Bluetooth-enabled Cellphone readers Included are key tag holders that can hold multiple keys or a set of keys. Each key tag easily snaps open so that names and/or numbers of keys can be inserted. When a different key is placed on the tag, a new label can easily be printed and installed. An Excel template that allows fonts and sizes to be customized is included for printing labels. "MedixSafe is dedicated to providing the very best in key control," says Jim Turner, President, MedixSafe. "Our KARE cabinets with Bluetooth-enabled cellphone readers are an ideal choice for users who prefer to use their smartphones as their cellphone access credential.”

The basic principles of access control are well established: only authorized people should have access to secure areas, only at times that can be defined in advance, and only within a system that can identify exactly who went where, and when. Traditional mechanical lock-and-key systems cannot accomplish this — at least, not without loading a huge admin burden onto security staff. But modern, electronic wireless access control has the flexibility to achieve it. What criteria determine the right sort of access control for your organization? It makes sense to assess what is desirable against what is affordable or available in the electronic access control market today. Asking yourself these 5 questions will lead to a wise investment in the right technology: Wireless locks like Aperio work seamlessly with existing systems from over 100 different access control providersDo you want to extend your existing system, or begin from scratch? You are not stuck with locks chosen by a previous management team. Security needs change. Wireless locks like Aperio, for example, work seamlessly with existing systems from over 100 different access control providers, integrated online or offline. You will save time and money extending your current system with a technology like Aperio and users can continue with their existing credentials. Going forward, it makes sense to choose locks built using open architecture, for added flexibility and to future-proof your next investment. Who are the site users and what kind of credentials suit their needs? In many industries, access to premises is required by permanent staff and short-term contractors: your access system needs to be flexible. Different systems offer credentials stored on cards and fobs, or on programmable, battery-powered keys. For example, the new Openow app for SMARTair wireless locking converts a user’s smartphone into a virtual key. You issue and revoke user keys using the intuitive software, an efficient, flexible mobile management solution. What is the structure of the site (or sites) you protect? You will need different locks for high-traffic and low-traffic doors, indoor and outdoor use. Almost everywhere, wireless locks are much easier to install and to maintain than traditional wired magnetic locks — and more cost-effective to run. Certified wireless security locks provide extra protection for sensitive areas needing stringent standards. If you have a mobile workforce or manage dispersed sites, consider the credential management practicalities. For example, programmable keys that are easy to update with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app — like ASSA ABLOY’s CLIQ Connect solution — will save your staff time and money. For outdoor access points, you will need gate locks or padlocks certified for operation in extreme conditions Do you want to secure more than just doors? Some wireless systems have locks for cabinets, machines, windows and even server racks (handy if you want an extra layer of control over co-located servers). There will be workflow advantages in monitoring these ‘non-doors’ — medicine stores, for example, or car parks or lifts — from the same admin interface as your doors. Site users will appreciate the convenience of carrying one credential for every access need. For outdoor access points, you will need gate locks or padlocks certified for operation in extreme conditions. For example, CLIQ mechatronic padlocks are currently deployed outdoors at utility sites in Scandinavia and supermarkets in East Africa. Do you need real-time capabilities? Choose an Online system and you can manage and amend access control doors at any time and from anywhere, using the admin software. You can monitor sensitive areas like medicine stores remotely and in real time, and can revoke access rights if a user credential gets lost. In an emergency, remote locking or unlocking of an entrance could be critical. Aperio wireless locks, for example, are integrated with online electronic access and real-time monitoring systems in hospitals, manufacturing plants and student halls of residence. With some systems, including SMARTair, you can combine ‘Update on Card’ and Online updating for different doors within the same installation. The CLIQ Connect app and programmable keys make real-time control over remote sites or teams possible. Wireless access control offers a compelling mix of audit compliance, easy installation, cost efficiency, and seamless integration. It makes life easier for security managers, and is deployed in premises as diverse as power plants and co-working spaces; museums and care homes; banks, schools and skyscrapers.

If you’re responsible for a medium or large-sized office, it’s more important than ever that you have access to a means of ensuring people’s safety, managing risks and fraud, and protecting property. Any security system that you employ must therefore meet the most demanding commercial requirements of today’s offices, and tomorrow’s. This means thinking beyond a basic intrusion system and specifying a comprehensive solution that integrates smart features like access control, video management and intelligent video analytics. Because only then will you have security you can trust, and detection you can depend on. Reliable Entry Management Access control systems have been developed that guarantee reliable entry management for indoors and outdoors Access control is becoming increasingly important for ensuring the security of office buildings, but as the modern workplace evolves you’re unlikely to find a one-size-fits-all solution. Today, it’s commonplace to control entry to individual rooms or restricted areas and cater to more flexible working hours that extend beyond 9 to 5, so a modern and reliable access control system that exceeds the limitations of standard mechanical locks is indispensable. Access control systems have been developed that guarantee reliable entry management for indoors and outdoors. They use state-of-the-art readers and controllers to restrict access to certain areas, ensuring only authorized individuals can get in. With video cameras located within close proximity you can then monitor and record any unauthorized access attempts. The system can also undertake a people-count to ensure only one person has entered using a single pass. Scalable Hardware Components As previously mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all system, but thanks to the scalability of the hardware components, systems can adapt to changing security requirements. For example, you can install Bosch’s Access Professional Edition (APE) software for small to medium-sized offices, then switch to the more comprehensive Access Engine (ACE) of the Building Integration System (BIS) when your security requirements grow. And, because the hardware stays the same, any adaptations are simple. APE’s ‘permanent open’ functionality allows employees and guests to enter designated areas easily and conveniently The APE software administers up to 512 readers, 10,000 cardholders and 128 cameras, making it suitable for small to medium-sized buildings. With functions like