SECURITY SYSTEMS
The Rise of Wireless
and Importance
of Integration
In today’s fast-paced digital age, we’re constantly
subject to change - and it’s no different for access
control. Trevor Ball of Allegion UK asks whether we
truly understand the importance of seamless system
integration in today’s shifting access control market.
» THE WORLD OF ACCESS CONTROL
is changing. Ask anyone active in the
industry and the likelihood is that they’ll
confirm a shift in landscape. Take a
step back and you realise how quickly
access control has advanced, moving
from traditional lock and key methods
to the tech-driven security solutions we
find in our facilities today.
Generally, as we continue to seek
convenience through technological
development, we’re seeing a rapidly
advancing trend in the implementation
of wireless connectivity. Whether this
be the devices you find around the
home (think wireless headphones or
smart home devices) to the advancing
market of wireless access control
solutions. Today, the idea is to
connect devices together,
wherever and whenever
possible.
The development
of wireless access
control, in particular, has
provided facilities with an
abundance of options,
including what we now
know as “cloud-based”
access control. “Pure
IP” cloud systems, for
example, take access
control online, creating a
new streamlined security
infrastructure – and this
is a market that’s set
to continue growing
exponentially. But this
upgrade doesn’t come
without challenges.
52
Change is good?
This adoption of new technologies is
mostly viewed in a positive light, seen as
an opportunity for improved security and
an industry moving forward. However,
for some, with change comes more
responsibility and, perhaps far worse,
uncertainty.
Present an online access control
solution to those with an existing
physical security system and questions
are raised. Will it improve security? How
much will it cost? And is it possible for
me to integrate the solution into my
existing system? Although cloud-based
systems can offer a more modernised,
assured security network, not everyone
is inclined to see it that way at first
glance. To those with an already
established system (no matter how
effective it is), upgrades can mean hassle
with additional installations, internal
network systems and costs all needing to
be considered.
‘the benefits are clear
and the technology
is available’
Yet, misconceptions concerning time,
costs and integration are just that –
misconceptions. The advancing market
has given us access to solutions that can
recreate or even convert older systems
into something that is compatible with
new access control software. Pure IP
cloud systems, in particular, can improve
the overall management of a building’s
security with simplicity.
JAN/FEB 2020
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