Advances in technology, including dramatic changes within security, have enhanced the flexibility of many systems, including access control. No longer solely used for controlling entry and egress from a site, modern access control systems can deliver a variety of other benefits. The potential on offer grows significantly if a hosted cloud-based system is implemented.
Access control is, first and foremost, a security technology. End users demand and invest in access control to protect premises and people from unauthorised persons gaining entry to a secure location. Whilst this is a basic point, it is one to remember. No matter how smart an access control system is, the end user will not be impressed if the security is in any way compromised, no matter how many other benefits it offers.
Luckily for integrators and installers, the leading access control manufacturers, including Vanderbilt, have actively developed solutions which combine the expected levels of security and resilience from a professional access system with the flexibility and added value of hosted cloud services. Indeed, the combination of the two aspects of system design results in solutions which add value but also deliver an enhanced level of security.
Cloud-based access control represents a ‘win-win’ scenario for the end user and the integrator or installer. Both parties receive benefits from the cloud approach, which makes the solutions easier to sell.
The first point to consider is many end users already utilise cloud services. Businesses and organisations entrust their core processes and procedures to the cloud. That a failure in these business-critical tasks would cost a company dearly illustrates the confidence end users have in the technology.
Cloud-based services such as ACT365 from Vanderbilt make the total cost of ownership a simple-to-understand factor. The user pays a recurring subscription fee, and enjoy a flexible and robust access control system. Once the investment in edge devices is made, the day-to-day costs are linear and predictable. In terms of central hardware costs, there is no need for a dedicated server.
Software upgrades and license changes are simplified, because the software resides in the cloud. If an update is rolled out, there is no downtime while the installation company upgrades individual workstations. The service provider simply updates the core software, and regardless of which device a user logs in from, the software will be up to date.
The integrator or installer benefits because IT-centric tasks, such as port forwarding for remote connectivity or user authentication management, are all handled in the cloud. The installation and configuration process is greatly simplified. In terms of maintenance and health-checking, cloud-based systems allow real-time reports to be viewed, highlighting potential problems before they arise. This allows an engineer to interact with the system, often remotely, to ensure issues are addressed before they escalate into faults.
The deployment of cloud-based access control also allows additional services to be introduced which elevate the solution beyond the traditional role of security. End users can enjoy simplified remote management of credentials and personnel, advanced reporting of events and transactions, increased levels of door management (such as for booking meetings and managing assets) along with monitoring lone workers for safety reasons.
Real-time data can also be used for asset tracking, muster reporting, time and attendance, occupancy management and a host of other benefits.
Bespoke cloud-based access solution is of greater value to the customer and can win contracts for engineers. It allows a more flexible solution to be created, and Vanderbilt is seeking to further expand the possibilities to ensure integrators and installers can not only meet users’ expectations but exceed them with smarter access control solutions.
Vanderbilt also offers smart options through its ACT Enterprise software, which extends functionality through the use of logical rules mapping, allowing events and actions to be easily linked via an intuitive GUI.
For more on smarter access control, visit: https://vanderbiltindustries.com/act365