badge enrollment, entrance control monitoring and alarm management with video verification it provides a high level of security and ensures only authorized employees and visitors are able to enter certain rooms and areas. Of course, there will always be situations when, for convenience, you need certain doors to be permanently open, such as events and open days. APE’s ‘permanent open’ functionality allows employees and guests to enter designated areas easily and conveniently. Growing Security Needs You switch to the Bosch Building Integration System (BIS), without having to switch hardware (it stays the same, remember?). This is a software solution that manages subsystems like access control, video surveillance, fire alarm, public address or intrusion systems, all on a single platform. It is designed for offices with multiple sites and for large companies with a global presence. Bosch Building Integration System (BIS) manages subsystems like access control, video surveillance, fire alarm, public address or intrusion systems, all on a single platform The BIS Access Engine (ACE) administers up to 10,000 readers and 80 concurrent workplace clients per server, and 200,000 cardholders per AMC. An additional benefit to security officers is the ability to oversee cardholders and authorizations through the central cardholder management functionality and monitor all access events and alarms from every connected site. For consistency, multi-site cardholder information and access authorizations can be created on a central server and replicated across all connected site servers, which means the cardholder information is always up to date and available in every location. Intrusion Alarm Systems Bosch B Series and G Series intrusion control panels can also send personal notifications via text or email Securing all perimeter doors is vital when protecting employees, visitors and intellectual property. Doors are opened and closed countless times during business hours, and when intentionally left open, your office is vulnerable to theft, and the safety of your employees is compromised. For this reason, intrusion control panels have been developed with advanced features to ensure all perimeter doors are properly closed, even when the system is not armed. If a door remains open for a period of time (you can specify anything from one second to 60 minutes), the system can be programmed to automatically take action. For example, it can activate an audible alert at the keypad to give employees time to close the door. Then, if it is still not closed, it will send a report to a monitoring center or a text directly to the office manager, and when integrated with video it can even send an image of the incident to a mobile device. Customized Intrusion Systems What about people who need to access your building outside of working hours, like cleaning crews? Your intruder system allows you to customize the way it operates with a press of a button or swipe of a card. This level of control enables you to disarm specific areas, bypass points and unlock doors for cleaning crews or after-hours staff, whilst keeping server rooms, stock rooms and executive offices safe and secure. Bosch B Series and G Series intrusion control panels can also send personal notifications via text or email. You can program the panel to send you opening, closing, and other event alerts, which means you don’t have to be on-site to keep track of movements in and around your facility. Video Management System A video management system will add a next level of security to your access control system Every office building has different video security requirements depending on the location, size and nature of the business. Some offices may only need basic functions such as recording and playback, whereas others may need full alarm functionalities and access to different sites. A video management system will add a next level of security to your access control system. For example, the video system can provide seamless management of digital video, audio and data across IP networks for small to large office buildings. It is fully integrated and can be scaled according to your specific requirements. The entry-level BVMS Viewer is suitable for small offices that need to access live and archived video from their recording solutions. With forensic search it enables you to access a huge recording database and scan quickly for a specific security event. For larger offices, embellished security functions for the BVMS Professional version can manage up to 2,000 cameras and offers full alarm and event management Full Alarm And Event Management For larger offices, embellished security functions for the BVMS Professional version can manage up to 2,000 cameras and offers full alarm and event management. It’s also resilient enough to remain operative should both Management and Recording Servers fail. Large multi-national companies often need access to video surveillance systems at numerous sites, which is why BVMS Professional allows you to access live and archived video from over 10,000 sites across multiple time zones from a single BVMS server. When integrated with the BVMS Enterprise version multiple BVMS Professional systems can be connected so every office in the network can be viewed from one security center, which provides the opportunity to monitor up to 200,000 cameras, regardless of their location. Essential Video Analytics Video analytics acts as the brain of your security system, using metadata to add sense and structure to any video footage you capture If your strategy is to significantly improve levels of security, video analytics is an essential part of the plan. It acts as the brain of your security system, using metadata to add sense and structure to any video footage you capture. In effect, each video camera in your network becomes smart to the degree that it can understand and interpret what it is seeing. You simply set certain alarm rules, such as when someone approaches a perimeter fence, and video analytics alerts security personnel the moment a rule is breached. Smart analytics have been developed in two formats. Essential Video Analytics is ideal for small and medium-sized commercial buildings and can be used for advanced intrusion detection, such as loitering alarms, and identifying a person or object entering a pre-defined field. It also enables you to instantly retrieve the right footage from hours of stored video, so you can deal with potential threats the moment they happen. Essential Video Analytics also goes beyond security to help you enforce health and safety regulations such as enforcing no parking zones, detecting blocked emergency exits or ensuring no one enters or leaves a building via an emergency exit; all measures that can increase the safety of employees and visitors inside the building. Intelligent Video Analytics Intelligent Video Analytics have the unique capability of analyzing video content over large distances Intelligent Video Analytics have the unique capability of analyzing video content over large distances, which makes it ideally suited to more expansive office grounds or securing a perimeter fence. It can also differentiate between genuine security events and known false triggers such as snow, rain, hail and moving tree branches that can make video data far more difficult to interpret. The final piece in your security jigsaw is an intelligent camera. The latest range of Bosch ’i’ cameras have the image quality, data security measures, and bitrate reduction of <80%. And, video analytics is standard. Be prepared for what can’t be predicted. Although no-one can fully predict what kind of security-related event is around the corner, experience and expertise will help make sure you’re always fully prepared.

