Industry Insight

Security Mutation

  • By Karen Evans
  • Dec 01, 2006

THE access control industry continues to evolve as new technologies that address myriad different and newly arising security needs are developed. Throughout this evolution, it is becoming continually more important to choose a system users can not only count on for current security needs, but also one which has the ability to grow and adapt to emerging technologies in the future.

The philosophy of inclusive development intersects with the concept of open architecture, a term security professionals are hearing more and more as the industry moves to a fully-networked platform and as manufacturers gain an understanding of the need for all devices to communicate.

This has been one of the governing missions at Sielox. We have had three generations of controllers for more than 20 years, and they have always been compatible with our earlier systems. Customers need to be able to count on their investment in technology, knowing they will be able to add to the system without having to replace it entirely or start from scratch each upgrade.

From One System to Another
The philosophy of inclusive development intersects with the concept of open architecture, a term security professionals are hearing more and more as the industry moves to a fully-networked platform and as manufacturers gain an understanding of the need for all devices to communicate. New offerings need to be IT-friendly and IP addressable. Bandwidth will continue to be an issue, therefore, minimal bandwidth usage is a desirable feature.

In addition, manufacturers will need to provide a software developement kit (SDK) that has the ability to protect the integrity of the system. For example, there should be no need to go to the SQL tables and potentially corrupt the database. Instead, the same functionality should be enabled by using a library of calls. Solutions also should be able to interface with third-party applications such as HR, Active Directory, visitor management, time and attendance and with any other application that benefits from the ability to share data or events.

The movement to modular systems benefits users, as they are able to build controllers to meet specific applications and purchase only what is needed. There is no reason to buy an eight-reader panel when you only need two. With modular systems, users are able to grow solutions as more capability is needed. In that same vein, scalable has become an important buzzword, as the need for growth without replacement has emerged. It is essential to be able to add readers, users, operators, inputs, outputs, time zones, access levels and groups to a system.

Running Smoothly
Ease of use is another critical element. Users are not willing to accept a steep learning curve into which they have to invest substantial training time. The best solutions in the future will be intuitive and include an easy graphical user interface to help new users get up and running with minimal delay. This is why many manufacturers offer floor plans with icons that change state and color, allowing complete control of any device.

Ultimately, while the industry can clearly see the network as the future of access control and security systems, it is critical not to lose sight of the present and even the past, keeping legacy users functioning smoothly with the ability to upgrade and add on without having to rebuild from scratch. Most importantly, installed systems will continue to run smoothly.

Much of the responsibility for smooth operation of systems will rest on the shoulders of manufacturers of the future. Because of the complexity of emerging technologies, not all systems integrators will have the staff on hand to keep up with fast-moving industry changes and developments, and will rely on manufacturers to provide professional services like system design, creating wiring diagrams and interfacing with IT departments. The key will be keeping all involved parties in sync during installation as the system expands over time.

This article originally appeared in the December 2006 issue of Security Products, pg. 10.

About the Author

Karen Evans is the CEO of Sielox.

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