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

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

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.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • 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.