With the ever-growing availability of video data thanks to the low cost of high-resolution video cameras and storage, artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning analytics now have become a necessity for the physical security industry, including access control and intrusion detection. Minimizing human error and false positives are the key motivations for applying AI technologies in the security industry. What Is Artificial Intelligence? Artificial intelligence is the ability of machines to learn from experience using a multi-layer neural network, which mimics the human brain, in order to recognize items and patterns and make decisions without human interference. The human brain is estimated to have 86 billion neurons; in comparison, the newest Nvidia GPU Volta has 21 billion transistors (the equivalence of a neuron), which offers the performance of hundreds of CPUs for deep learning.AI can learn continuously 24 hours per day every day, constantly acquiring, retaining and improving its knowledge In addition, unlike humans, AI can learn continuously 24 hours per day every day, constantly acquiring, retaining and improving its knowledge. With such enormous processing power, machines using Nvidia GPU and similar chips can now distinguish faces, animals, vehicles, languages, parts of speech, etc. Depending on the required complexity, level of details, acceptable error margin, and learning data quality, AI can learn new objects within as fast as a few seconds using Spiking Neural Network (SNN) to a few weeks using Convolution Neural Network (CNN). While both SNN and CNN offer advantages and drawbacks, they outperform tradition security systems without AI in terms of efficiency and accuracy. According to the research reports of MarketsandMarkets, the market size of perimeter intrusion detection systems is projected to increase from 4.12 billion USD in 2016 to 5.82 billion USD in 2021 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. Meanwhile, the predicted market of AI in security (both cyber security and physical security) will grow from 3.92 billion USD in 2017 to 34.81 billion USD by 2025, i.e., with an impressive CAGR of 31.38%. Legacy Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems Legacy perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDSs) are typically set up with the following considerations: Geographical conditions: landscape, flora, fauna, climate (sunrise, sunset, weather conditions, etc.), whether there are undulations in the terrain that would block the field of view of cameras Presence or lack of other layers of physical protection or barriers Integration with other systems in the security network: camera, storage, other defensive lines (door, lock, alarm, etc.) Types of alarm triggers and responses System complexity: intrusion detection with various types of sensors, e.g., microwave sensors, radar sensors, vibration sensors, acoustic sensors, etc. Length of deployment Local regulations: privacy protection, whether the cameras/sensors must be visible/hidden/buried, etc., electromagnetic interferences that may affect other systems such as oil rigs or power plants Human involvement: on-site personnel arrangement, human monitoring, human action in response to alarms AI object detection can easily distinguish different types of people and objects Pain Points In Intrusion Detection Systems And Benefits Of AI The conditions listed above correspond to certain requirements of an intrusion detection systems: minimal false alarm, easy setup and maintenance, easy integration, and stable performance.AI by nature is designed to learn, adapt itself and evolve to work in multiple conditions: it should be integrated with existing video recording systems  Minimal false alarms: False alarms lead to increased cost and inefficiency but are the main problem of PIDSs without AI technology, where animals, trees, shadows, and weather conditions may trigger the sensors. AI object detection can easily distinguish different types of people and objects, e.g., in a region set up to detect people, a car driving by, a cat walking by, or a person’s shadow will not trigger the alarm. Therefore, the amount of false alarms can be reduced by 70% to orders of magnitude. Easy setup and maintenance: Legacy PIDSs without AI must account for terrain, line of sight of cameras, sensor locations; any changes to the system would require manual effort to recalculate such factors and may disturb other components in the system. In contrast, AI PIDSs enable the system administrator to access the entire system or individual cameras from the control room, configure the region and object of interest in the field of view of cameras within minutes, and adjust with ease as often as necessary. Computing knowledge and even specific security training are not required to set up a secured PIDS with AI because AI PIDS is designed to relieve humans from knowing the inner working of machines. Easy integration with complementary technologies: Legacy PIDS without AI relies on physical technology, which are often proprietary and require complete overhaul of systems to function smoothly. On the other hand, AI by nature is designed to learn, adapt itself and evolve to work in multiple conditions, so AI PIDS is easily integrated with existing video recording (camera) and storage (NVR) systems. AI also eliminates the need for physical wireless or fiber-based sensors; instead, it functions based on the videos captured by cameras. Furthermore, AI enables easy and instantaneous combinations of multiple layers of defense, e.g., automatic triggering of door lock, camera movement focusing and access control as soon as a specified object is detected in the region of interest, all set up with a click of a button.  Stable performance and durability: Legacy PIDS without AI requires complicated setup with multiple components in order to increase detection accuracy. More components mean a higher probability of malfunction in the system, including exposure to damages (e.g., sensors can be destroyed) and delay in detection, while human monitoring is inconsistent due to human fatigue (studies have shown that a person can concentrate in mundane tasks for only up to 20 minutes, and the attention span decreases even more rapidly when humans are faced with multiple items at once, e.g., multiple camera monitoring screens). AI significantly reduces, if not completely eliminates the need for human involvement in the intrusion detection system once it is set up. In addition, AI reduces the risk of system malfunction by simplifying the hardware sensors needed.    Minimizing human error and false positives are the key motivations for applying AI technologies in the security industry Additional Benefits Of AI In Intrusion Detection Artificial Intelligence is undeniably reshaping every business and weaving into every aspect of daily life Maximal detection capability: The most advanced AI intrusion detection system today provides an all-in-one solution to distinguish any combination of alarm-triggering criteria beyond perimeter protection. Using AI, the system administrator can configure as many zones with different settings and object of interests as necessary, which include detections for specific colors or attributes (e.g., person not wearing the required uniform or carrying food/drink), numbers and dwell time (e.g., group of more than 5 people loitering), or movements (e.g., cars moving faster than the speed limit). In addition, AI can accurately pinpoint the location of event occurrence by displaying the camera that records the event in near real time, i.e., with few-second delays. Lower security operation cost: By minimizing the number of false positives and human involvement while maximizing ease of use and stability, AI intrusion detection systems significantly decrease the total cost of ownership. Companies can reduce the large security personnel overhead and cost of complicated and expensive legacy PIDS systems. McKinsey Global report in June 2017 shows that proactive AI adopters can realize up to 15% increase in profit margin across various industries. Artificial Intelligence is undeniably reshaping every business and weaving into every aspect of daily life. In security, legacy systems are giving way to AI-based systems, and the first enterprises to adopt AI-based systems will soon, if not immediately, benefit from such investment. By Paul Sun, CEO of IronYun and Mai Truong, Marketing Manager of IronYun

