Access Control – Security Solutions Group

Access control is a system used to control user’s physical access into and out of buildings, rooms, gates, storage and other areas.

Features of Access Control

Schedules – Used to control when a user’s credential grants access where.
Audit Trails – Provides a history of which users try their credential where while providing the result of access granted or denied.
Remote unlocking – For online connected locks, it grants the ability to remotely unlock the door for someone.
Timed Openings – Can automatically unlock and relock doors at certain hours.
Credential Blocking – Immediately blocks and/or deletes a users credential.
Access Management – Changes the users access rights to where and when with a few clicks of software. No need to rekey locks anymore.
Administrative Permissions & Partitions – Grant other managers access to reports and to manage their own team’s access directly, but not access to other locations.
System Reports – Pull reports of who made made changes in the system.
System Status – Sees the health of your system in real time.
Live Events – Monitors credential use and door activity in real time.
Door Sensors – Gives you the ability to monitor whether a door is propped open.
Request to Exit – Allows for the system to tell whether the door was opened from the inside from a person versus a forced entry.
Lockdown – Press a button and all the doors immediately lock and block credential access.
Multi Site – Manage multiple locations with one pane of glass.
Easy Management – Control your users and operations with manageable software.

If you want these features now contact us. If you would like to learn more keep going.

Credentials

There are several different types of credentials available to use.

Apple Wallet (Phone)
BLE Mobile Credential (Phone)
NFC (Phone and/or Watch)
Printed ID Badge
Key Ring Fob
Bracelet
Sticker
QR Code
Pin Code

Many solutions can handle multiple different credential types simultaneously. Select the ones you want to design your ideal solution.

Hardwired | Wireless | Offline

-The Connected Spectrum

There are three types of connected access control doors and locks: hardwired, wireless and offline. Each has their pros and cons for specific purposes.

Hardwired Doors

Hardwired Doors are the traditional access control doors where the locking hardware, reader, door position switch, request to exit and door controller are all connected by low voltage wire. Hardwired doors are best for exterior and high use doors. They are the most durable but are more expensive too. It is easiest to install hardwired doors in new constructions and remodels when walls are open to hide the wires.

Wireless Locks

Wireless locks are modern battery powered locksets that integrate the locking hardware, reader, request to exit and door position switch all in one device. Wireless locks require a gateway or hub to connect to via Blue tooth, radio frequency and/or direct to wifi. Wireless locks are best for retro fits, and interior doors where running wire and budget is prohibitive becuase they are more affordable then hardwired doors. The affordablility is the largest strenght of wireless locks they are half to a quarter of the cost of hardwiared doors.

The downside to wireless locks are the battery maintenace – most locks average two years depending on use, but wifi-direct locks can only last six months with high usage. The hubs also either need a Cat network, wifi and or 110V outlets. If no wiring and/or network is availabe you can use offline locks.

Offline Locks

Battery or NFC powered locks operate without being connected to a network. Offline locks are ideal for large facilities with multiple access control doors and sites that do not need real time communication or do not have network access available. Common examples are hotels and utility companies with many remote locations respectively.

Offline locks are even more affordable then connected wireless locks. They work by the credential which is the intelligent device which updates the access rights and how to grant permission. The Mobile phone credential and/or physical credential tells the lock whether to open or not. Audit trails, and access rights are updates through a network effect from other online locks the credentials interact with.

Several solutions are able to use a combination of hardwired, wireless and offline locks simultaneously. This allows prioritization of the budget, access point and feature set to coincide appropriately.

Cloud vs. Server Software

Another major design choice is cloud based software versus server based software. We recommend cloud solutions versus servers solutions eight times of ten, but there are several situations where server solutions are still the best choice. The benefits of both are listed below.

Cloud

Cloud software is the way of the future. Here are the benefits:

Access your system anytime, anywhere, on any online device.
Remote management.
Unlimited software updates.
Immediate notifications.
Remote tech support access which minimizes service truck rolls and cost.
Manufacturer manages and protects the infromation.

Server

Server based software is better for when:

You have a better managed server than cloud systems, this usually requires an internal IT department.
You have increased security requirements to not host information outside of your company’s internal network.
The system design features are better with server software then cloud.
You do not like the cloud.

Common server based end users are governments, utilities, and medical facilities. Contact us to help decide which software type is best for your needs.

Integrations

Many access control solutions come with integrations. Integrations can be native where the same manufacturer makes them for their own software, or with other companies. There are two types of integrations – hardware and software. The most common integrations are:

Video surveillance
Intrusion alarms
Visitor management
Intercoms
Wireless Locksets
HR Solutions
Elevators
Time Attendance
Room Management
And More

Pricing Structure

Access control systems come in a wide variety of pricing structures, and can be billed monthly or annually per device. Pricing can be based on the total number of users, and/or mobile credentials. These can be recurring or one time setup fees. Access control systems can be purchased out right, leased to own on the hardware, or a complete lifetime support with warranty plan. They can be a combination of the above depending on the feature sets desired.

Access Control Solutions

We offer multiple access control solutions that each deliver unique value propositions to meet all customers needs and objectives. Here is a list to learn more about each: