Genetec Announces Synergis Master Controller, a New Open Architecture IP Door Controller

The new open architecture IP door controller features native support for popular access control hardware from Mercury Security and HID Global, offering more choices for customers to modernize exiting systems, leverage equipment investments and facilitate the move to a unified security platform.

Genetec, a pioneer in the physical security industry and a leading provider of world-class unified IP security solutions, has announced that its highly anticipated Synergis Master Controller (SMC), an intelligent IP controller based on an open architecture, will be available in early 2013. Currently installed at over a dozen key customer sites around the world as part of a limited availability program, the SMC has been designed to address longstanding customer demand for non-proprietary access control solutions. Towards this end, the SMC will offer native support of widely-deployed and non-proprietary access control hardware from leading vendors, including HID Global and Mercury Security.

Synergis is the IP access control system within Genetec's Security Center, the Company's unified security platform that seamlessly blends IP video surveillance, access control, and license plate recognition systems. Synergis also provides real-time monitoring of access events and alarms, as well as cardholder management and reporting. The system enables users to handle thousands of access events in real-time and centrally manage and configure cardholders and credentials across multiple distributed sites.

With the addition of the SMC to the Synergis access control product line, Genetec’s customers will now have even more flexibility when designing a solution to suit their particular needs, installation environment and budget. Thanks to a new technology partnership with Mercury Security and a long-standing relationship with HID Global, customers will be able to leverage SMC's open architecture and choose from a growing array of industry-standard reader interface modules, input modules, and output modules.

Above and beyond new system installations, the Synergis Master Controller will be ideally suited for customers who are looking to modernize an existing installation. It will allow them to leverage their corporate or security network to transition to a fully IP-based access control system.

The SMC will also facilitate their migration to Genetec’s unified security platform, Security Center, bringing the benefits of access control and video unification to a wider audience while leveraging much of their existing infrastructure such as readers, interface modules and wiring. Moving to an open and extremely flexible option like the SMC will ensure their investment is protected for the lifetime of their access control system.

"With the launch of SMC, we are enhancing our Synergis enterprise class access control solution to bring more openness to a traditionally closed and proprietary sector of the security industry. Unlike most access systems on the market that only support a single brand of modules, the SMC is designed to be an open platform that simultaneously supports multiple hardware vendors. This way, we are making it possible for customers to choose best-of-breed hardware based on their needs, while knowing that they avoided the pitfalls of proprietary systems," explains Jimmy Palatsoukas, Senior Manager of Product Marketing at Genetec.

When deployed with Genetec's Security Center, the Synergis Master Controller will provide even greater efficiency and control of a security system. The Security Center platform unifies security applications and key operating tasks to enable users to manage access control, video surveillance and third party systems from within a single interface. Unification of access control and video also ensures that all access control events, alarms, and reports are associated with both recorded and live video.

Featured

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

  • Report: Cyber Attackers Continue to Turn to AI-Based Tools to Avoid Detection

    Comcast Business recently released its 2025 Cybersecurity Threat Report, a comprehensive analysis of 34.6 billion cybersecurity events detected between June 1,2024 and May 31, 2025. Now in its third year, the report offers business leaders a unique perspective into the evolving threat landscape and provides actionable insights to help organizations strengthen their defenses and align cybersecurity with business risk. Read Now

  • Axis Communications Creates AI-powered Video Surveillance Orchestra

    What if cameras could not only see the world, but interpret it—and respond like orchestra musicians reading sheet music: instantly, precisely, and in perfect harmony? That’s what global network technology leader Axis Communications set to find out. Read Now

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.