As security embraces IT-centric solutions, it can provide business value over and above security. Now in charge of managing a variety of data – e.g., from video platforms – a company’s security function has access to a range of new metrics. While security may use video to analyze a security event, machine learning can analyze the same data for other business capabilities, such as quality control or when a policy has been breached. “It’s the same camera, but with dual purpose,” says Matt Kushner, President of STANLEY Security. STANLEY Security, one of the largest integrators with a global footprint, has positioned itself at the center of the industry’s transformation by information technology (IT) and the Internet of Things. “Security will become an expanded business partner with corporations,” Kushner comments. In response to the trend, STANLEY is hiring more IT-oriented technicians and salespeople within the IT community and who can “speak at the C-level,” Kushner comments. Sonitrol is the most recognised brand by law enforcement for verified response Data centers, higher education and logistics STANLEY manages very large, multi-national clients. As a consequence, the STANLEY security organization has some of the best and brightest minds for enterprise-class security. To maintain that level of talent, STANLEY is committed to education. “We bring them into the family and focus on education, such as IT and IoT training. That’s critical in a world where unemployment is less than 3%. Finding good people, growing good people, and retaining good people – we do that exceptionally well at STANLEY,” says Kushner. STANLEY’s strong vertical markets including data centers, higher education, and logistics. They are also strong in multi-location installations (such as banking.) STANLEY has a big footprint throughout North America and Europe.  PACOM access control and 3xLOGIC cloud-based solutions In addition to STANLEY’s core integrator business, the company also manages several manufacturing brands such as PACOM access control and 3xLOGIC cloud-based solutions. Mergers and acquisitions have been commonplace in the integrator spaceBeyond its company-owned integrator locations under the STANLEY brand, the company also owns Sonitrol, the strongest brand in the market for verified response with 65 franchises in North America. Sonitrol is the most recognized brand by law enforcement for verified response. Mergers and acquisitions have been commonplace in the integrator space, and Kushner says that STANLEY is “open and actively looking for properties that fit our commercial growth strategy.” He notes that STANLEY focuses on the commercial side of the market, where there are good margins and continuing growth. They pay less attention to the residential side which is “being heavily disrupted.” Strong partnerships with manufacturers STANLEY has strong partnerships with several manufacturer partners, through which they bring new breakout technologies to market from emerging companies. An example is Evolv Technology, a manufacturer of gun and bomb detection technology. “We see them as a leading provider of the technology, and they are, in my mind, a very disruptive provider,” says Kushner. STANLEY is also collaborating with a company – to be announced – that provides a unique gunshot detection technology, he says. STANLEY is also cooperating with dormakaba to implement Switch Tech, a Bluetooth wireless core that can replace any standard mechanical lock core. Existing locks can be transformed into electromechanical locks in minutes. STANLEY is also developing a tight integration with Lenel’s mobile credentialing system. STANLEY is also cooperating with dormakaba to implement Switch Tech GSX 2019 and ISC West 2020 At the recent GSX 2019 show in Chicago, Kushner says STANLEY heard a lot about cybersecurity, especially customers wanting to make sure they are investing in cyber-hygiene and who are looking to expand into providing cyber protection. “In concert with cyber-hygiene, they are looking for health monitoring or assurance that network devices are operating properly,” he says. “They want to ensure their security platforms are cyber-secure and up to date with the latest software versions.” STANLEY is also a big proponent of cloud offerings, and Kushner hints at a big announcement at the upcoming ISC West show in Las Vegas of additional cloud offerings and/or partnerships. “There will be a variety of new solutions to be introduced, including hosted solutions and applications that benefit both security and that add new value to businesses overall.”

The healthcare market is rife with opportunity for security systems integrators. Hospitals have a continuous need for security, to update their systems, to make repairs, says David Alessandrini, Vice President, Pasek Corp., a systems integrator. “It’s cyclical. Funding for large projects might span one to two years, and then they go into a maintenance mode. Departments are changing constantly, and they need us to maintain the equipment to make sure it’s operating to its full potential.” The experience of Pasek Corp. is typical of the opportunities available for security integrator companies in the healthcare vertical. A single large hospital system can supply a dependable ongoing source of revenue to integrator companies, says Alessandrini. Hospitals are “usually large enough to provide enough work for several people for an extended length of time.”  Healthcare customers in Pasek’s service area around Boston provide the potential for plenty of work. “We have four major hospitals, each with in excess of 250 card readers and 200 cameras, in the Boston area,” Alessandrini says. One appeal of the healthcare market for North Carolina Sound, an integrator covering central North Carolina, is the breadth of possible equipment they can sell into the healthcare market, including access control and video, of course, but also other technologies, such as audio-video systems in a dining room. North Carolina Sound has also installed sound masking in some areas with waiting rooms to protect private patient information from being overheard. Locking systems on pharmaceutical doors are another opportunity. Data capture form to appear here! IP based networked video systems A facility’s IT folks must be convinced an IP solution will function seamlessly on their network Among North Carolina Sound’s customers is Wayne Memorial Hospital, Goldsboro, N.C., which uses about 340 video cameras, with 80 percent or more of them converted to IP. The hospital is replacing analog with IP cameras as budget allows, building network infrastructure to support the system. The healthcare market tends to have a long sales cycle; in general, sales don’t happen overnight or even within a month or two. In fact, the period between an initial meeting with a healthcare facility and installation of a system could stretch to a year or longer. A lot happens during that time. Healthcare systems involve extensive planning, engineering, and meetings among various departments. Physical security systems that involve the information technology (IT) department, as do most systems today, can be especially complex. Installation of networked video systems based on Internet protocol (IP) requires deep and probing discussions with the IT team about how a system fits into the facility’s network infrastructure. A facility’s IT folks must be convinced an IP solution will function seamlessly on their network. Compatible with the network They must vet the technology to ensure the devices and solutions will be compatible with the network, and must sign off on technology choices. And even more important is determining if the security system will adhere to cybersecurity requirements of the facility. A complete solution that integrates nearly any system that lives on or uses a facility’s network is ultimately what the healthcare vertical is moving toward, says Jason Ouellette, General Manager – Enterprise Access Control & Video, Johnson Controls. Healthcare security professionals are early adopters of technology, implementing the best technology available”“We are hearing more and more from customers across industries that they want to be able to use their security systems and devices for more than just security: they want added value,” says Ouellette. Many want to use access control, video surveillance and other data sources to assess their business operations and/or workflows with the goal of improving efficiency. Upgrade cost-effectively Historically, three factors have prevented many organizations from moving forward with new technologies: lack of money, proprietary systems, and the need to “rip and replace” large parts of the installed systems, says Robert Laughlin, CEO and Chairman, Galaxy Control Systems. "Today, while funding is almost always a limiting factor at some level, the progression of industry standards and ‘open’ systems has made a big positive impact on the ability of organizations to upgrade cost-effectively,” he says. Despite any obstacles, healthcare customers generally welcome new innovations. “I would say healthcare security professionals in general are early adopters of technology and like to implement the best technology available,” says Jim Stankevich, Global Manager – Healthcare Security, Johnson Controls/Tyco Security Products. “For most, rapid implementation is limited by budgets and available funding." Read parts one and three of our healthcare mini series here and here.

