72 • ACCESSCONTROL
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WHY INTEGRATION AND FLEXIBILITY ARE
KEY TO ACCESS CONTROL MANAGEMENT
» » ACCESS CONTROL IS A
critical element of building
security. It is vital in so many
ways, not only from an anti-
intruder or theft perspective
but also in terms of health and
safety. In almost every building
- whether that’s an office
block, a school, a hospital or a
shopping centre - many people
enter, exit and move around the
premises. It is crucial therefore
that access into and around
buildings, where people are
granted or denied entry to
certain zones at different times,
is managed effectively.
What’s also imperative
is how a building’s access
control management system
can work alongside other
safety and security measures,
such as CCTV systems and
smart alarms. Every building
is different and presents its
own challenges. It is therefore
important to find a flexible
access control system which can
be adapted to that particular
building to meet a customer’s
requirements. For example, the
Videx Portal Plus range is used
in many applications across
the private and public sector
and is scalable from simple one
entrance systems through to
multiple entrances with local or
remote management facilities.
The main reason why it’s a
preferred choice for installers
and end users cross-sector is
because of the flexibility and
customisation it provides. As
a networkable access control
system that supports proximity,
keypads and bio access readers,
it also looks the part too, and
all key, fob, card or fingerprint
readers are fully integrated into
the management software to
simplify the adding and editing
of users. The system is fully
scalable from a single entrance
through to large installation
with multiple controlled
entrance points and multiple
operators using the software
either locally or remotely.
Because of its flexibility, it
can create a bespoke access
control system which many
organisations and businesses
are now looking for. The Portal
Plus range has continued to
develop over recent years
based on what customers
are asking for - they want a
complete system that’s tailored
to their specific entry needs,
that can integrate seamlessly
with other systems they
have in place to provide a
sophisticated security solution.
For example, Portal Plus can
be integrated with Milestone’s
XProtect platform or other
third-party systems using the
SDK (Software Development
Kit) available. Milestone is
a leading provider of video
surveillance management
systems which allows video
capture of those entering and
exiting the building and control
of the Portal Plus system from
within the video management
software.
This provides great benefits
as it makes installation easier
and more cost effective and, for
the end user, it provides a better
and more comprehensive
security system, including
CCTV and access control
management in one seamless
provision that the user has
complete control over. It’s done
by a plugin which enables users
to view live video of controlled
doors and respond to access
control requests at the push of
a button - granting or denying
access and opening and closing
doors, for instance. The plugin
also notifies users, through
an alarm message, if the
door is forced or blocked. By
integrating both technologies
the user can view and observe
live access control events and
data, and capture camera
footage from an access control
event. What’s more, Portal
Plus secured doors can also
be viewed alongside relevant
video and access requests
both in real time and during
investigations and users can
print access control reports
including images from camera
events, times, doors and card
holders. It’s an innovative
integration, that also provides a
bespoke experience and service
for users.
Systems are constantly being
developed so it’s important
to keep abreast of the latest
offerings. Ultimately, the best
advice I can give in choosing
the right system is that you need
to first understand the client’s
needs and any specifications
they’ve requested. An out-
of-box solution isn’t always
available, or indeed the most
appropriate choice, therefore
it’s always best to talk to the
manufacturer or the installer
who will be able to listen to
your requirements. Using their
knowledge of access control
systems, they can then help you
find the one that best suits your
requirements and, critically,
meets the client’s needs.
www.videxuk.com
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | NOV/DEC 2018
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