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Redundancy for Access Control Systems

Access control systems lets you monitor the access to your work place, a certain area of your work place or even certain types of equipment, like telephones. In most cases they are used to monitor the access to premises and to keep unwanted guests out. Any well-designed access control system, however, will have some type of backup in place in case the main access feature becomes faulty.

In technological terms this is called redundancy and, unbeknownst to you, you probably have it in your computer networks already (and if you haven’t, you should!). When we refer to redundancy in access control systems, we’re speaking about dual-feature systems, like biometric fingerprint scanners combined with magnetic card readers and keypads; in case the fingerprint scanner fails, employees can still get access to the workplace, areas or equipment they need to via their magnetic tags or personal identification numbers (PINs).

Redundant access control systems are ideally backed up by a redundant computer network. This means that all information on the main authentication server is backed up or mirrored to an identical server; the route to the identical server should be different than the main one used when all equipment is fully functional. This ensures that the some form of access control is still in place even if one feature of the entry control system fails along with one half of your computer network.

Unfortunately the cost justification for this type of redundancy only makes itself known when disaster strikes. The potential damage to the premises, equipment and potential loss of human life when no one can enter or leave the premises, however, should be enough to consider the implementation of redundancy into the current security system.

Then again, access control systems have always been about those events that seldom occur, but are nevertheless a single step away from occurring. Whether you’re planning to curb theft or simply want to keep an eye on the comings and goings of your employees to better enable HR to do their job, make sure you have redundancy in place, and an escape route mapped out.

Contact Details:

sales@idtek.co.za
Tel : 0860 555 605
Fax : 086 618 0029
http://www.gallaghersystems.co.za/

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Fingerprint Devices and Redundancy Go Hand-in-Hand

Fingerprint devices are one of the newer things you see just about everywhere nowadays. The cashier at your local BP may use it to activate the till; security guards carry keys to locked rooms, vaults and safes in the prints of their fingers, and even some homes are now only accessible through fingerprint devices.

It’s the future today, and it’s pretty exciting. But there’s a potential problem in all of this: redundancy is often not a key feature in the planning of the solutions fingerprint devices offer. If the fingerprint scanner at the BP doesn’t work, you can’t perform transactions, vaults and safes will become inaccessible and the locksmith stares uncomprehendingly at the door with no keyhole. As exciting as these devices may be, they’re still electronic and may, at some point, stop working for some obscure reason.

Now that doesn’t mean you should hang on to your mouse and keyboard, just in case. It means that when investing in fingerprint devices to restrict access to a building, a room or a device, it’s best to invest in one that has another feature or function through which access can be granted. Think in terms of magnetic card readers, or keypads where personal identification numbers (PINs) can be entered into. Similarly, should these stop working, the fingerprint devices should provide a feasible alternative.

Which do you choose? Fingerprint device and keypad or fingerprint device and tag pad? It depends on your company. If you run a shop where money or other valuables are kept a keypad may be the better choice since PINs can’t be lost or stolen. However, an office with lots of potentially forgetful employees and not so many high-value assets might be better served with a magnetic pad over which cards can be swiped to gain access. It’s also possible to get a scanner that has both a tag pad and keypad.

Whichever way you look at it, fingerprint devices simplify access and enhances security. Whichever of these devices you plan to invest in, ensure you plan ahead to minimise any potential downtime and avert any potential losses due to a non-functioning scanner.

Contact Number
Tel : 0860 555 605
Fax : 086 618 0029

Email
sales@idtek.co.za

Website Address
http://www.idtek.co.za/

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Purpose of Access Control Installations at Various Premises

IDtek, as a leading provider of access control installations at large corporate parks, public spaces and manufacturing plants as well as campuses and stand alone office buildings, provides a wide range of solutions based on the specific risks and premises of the client.

Access control installations are undertaken to manage the flow of goods and people in or around the client premises.

The three main reasons for installing such systems are:

• Monitoring people and goods on enter and exit points.
• Controlling access to specific areas based on permission level.
• Ensuring permission to enter an area or use a resource is given to the right persons at the relevant time.

Access control is more than the simple opening and closing of doors and gates. Irrespective of the premise size, the assets of the business must be protected against external and internal threats. Business operation must never be interrupted and as such early detection of security threats and the prevention of such threats are extremely important.