All schools and colleges need to address three different levels of security when considering access control. The first level is the least vulnerable of the three and concerns the perimeter entry and exit points. Here, incorporating some level of electronic access control should be a consideration, whether that is a combination of electronic and mechanical door hardware, or a complete electronic solution. An electromechanical solution, such as electric strikes, can be beneficial in the effectiveness of perimeter security as they provide greater visitor management and traffic control. Data capture form to appear here! Facilitating visitor entry Electric strikes are able to control access via keypads, cards and proximity readers Electric strikes are able to control access via keypads, cards and proximity readers. When combined with mechanical locks, they provide the benefits of unrestricted egress. The second level is more vulnerable than the first and relates to the point at which people are screened before entering the interior of the school. As this area will be designed primarily to facilitate visitor entry, it will require adequate monitoring of access control. To do this, the latches used on access-controlled egress doors can be electronically controlled from the reception area or school office. Exit or entry doors can be opened by a push from the inside and, if the entry area is also an emergency exit, electronically-powered panic bars can also provide an effective solution. More and more schools are installing visitor management systems to control who can and cannot get into the building. Access control solutions Finally, the third level – and the most vulnerable – refers to the core of the school that both students and staff occupy. These are internal hallways, corridors, stairwells, entry points and restricted areas (such as staff lounges and science laboratories). These are the areas where a school must foster the safest environments for pupils, while also providing protection as they often contain confidential information, expensive equipment or chemicals. The access control system is linked to all doors within the school building A number of different access control solutions are beneficial, whether electronic, mechanical or a combination of the two. For electronic solutions, there are two options available: remote or centralized systems. With remote lockdown systems, individual locks are activated by remote control within proximity to the door. With integrated centralized systems, the access control system is linked to all doors within the school building and locked at the touch of a button. Prevent unauthorized persons Mechanical solutions, which include a cylinder lock and key, are also suitable for places such as classrooms, as doors can be locked externally with a key or internally with a thumbturn, to prevent unauthorized persons from entering. At one university in the United States, a smart RFID wire-free access control solution has been installed At one university in the United States, a smart RFID wire-free access control solution has been installed. The SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) wire-free system pushes and pulls data from the university’s ‘hot spot’ entry points to all their offline locks. By choosing a wire-free solution, the university only had to run wires to their exterior doors. The interior doors do not require wiring as these locks are stand-alone wire-free locks. Student accommodation block Securing access to student accommodates is another concern among colleges. One university in the United Kingdom wanted a security system to protect their student accommodation; in particular, a keyless system that would grant 24/7 access to its students while also enabling campus security to monitor these activities remotely. They chose Vanderbilt’s ACT365, which keeps audit trails by monitoring and recording fob activity. When another English university sought electronic locks for its newest student accommodation block, it turned to Aperio wireless locking technology from ASSA ABLOY. They used the wireless locks to extend the Gallagher Command Center access control system to a student residence with 231 en suite rooms separated into flats for between 8 and 13 postgraduates. Aperio wireless locks are battery-powered and use less energy than wired magnetic security locks.

ASSA ABLOY High Security and Safety Group has been named as the preferred supplier of security solutions for the Intercity Express Project (IEP) and East Coast Open Access (ECOA). The new IEP trains from Hitachi, which had their first roll out in 2017, have been introduced to replace older fleets with new high-speed trains and improve the current network. Further projects featuring the Hitachi engineering are now also planned across the UK. Locking systems, emergency access and egress devices The Group, which is a tier one supplier to the IEP project, has supplied a range of products including locking systems, emergency access and emergency egress devices. Thousands of products have been supplied over the past four years for trains that will be deployed over the whole UK rail network, operated by multiple train operators, replacing trains that were built by British Railways back in the late 1970s. Following on from the success of the IEP projects, the Group has also been named as preferred supplier for locking systems, emergency access and emergency egress devices for Hitachi’s latest project named East Coast Open Access (ECOA).

Student accommodation is a fast-growing sector. Student numbers across France have grown around 10 percent in a decade. Around $1 billion was invested in France’s purpose-built student accommodation just between 2016 and 2018. Efficient solutions to help manage security for these student properties are always welcome. For new premises in Rennes, France, specialist provider Easy Student sought reliable, key-free locking. They wanted their new residence to run efficiently, “like a hotel,” and without the unnecessary workload that comes with managing and keeping track of physical keys. SMARTair Wall Readers Wireless Electronic Escutcheons with inbuilt RFID readers control access through 83 doors at Easy Student Rennes Following a positive experience with the same technology in Nantes, Easy Student chose SMARTair Update on Card wireless access control. Wireless Electronic Escutcheons with inbuilt RFID readers control access through 83 doors at Easy Student Rennes. SMARTair Wall Readers secure non-standard entrances. SMARTair’s TS1000 software was one major reason for Easy Student’s choice. The intuitive interface and time-saving functionality make it easy for administrators to manage their access system. “SMARTair does not require any technical knowledge. I trained quickly and found the software very easy,” says Cyril Verger, Managing Director at Easy Student Rennes. “The solution corresponds perfectly to our needs. Installation was simple.” If someone loses a credential, the TS1000 interface makes cancelling it fast and easy, a major change from the old days of physical keys, mechanical locks and key organization charts. “A lost key can still be used,” M. Verger adds. “A lost credential can be canceled easily.” Flexible door entry It gives Easy Student managers the ability to change a user’s access permissions anytime, without visiting the doors SMARTair provides secure, flexible access control for every student, service provider and facilities manager who uses the residence. Around 100 access credentials are active at any one time. It gives Easy Student managers the ability to change a user’s access permissions anytime, without visiting the doors. If an incident occurs, they act quickly and decisively. Security managers program every student credential to open multiple doors: the student’s own room, the main door and bike park around the clock; a common relaxation area and the laundry room between 6.30am and 11.30pm only. “Managing this way avoids comings and goings by people who don’t live here,” M. Verger says. “Our students are very happy with the solution,” he adds. “They got used to it quickly, because this type of access control is found in lots of hotels and private homes. I highly recommend installing SMARTair at other student residences.” Learn more about SMARTair® https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/student-accommodation

