Benchmark looks at 12 products and systems of interest for integrators and end users who are looking to implement smart solutions that add value through the use of advanced access and egress control.
Avigilon: ACM Embedded Controller
Avigilon Access Control Manager (ACM) Embedded Controller is an entry-level access control system designed for small- to medium-sized applications with 16 doors or fewer. It makes use HID VertX controller hardware supplemented with Avigilon factory-installed software and an easy-to-use browser-based application to ensure simplicity of configuration and programming.
The product design increases the return on investment for users as it eliminates costly server components, simplifies installation, and enables operators to remotely access the system from virtually any location using a network connected device.
Bundled kits from Avigilon combine multiple hardware components to produce a single, easy-to-order access control system. The streamlined system design ensures that system integrators and security installers have the right hardware for the project. The kits are available in 4-door, 8-door and 16-door bundled variants.
ACM Embedded Controller software is easy to configure and navigate. With only a few tabs in the GUI navigation structure, integrators and end users are never more than one or two clicks away from controls for the majority of operations, enabling them to maintain and manage the system from virtually anywhere without the need for a complex interface.
Inner Range: Integriti
Integriti delivers advanced security with cost-savings being achieved due to integrated security, access control and building automation functionality. The system is fully scalable, and makes use of a flexible and modular design, ensuring that integrators and end users can ‘mix and match’ components and features to ensure they are only paying for the system elements which are implemented.
Based upon IP networked infrastructure, businesses and organisations can either reuse legacy cabling, reducing the total cost of ownership, or can deliver a dedicated security network, enabling a high degree of secure connectivity.
The system combines security functionality with access control and building automation. Users can control access and egress, set and unset alarms, monitor movements of people and assets, control elevators or HVAC systems based upon occupancy and the permissions of individual card-holders, etc..
Integrations are simple as Inner Range has a number of dedicated partnerships, ensuring Integriti delivers a seamless but flexible experience. The software interface allows all system elements to be managed from one front-end, which makes use of intuitive Windows-based software.
Users can monitor and control traffic around the site, including personnel and vehicles. Critical assets can also be managed, with permissions configurable for a wide range of criteria.
IEE: TDFlex
TDFlex issues a modulated non-sensing light source in the near-infrared range, and the phase shift of the reflected light is then measured and assessed to create 3D topographic data about people and objects in the monitored area. The algorithm used allows the unit to detect tailgating, as well as u-turns in airlock systems, bi-directional movement and credential passbacks.
Sophisticated algorithms ensure reliable detection of people and objects. The system has been tested with a number of scenarios that confuse anti-tailgate solutions, such as people carrying or wheeling luggage, wearing hats, or walking closely together.
The sensor provides required illumination, so performance is not affected by the presence of artificial light. It can also operate as specified in darkness.
Integrated firmware means the sensor can be deployed without an additional computer or server. The computer-based sensor management tool enables control of multiple sensors.
Features include multiple sensor configuration and backup, software updates via the network, copying of any configuration to multiple sensors, sensor status monitoring, advanced diagnostics and semi-automatic calibration.
Paxton: PaxLock Pro
The PaxLock Pro is a wireless door handle and locking unit which can be used as a standalone device or linked with a suitable networked system. The battery-powered door handles can be added to existing doors, and allow the access solution to be extended into a variety of locations.
Offering the same level of security and convenience as a wired access control device, but with the additional flexibility of being wireless, results in less overall cabling, which equates to a quick and simple installation for minimal disruption. It also allows legacy mechanical doors to be added to the system.
Credentials are issued as usual, and are easily barred from the system if they are lost or stolen, unlike traditional keys typical for mechanical door locks. This reduces total cost of ownership.
TDSi: GARDiS
GARDiS access control management software is claimed to improve accessibility to connected systems. Suitable for use by integrators as well as end users and IT managers, it boasts ease of installation across a number of Windows versions, with a graphical user-friendly interface developed to accommodate the needs of a wide variety of sites.
GARDiS is a web-based application which runs as a service. This ensures that is always operational. The software is supplemented by a selection of hardware products designed to fully integrate with cloud-hosted security solutions.
Aiming to deliver a different approach to the way security systems are installed and operated, it provides a core Security-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, which delivers opportunities with regard to recurring revenue.
Assa Abloy: Aperio
Aperio enables sites to cost-effectively integrate non-wired doors with mechanical locks into an access control system. Installing traditional access control doors is expensive due to the wiring required.
With Aperio technology, all doors can be upgraded and wirelessly linked to the access control system using battery-powered electronic locking devices with integrated RFID card readers.
Security and facility managers can monitor and manage premises at any time, locally or remotely, using a single system, and can easily respond to organisational changes. Users require a single RFID access control credential. The technology also offers online and offline integration to cover all security requirements. Aperio supports high frequency RFID technologies including iCLASS, MIFARE and DESFire.
PAC: PAC 8
The PAC8 access control solution uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and smartphone app-based functionality to offer reliability and flexibility. PAC8 bridges the gap between access control and smart solutions for those looking to exploit the benefits of smart devices and the cloud.