Integrated Approach

The solutions must be integrated with security cameras, biometric access control, access cards, payroll systems and HVAC. With a fully integrated approach, administration can be reduced; security improved and costs of operation kept in check. For smaller corporate business premises, standalone systems can work whilst for larger premises linked to other premises, more advanced systems may be needed.

Networked based solutions entailing a central control point where monitoring also takes place, are best. Such systems have interconnectivity with the various security control measures and can easily be upgraded.

It is essential to make use of a company known for the successful completion of various large access control installations such as IDtek. With our expertise base and access to the most relevant equipment, we can ensure a fully integrated approach to help your company reduce security threats.

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Fingerprint Recognition is a Vast Improvement on Card and PIN Security Systems

Companies relying on ID cards or pinstripe cards alone to allow access to secure parts of their premises, should consider fingerprint recognition as a more cost-effective and secure solution.

Disadvantages of Card Systems

• Cards get damaged which means more cards have to be issued, increasing cost to company.
• Theft of cards is prevalent. If the employee is unaware of the theft, detection of unauthorized access can take a while and may be too late.
• The readers often fail in reading the magnetic strips, causing an employee to lose valuable work time in an effort to swipe the card three to four times before registration takes place and the door opens.
• Cards are often lost, causing more administrative strain and expenses.
• It is not always possible to add readers to every resource whereas with fingerprint recognition even computers, labs, and any other resource can be access controlled.

Disadvantages of PIN Systems

The password security system in use at numerous corporations nationwide is also problematic:

• Passwords are lost.
• More often than not an employee writes down passwords as backup in case of forgetting. It poses a security risk and opens the way to password theft.
• Resetting of passwords takes time.
• People enter passwords incorrectly, leading to time wastage.
• Cannot easily give a password to a visitor who has to remember it.

As can be seen, the above security access methods, although effective to a certain measure, are associated with a lot of administration, unnecessary time loss, expenses and security risks. Fingerprint recognition used in combination with the above or alone is more cost effective since only a single registration is required. The information of the person is stored and instant recognition and verification can take place. The method can be applied at doors, resources, and even in a mobile manner.

Contact Details:

sales@idtek.co.za
Tel : 0860 555 605
Fax : 086 618 0029
http://www.idtek.co.za/

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Lenel ILS Electromagnetic Locks Feature Full goEntry And OnGuard-Integration

Electromagnetic locks form part of a full-featured access control system, but there may be many other elements too, like DVRs (digital video recorders) connected to a camera array and the associated IP video management system to manage the video feeds.  Your solution should be modular, scalable and flexible, so it can be expanded and adapted to meet your growing needs, without the need to implement a new solution.

OnGuard 2010

Lenel ILS electromagnetic locks working in conjunction with the goEntry access control system, the goVision DVR solution and the SkyPoint video management solution make for a formidable security solution.  The goEntry 2.0 solution is the latest browser-based, stand-alone access control system that was developed especially for small to medium businesses.  One of its biggest advantages is that no servers or workstations are needed and the software is embedded in the hardware control unit.

Lenel ILS

Lenel ILS offers the best electromagnetic locks and several configuration types are possible, depending on your preferred installation.  Lenel ILS provides conventional online access control functionality and was the first wireless, offline electromechanical lock on the local security scene to do so.  It was specifically designed with OnGuard-integration in mind and offers many user-selectable options, like:

• chassis type
• finish
• reader type (among which are magnetic strip, 13.56 MHz smart card and 125 KHz proximity)
• multiple handles
• wireless connectivity

SkyPoint and goVision

While hardware like electromagnetic locks and all the associated access control hardware and software are important, a security solution is incomplete without DVR and video management solutions.

• SkyPoint enables you to make sense of the video feeds forthcoming from often hundreds of video feeds from CCTV cameras situated on different sites.
• GoVision 2.0 helps you monitor and maintain multiple digital video recorders (DVRs).  Easily store and retrieve surveillance footage and upgrade seamlessly when you need extra capacity.

An OnGuard-integrated security solution that includes offline electromagnetic locks can help safeguard your business too.

Contact Details:

sales@idtek.co.za
0860 555 605
http://www.lenel.co.za/

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