SALTO Systems has been selected to provide a smart access control solution for Venture X, a modern workspace community located in Chiswick Park, West London. This business hub, with great transport links into Central London and Heathrow Airport is home to some of the best companies working in the oil and gas, media, entertainment, technology, food and drink, and health and beauty markets. It comprises 1.8 million sq. ft of award winning accommodation, arranged as a necklace of 12 office buildings. Each building faces the Park's 'inner garden' with a featured two-tier lake, waterfall, decked boardwalk, pathways, events space and landscaping. Chiswick Park also houses over 45,000 sq. ft of retail including the on-site Virgin Active gym, restaurants, convenience stores and an ever-changing array of pop-up traders and street-food vendors. Cutting edge sustainable building development Hot desks offer 24/7 access to common working areas (hubs) including phone booths and high speed Wi-Fi Part of the globally renowned, Venture X United Franchise Group, Venture X provides a brand new inspiring, diverse, and collaborative working environment that is so much more than just shared office space.  Housed in a cutting edge sustainable building development, which includes solar fins, it offers a place where individuals and businesses can lease hot desks, private desks or private offices. Hot desks offer 24/7 access to common working areas (hubs) including phone booths and high speed Wi-Fi. Private desks add a Cat 6 Ethernet port, meeting and board room access, a business address with incoming mail handling, lockable office space and a private locker. Private offices top the package by proving all the previous offerings but in a fully furnished office space including SALTO access control. Modern locking solution With some 30 internal office and meeting room doors to secure, Venture X was looking for a technologically modern locking solution that would satisfy the needs of both the business and its customers. Key requirements were the ability to grant access rights instantly for new customers and revoke them in real-time for former customers. No hassle, costs or security issues with mechanical keys were wanted. They needed an audit-trail overview of who accessed which door at which time. Flexibility allocating office space, meeting rooms etc on a day to day basis as required. Easy meeting and conference room access, and finally, easy, wire-free installation without software installation and IT configuration. SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud locking To meet these needs, SALTO’s KS ‘Keys as a Service’ cloud based locking solution was recommended. This provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. All that is needed is an online device with an Internet connection. Providing end users with cloud-based SALTO KS Keys as a Service reduces cost and almost eliminates the need for maintenance. Highly secure, thanks to its 2-factor-authentication and 128 bit AES encryption; it provides flexibility, scalability, reliability, and the ability to manage access control from any Internet platform. Remote door locking solution One of the key need was a product that offered both a card and mobile app solution to remotely open doors" Venture X Director Andrew Ross comments “When you’re providing a working and meeting environment for entrepreneurs, and business people and large corporates, many of whom will be involved with technology businesses, security, efficiency and design were all essential aspects of the brief when we selected our preferred access control solution”. He adds, “One of their key requirements was a product that offered both a card and mobile app solution that would enable the members to remotely open doors, i.e. for customers, tradespersons or postal deliveries to gain access for example without the need for a staff member to be physically present in the building." Electronic access control Ross added, “Another feature wanted was office mode, so instead of having to present an access card or smart phone app to a door every time someone used it, the door would function just like a normal door during pre-set times but auto lock when  required." Andrew further said, “The SALTO KS now installed meets those requirements and gives comprehensive 24/7 access control that covers our entire property. They are looking forward to utilizing SALTO KS across the new Venture X locations that are in development for 2020 and 2021.”

It used to be that when senior Chicagoans could no longer age in place at home, or when they were ready to live in a more social environment, they had to look for options in the suburbs. Today, the majority of Chicago’s high-end senior living communities are in or near Lincoln Park, a picturesque neighborhood, just one mile from downtown Chicago, with manicured gardens and an expansive lakefront green space with sweeping city views. This quaint neighborhood is also home to one of the country’s oldest free zoos and a host of amazing restaurants. Belmont Village Senior Living Belmont Village offers assisted living and memory care, so that as the residents’ needs change, the care can too In 2017, Harrison Street Real Estate Capital bought a building on the former Children’s Memorial Hospital campus (the Nellie Black Building). Harrison Street and Belmont Village Senior Living partnered to tear down the seven-story structure and replace it with a similar brick building, also standing seven stories. Houston, TX based Belmont Village Senior Living is a developer, owner, and operator of 29 properties in seven states. As seniors make the decision to move out of their home and into a community, full continuum of care is an important factor to consider. Belmont Village offers assisted living and memory care, so that as the residents’ needs change, the care can too. 24/7 on-site staff and security The mid-rise building was built to closely resemble the Nellie Black Building with a similar architectural style. Residents don’t want for much in this community, as they have everything they need at their fingertips. The long list of amenities includes elegantly designed common areas for gatherings, a technology center to help stay connected, a professionally managed fitness center with on-site therapy services, a licensed nurse and well-trained staff on-site 24/7, award-winning memory enrichment programs, a full social activity calendar, and a full-service salon. The dining is served restaurant-style with chef-prepared meals and a concierge is on staff to schedule complimentary transportation for personal excursions or appointments. Amenities like these used to be considered over-the-top, but today’s seniors are coming to expect this kind of daily living. The building has no similarities to a retirement home, but rather looks like a luxury condominium. The residents are city-savvy and happy to be near downtown Chicago. Schlage NDE wireless locks The Schlage NDE wireless locks are activated by a fob that each resident is given W.E. O’Neil Construction provided general contracting services for this project. They partnered with American Direct to provide 300 pre-hung doors, 210 bifold doors in residential units, 4 exterior stile and rail doors, 325 hollow metal doors, 90 hollow metal frames, and 215 knock down frames. Locks included Schlage NDE80 wireless intelligent locks for resident entry and common area openings and wall-mounted Mercury readers for the entire exterior area, elevator, and stairwell locks. The Schlage NDE wireless locks are activated by a fob that each resident is given. That fob is unique to the resident’s apartment entry. These locks report back to the main system every 12 hours. If credentials in the system are edited in any way, when the lock checks in with the system every 12 hours, the lock is automatically updated with the most current information. The lock can also report important information, such as who may have requested access, what access was granted, and what access was denied. A benefit to these wireless locks is the minimal installation cost. Basically it is just a matter of mounting the lock with four AA batteries. The battery lifespan is about 1 year. Intelligent electronic locks Belmont Village had already purchased some intelligent locks for the back of house and the general contractor was going to use an electrical contractor for those locks. American Direct Division 8 salesperson, Eric Van Scoy reached out to AccessNsite Security Sales Representative, Heather Rolli for counsel on how to best integrate the pre-purchased locks for back of house and the additional locks American Direct was providing for the resident entries. The AccessNsite Allegion driver is integrated to the WiFi solution that allows communication" Heather Rolli said, “I took off my sales hat, so to speak, and put on my coaching hat to guide the general contractor and owner. I explained that Schlage NDE locks can communicate in a few different ways, one of which is through the lock’s WiFi antenna that goes across the building’s WiFi network. The AccessNsite Allegion driver is integrated to the WiFi solution that allows communication with back of house locks, the resident entry locks, and the Mercury panel common area readers. The original electrical contractor’s solution could not do that integration. If they had continued with their original plan, they would