Access Control in the Midst of an IP Revolution

Given the prevalence of IP-enabled devices in video surveillance today, it is reasonable to surmise the adoption of network technology will follow a similar path in access control. However, the pace of innovation in the access control market tends to be much slower than the rest of the physical security industry. Access control systems—including panels, software, readers and other peripheral devices—can be highly proprietary and embedded within the organizations they serve, which may make it difficult to integrate with other systems.

The demand for IP-centric access control systems and a trend toward more ‘open’ solutions are having a distinct effect on the market. End users now realize the tremendous cost savings by implementing an IP-based access control system in which devices, such as door sensors and card/badge readers, connect directly to the network and work well with other systems.

One of the biggest reasons why more users are making the transition to a IP is because of advancements in locking technology, specifically with online and wireless locks. Online locks provide end users with various types of advanced functionality, such as remote system management and administration, and automatic alerts following alarm events. With access points becoming another piece of data to be analyzed in the evolving ‘Internet of Things’ technology landscape, the benefits of online locks are significant. Locks can be either wired or wireless depending on the need of the application or the user, increasing flexibility and return-on-investment (ROI). In places where running wire may be cost-prohibitive or where time is a crucial factor, wireless locks are a great alternative.

In addition to the evolution in technologies, however, there are also significant changes in the industry overall. IT departments are increasingly being tasked with making decisions about the security technology solutions being purchased, as well as how these devices will be implemented throughout the organization. According to a recent report from IHS, IT integrators and IT departments will play an increasingly large role in physical security deployments. And since access control can help flag anomalies in behavior, it too will be a critical component for helping IT departments protect physical and digital assets.

IT will continue to drive the industry towards tighter integrations between access control and other systems on the network. This applies not only to other security systems, but to building management systems and human resources software platforms, for example. Access control vendors will need to embrace open standards and ideas to ensure long-term scalability.

What if you could take an access control database and integrate it with other open software solutions, such as an event management system, so that users could not only use it for ingress and egress within a facility but also reserve a conference room for a designated time slot? That and other types of advanced capabilities are achievable today for those willing to think outside the box.

The access control market is and will continue to become more IP-based in the years to come. As businesses look to adapt their access control solutions to fit this, they will look closely at these new developments so as to not be left behind.

This article originally appeared in the August 2015 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Mitchell Kane is the president of Vanderbilt Technologies.

Featured

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 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.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.