Electrical Contracting News (ECN) March 2017 | Page 40

SPECIAL FEATURE

SPECIAL FEATURE

SECURITY

ACCESS CONTROL : MAKING A SECURE SELECTION

With the evolution of access control systems , electrical contractors need to be aware of the critical issues to consider when it comes to making a robust product selection . Here , Paul Adams , product marketing manager for electronic access and data at dormakaba , offers an overview of the market and looks at the areas to address to ensure a secure and robust solution is in place .

Access control systems are by no means a new technology . However , the sheer pace of technological innovation – which now involves greater integration with customers ’ IT business solutions – has seen a significant leap in terms of capability and product choice in recent years .

As technologies have advanced , the traditional model of having separate mechanical and electrical products is changing . Now , hybrid solutions that offer an integrated approach to access control are offering benefits when it comes to convenience , efficiency , security and cost . The reality is that today , digital hardware and smartphone access provides an ideal opportunity to improve and enhance access control .
Bluetooth systems
The introduction of Bluetooth enabled technology has allowed for greater flexibility when it comes to access control . Traditional methods of individual identification – such as using fobs or proximity cards – work alongside modern alternative devices such as smartphones with stand alone digital locking technologies . However , as electrical contractors will be well aware , fobs and proximity cards can easily be left at home , lost or passed along to another user .
By using Bluetooth enabled technology , smartphones are becoming the key to access control . In today ’ s society , few people are unlikely to forget their smartphone and even less likely to loan someone their phone in order to access a building . In addition , these systems can be far less expensive in the long term for the end client , by removing the need to replace lost or stolen cards . Also , to enhance security , smartphones can be protected with a PIN number or biometric verification – further enhancing security .
Digital hardware and smartphone access provides an ideal opportunity to improve and enhance access control .
Overcoming the installation challenges
A huge challenge in the installation of access control systems can stem from installing the required software within a customer ’ s IT environment . The process can be time consuming and can often receive resistance from the client and their IT department . A modern solution to this issue is a cloud based system that involves little to no intervention with clients ’ IT environments .
Additionally , improved collaboration between the electrical contractor , client and access control provider can significantly improve the delivered solution . If there is clear communication from the start of a project , each level of the supply chain will have an understanding of what system , if any , is already in place , what the needs of the end client are and how the system needs to be adapted . Therefore , a complete solution will be provided much more efficiently .
Addressing data security
Cloud based access control systems are ideal in meeting the trend of smart offices . These systems can record the movements of business users and this data can then be used for audit , traceability and potential compliance purposes .
Electrical contractors may have had customers wary of introducing cloud based systems due to concerns over data security . However , the risk of data hacking is significantly reduced when the access systems installed are from larger companies that can provide the established security infrastructure required for solutions of this type .
Another factor that needs to be considered is the way that modern businesses are constantly evolving – their requirements will change throughout the years . Key integrated business solutions , such as access control , need to be flexible and robust in order to meet those changing requirements – growing and adapting as the customers ’ needs change .
To ensure a lower initial investment cost to the client – and to secure the job – it may seem attractive to invest in a cheaper system . However , door security is not a one-off sale to the client . When specifying systems the electrical contractor needs to consider and highlight where the long term savings can be made , as well as helping to future proof the installation to ensure systems will be forward compatible .
Standards and certification
Best practice means to identify the companies and products that have certification to the relevant BS or EN standards , such as EN60839 – particularly when installed in line to the guidelines as laid down by bodies such as the National Security Inspectorate and The International Organisation for Standardisation .
Today , access control and door security is evolving and embracing new technologies . For electrical contractors , it is crucial to understand the benefits of such systems , to select a solution that is appropriate for the size and complexity of the site , to address the compatibility of software from all parties involved and to select a manufacturing partner that offers the right combination of capability , knowledge and product .
Cloud based access control systems are ideal in meeting the trend of smart offices .
40 | March 2017