have had to utilise a gateway for every 10 locks for a Bluetooth connection”. AccessNsite integrated access control She stated that continuing on that path would have been very expensive. By using AccessNsite for all of the locks, it eliminated two different layers of physical equipment. With AccessNsite, all the locks communicate via the building’s WiFi network and then information is exchanged as the locks check into the system. “This is part of the service we provide — engineering and consulting to provide the best solution/ service we can,” says Rolli. Rolli was able to consult and guide the general contractor and owner. She further said, “American Direct and AccessNsite were asked to provide not only the Schlage NDE locks for resident entries and back of house, but also wall mounted Mercury readers and intercoms as well. The scope of the project became much larger once the general contractor learned how powerful AccessNsite software actually is. We were able to provide each aspect of the access control without the owner having to use multiple manufacturers. We provided an elegant solution that enabled huge cost savings to the owner on product and labor. I always look for the end user to have a simplified way to manage the facility”. Integrated with AIPHONE security video intercom system Integrated parking for Belmont Village is underground because of lack of space in Lincoln Park. The loading dock is actually across the street with tunnel access. AccessNsite integrated access control with the facility’s AIPHONE (security video intercom system) allowing employees to push a button to unlock the door via a video component. It is critical to know who is gaining access to entry points and AccessNsite will allow them to track that" The Concierge Desk, the Main Desk, and the Head Chef all have AIPHONE access that allows remote opening of garage and overhead doors. When there is a delivery at the loading dock, for example, the person making the delivery pushes the access control button and the Chef, located in the building at the other end of the tunnel access, can see who is at the dock and can grant access if desired. Advanced access control technology W.E. O’Neil’s Project Manager, Brad Garlick stated, “We made great strides with access control on this project that will benefit Belmont Village in the long run. This was their first time to utilise this kind of access control technology and it will provide them with information they have never had before. In today’s world, it is critical to know who is gaining access to entry points and AccessNsite will allow them to track that and so much more.” Belmont Village is a perfect example of how American Direct and AccessNsite not only sell product alongside one another, but also effectively collaborate with each other, the general contractor, and the project owner in order to provide them with the single, most effective, cost efficient openings solution. Belmont Village opened in 2019 and has made great strides in building an impressive reputation for the classy age in place retirement community near downtown Chicago.

St. Anthony’s Senior Living is located in Brookside, a charming historic neighborhood in the center of Kansas City, MO. The neighborhood is within a few blocks of the quaint Waldo and Country Club Plaza shopping districts. The building is on Troost Avenue, one of the major streets in Kansas City, MO. For the last few years, developers and entrepreneurs have focused on the transformation of Troost Avenue. From Ruby Jean’s Kitchen and Juicery to Urban Café to new condo buildings to a foot bridge for children symbolically combining cultures and neighborhoods — the region is seeing revitalization and businesses on Troost are thriving as their customers are coming from Kansas and Missouri, building the region from the inside out. St. Anthony’s Senior Living is an urban nine-story tower that features 120 independent living units St. Anthony’s Senior Living St. Anthony’s Senior Living is an urban nine-story tower that features 120 independent living units. Phase 2 will have 30 assisted living units and 50 memory care units. The majority of the building boasts natural sunlight from the floor to ceiling glass windows. Amenities include free underground parking, a lounge, library, community garden, community rooms, a putting green, daily mass with a resident priest, fitness center, full-service salon, convenience store, and a dog park. Schlage NDE80 locks A premiere Kansas City general contractor, Straub Construction, partnered with American Direct (AccessNsite solution provider) to provide Division 8 and 28 access control. Allegion’s Schlage NDE80 locks were selected and American Direct Project Manager, Matt Fry, assisted in the programming, commissioning, and installation of the locks. This required setting up the IP address, identifying the communication based on the WiFi infrastructure, and setting up all of the identifying characteristics of the lock (what credentials would be assigned, access levels, etc.). Matt Fry stated, “The Schlage NDE80 locks and the access control system are so accommodating because you can group individuals’ credentials together based on their access levels, such as housekeepers being grouped together based on the floor they work on, which prevents them from gaining access to floors they shouldn’t be on.” AccessNsite access control solution AccessNsite software could allow them to use the antenna of the Schlage NDE locks When AccessNsite came on board they were informed that St. Anthony’s had already begun work with a company using a platform for the Schlage NDE locks that is a stand-alone product where you are required to physically be at the lock to update the access control details for that lock. If a tenant moves out or moves in, the administrator of the access control would have to enter the credentials in the cloud-based system on their phone, then they would have to physically walk to the lock, find the lock in the app on their phone, pair it, and then update the lock. AccessNsite had an easier way. Security Sales Representative, Heather Rolli coached the general contractor and made sure they realized that the AccessNsite software could allow them to use the antenna of the Schlage NDE locks and push the credentials directly out to the lock. This would mean that the access control administrator could centrally manage all of the locks right from their computer or phone and would not have to physically go to the lock to implement the changes. This would eliminate substantial time and effort on the administrator’s end. PROX technology The Schlage NDE locks can use multiple technologies (125 kHz PROX or 13.56 MHz technology, MiFARE Smart Card), but the difference is that the 13.56 technology doesn’t allow a card or fob to “excite” and that is a much more secure situation. The national contractor requested the PROX technology and AccessNsite was using the 13.56 technology. In order to avoid residents having to carry to credential cards, Rolli coordinated the solution so it registered matching fob credentials that the PROX technology was using. This meant that the fob format, bit structure, and facility code would be the same for all locks and only one fob would be necessary per resident. American Direct and AccessNsite made it super simple as far as ease of use" Secure access control system Even though there were two systems in use, this was seamless to the residents, making access control very easy wherever they needed to go. AccessNsite made every attempt to provide the best access control, but use the system the contractor already had in place. Straub Construction’s Superintendent, Justin Briggs says, “American Direct and AccessNsite made it super simple as far as ease of use. It can’t get much better for the residents to access their apartments. AccessNsite helped us integrate the exterior doors with the unit entry doors so the residents didn’t have to carry two separate fobs. Things like that are extremely important in a senior living environment.” Critical data exchange tools and API The work with St. Anthony’s is a great example of how American Direct has taken on the next evolution of becoming a technology company. That technology can touch so many different areas of a facility or campus when the different platforms manage the housing, dining, and access control. AccessNsite simplifies the exchange of information by using critical data exchange tools and an API (Application Programming Interface) allowing interoperability and integration as multiple applications communicate with one another. Acquired by American Direct Procurement, Inc. (American Direct), AccessNsite is a total access control software solution with powerful systems interoperability and automation configurable to a building’s distinct needs — irrespective of the requirement being of two or 2000 doors to secure multiple locations.