PAC8 does not require a constant connection, and can be configured and controlled using any Apple iOS or Android smart device.
Communication between a smart device and controller is via BLE. PAC8 features 90 per cent of the functionality normally associated with PC-based access control systems, and BLE removes the need for a physical IT network infrastructure.
For integrators, the installation process has been made as easy as possible: the engineer completes a one-time registration, downloads the app to set-up and configure the PAC8 system, creates a customer account for the user and adds the controller serial numbers. This process is completed via the cloud. As the system information is stored in the cloud, it enables synchronised events to be viewed on demand.
CEM: AC2000 Airport
AC2000 Airport is an access control and integrated security management system dedicated to use in aviation-specific applications. It includes the core features of the AC2000 management system, but with additional functions designed specifically for airports to run more effectively.
Check-in desk management, passenger segregation, air-bridge monitoring, temporary cardholder management and card charging are all features added to help airport management teams improve operational efficiencies using business intelligence, alongside ensuring a high level of security is provided around the clock.
AC2000 Airport is flexible to meet project needs for integration or customisation. Acting as the security management system, AC2000 provides integration options and a powerful command and control front-end for alarm management of multiple airport security systems.
Based on a stable Linux operating system, system security is enhanced through the use of hot standby/redundant servers. Using Windows-based operator workstations, it offers unlimited system expansion. With support for multi-technology card readers and portable hand-held readers, it offers a range of options to meet all airport requirements.
Lenel: OnGuard
OnGuard delivers a fully browser-based access control experience. With both alarm and cardholder management available through web browser GUIs, OnGuard users can access the platform using a computer, laptop, or tablet connected to the network.
The new OnGuard Monitor client provides installation-free alarm monitoring and management, allowing on-the-go viewing and acknowledgment of alarms, and control of Lenel access control hardware.
The OnGuard Credentials cardholder management client has been enhanced so that it supports segmentation, allows active directory links to be created, facilitates the printing of lists, and saves searches and preferences.
OnGuard version has also been validated by Lenel for Cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) deployment in Microsoft Azure, meaning little or no on-site software installation will be required for simpler applications.
The OnGuard Access Manager client enables users to manage access rights. It allows point-and-click assignment. When used in conjunction with the OnGuard Cardholder Self Service module, this client provides back-end management and handling of automated access requests received from the cardholder portal.
Based on HTML5 standards, Access Manager features a responsive user interface and supports a wide range of client platforms. It operates without the need for software installation or updates on the client device.
Vanderbilt: ACT365
Vanderbilt ACT365 is a cloud-based access control and video management system. It allows multiple sites to be managed via a single interface. This can include a range of sites for a single client, or sites from multiple clients.
The web-based interface can be used for remote management of sites, diagnostics and general housekeeping duties.
For the user, the web-based interface allows day-to-day management of the system, including adding and deleting users, checking transactions and other reports, viewing video footage associated with access-based events and for video verification such as identifying authorised users.
The web-based interface can be viewed via a browser, and smartphone apps are available for both iOS or Android devices. Because the management software is hosted in a secure cloud, there is no need for local software. This reduces installation time and costs, and also simplifies upgrades. It also reduces on-going costs such as per-seat licensing and allows any authorised user to log in to the system from any network connected device.
Genetec: Synergis Cloud Link
Synergis Cloud Link is an access control appliance that enables integrators and end users to make a free choice with regard to hardware and software within a Synergis access control system.
Providing native support for door control hardware and electronic locks from a range of manufacturers, Synergis Cloud Link is a powerful and intelligent PoE-enabled device engineered to address customer demand for non-proprietary access control peripherals. It allows the use of legacy edge hardware in service-based solutions, reducing the total cost of ownership when smart systems are deployed.
Even if the door hardware is not cloud-ready, Synergis Cloud Link is capable of connecting locks and other edge peripherals to a cloud-based solution to offer access control as a service (ACaaS) for a wider range of customers.
Synergis Cloud Link allows integration with a range of access control hardware including equipment from HID Global, Mercury Security, Axis Communications, ASSA ABLOY and Allegion, ensuring a high degree of flexibility.
3xLogic: Infinias Cloud
Infinias Cloud from 3xLogic delivers access control capabilities to secure and manage user locations, via a simple, intuitive, browser-based interface. The cloud-based solution makes access control practical and affordable for any user.
The system enables viewing, monitoring and reporting on events and alarms. Users can define multiple security roles and access privileges for individual users. The system’s rules engine allows users to include the functionality they need, such as site lockdown, first-in/last-out, n-man rules, etc..
Infinias CLOUD 6.4 supports Allegion ENGAGE wireless locks. Integrators can save time and money by extending access control to doors that are difficult to traditionally wire. With ENGAGE locks and Infinias Cloud, all connections are wireless.
Other features include push notifications, location services and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Access privileges can be configured to require MFA if site security requires enhanced protection.