Founded in 1927, the University of Houston (UH) is the renowned public research university in Houston and the third largest university in Texas. In 2018, UH enrolled 46,324 students per semester in 261 undergraduate and graduate academic programs — both on campus and online. The UH System comprises four universities and six multi-institution regional campuses that offer degrees in partnership with the universities. The University of Houston is the largest and most comprehensive institution of the UH System. UH System UH has grown to service the city of Houston and beyond through their extensive educational offerings, partnerships UH has grown to service the city of Houston and beyond through their extensive educational offerings, partnerships, and contributions to the community. A recent market analysis supported a demand for UH programs in the Sugar Land and Katy communities, and the UH System responded with constructing one new building on each campus. The University’s Sugar Land location serves about 2,200 students and offers a variety of classes that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees from UH, including a Second Degree BSN program. The new College of Technology building at Sugar Land is a 100,000 sq. ft. facility with state-of-the art features. The three floors include classroom space and research labs, auditoriums, student lounge areas, faculty and staff offices, and a greenhouse area. University campus security The expansion of UH at Sugar Land will offer greater opportunities to prepare career-ready students poised for leadership in technology. The new instructional building at UH at Katy is an 80,000 sq. ft. facility and houses programs from the UH College of Nursing and the UH Cullen College of Engineering. Class enrollment at the University of Houston (UH) at Katy is more than 600 students. American Direct was chosen to provide its advanced access control solution, AccessNsite for the Sugar Land campus and American Direct’s partner, Skyhawk, was chosen for the Katy UH campus. According to American Direct Vice President of Sales, Todd Neely, ”American Direct was able to provide significant savings to University of Houston because, instead of considering product mix for two different buildings individually, they were able to use similar product mix on both buildings and reduce the amount of coordination time to manage both projects”. AIPHONE IXSeries VoIP intercom The mix included hard wired, card-based, Mercury panels and IN-120 and IN-220 battery-powered WiFi locks. Sugar Land also uses AIPHONE IXSeries (VoIP, Voice over Internet Protocol intercoms) at the entrances to the building and on each floor near the elevators. Integrating with existing systems, like AIPHONE, is possible because of AccessNsite’s multi-layer security integration. This flexibility component is a significant contribution to the complete access control solution. Proximity card readers The card readers are proximity readers where the user just taps their card on the reader American Direct and AccessNsite staff consulted with the general contractor, Tellepsen Builders Construction, to discuss if all doors should have card readers and who should be granted access. The card readers are proximity readers where the user just taps their card on the reader or gets close enough to the door so that the lock picks up the credentials. A card swipe is no longer needed with proximity readers. Providing Division 8 and 28 products and services for the same client on one job is extremely efficient according to Todd Neely. He adds, “It eliminates the scope gap and the possibility of trying to identify the area of responsibility, should an issue occur. For example, if there is an issue with a door opening, then we take care of that issue as the total openings solution provider.” Secure door access control solution Neely further stated, “Providing doors and access control together for one client involves massive internal coordination with the entire team from the onset of the project. “We have meetings very early on to talk about what we need to do to meet all of the requirements of the project. This makes it easier to coordinate shop drawings and submittals and determine what needs to be included.” Tellepsen Project Manager, Cameron Carter recalls a great working relationship with American Direct Procurement (AccessNsite access control solution provider). Cameron said, “The University of Houston (UH) changed a few things near the end of the construction process and American Direct and AccessNsite were in direct contact with them about the changes. On a project like this, you can easily run into issues late in the game, either with the security or door people, and find out that an installation needs adjusting. We were able to minimize those kinds of issues by using American Direct and AccessNsite for all of the access control. It was a smooth, fluid process.” AccessNsite access control technology Finding a balance between securing buildings and keeping a friendly campus feel is not easy, but the right openings solutions can help. Advanced access control technology, like AccessNsite, can give campus security teams more control over their environment. AccessNsite is a total access control software solution with powerful systems interoperability and automation configurable to a building’s distinct and specific needs. This ultimately goes a long way in ensuring that students and staff feel safe as they move in and out of classrooms throughout the day. The University of Houston (UH) is full steam ahead in student growth. It is likely that the growth of UH campus buildings will follow. American Direct and AccessNsite will be ready to provide the total openings solutions.

The new school year is a good time to reflect on the role of security in protecting our schools. From video to access control to some newer technologies, our Expert Panel Roundtable found plenty to talk about when we asked this week’s question: How does security technology make our schools safer?