ACCESS CONTROL EXTRA
FLEXIBLE ACCESS CONTROL SOLUTIONS
THROUGHOUT YOUR BUILDING PROCESS
» FITTING ANY ACCESS CONTROL
system into a new building can be
challenging. From the conception
to a fully used site, access control
requirements are evolving, and the system
chosen must answer different criteria
at different stages. For this reason, it is
important to decide on a flexible access
control system, offering a duality between
standalone and networked access control
systems.
This system duality allows installers to
meet deadlines and reduce installation
timelines when fitting access control
systems at any stage during the building
process. We can easily identify three stages
where access control needs are different.
Stage 1 – Building
Whether this new building is a school,
a sports centre or a hospital, access
needs to be controlled to protect workers,
tools and properties. At this stage a
standalone access control system is
the ideal solution: it is a cost-effective
way to control access through one or
two access points for a small number of
users. Without needing to manage the
user database as contractors can use
individual access cards at this point, a
standalone solution is often preferred
for this building stage, but what happens
when a networked solution should be put
in place during stage 2?
Stage 2 – Using
When the site is finished, most end
users will decide to move to a networked
access control system as it offers easier
database management and added
security. This is when a dual standalone
and networked access control system is a
real advantage: the system can simply be
switched from a standalone to an online
access control system without losing the
previous standalone configuration. The
cards used by contractors in stage 1 can
now be assigned to building users (such
as teachers, doctors, and nurses etc...),
any cards that were not handed back can
be removed from the system thanks to its
networked management features.
Stage 3 – Maintaining
Once the access control system is
switched from a standalone to a networked
system, the day-to-day management is
easier and can be done remotely. Simple
tasks like giving temporary access,
unlocking doors, choosing access levels or
adding new users can be done remotely.
Engineers and installers can have remote
access to the building when an issue occurs,
avoiding costly trips for something that can
be fixed in the access control software.
While not often considered for new
builds, dual access control systems offer
the simplicity of standalone access control
systems in the first stage while adding
on the advanced management features
of online access control systems when
required in the future. These features are
offered by CDVI’s ATRIUM Access Control
system: the 2-door access controller can
be used as a standalone system and then
connected as a networked system to other
controllers if required (up to 500 doors),
thanks to its entirely free management
software. Maintenance is just as easy with
the free end user web interface, allowing
users to control access wherever they are
and whenever they want.
Stage 4 – Expanding
A flexible access control solution will give
installers and users the ability to extend
and integrate with multiple systems. This
flexibility, from a simple standalone system
to a fully integrated access control system,
can be achieved at any point of the building
process and usage thanks to dual access
control systems.
For example, ATRIUM can be used
to manage up to 100 sites, each with up
to 500 doors, giving users and security
managers a global view of multiple sites in
one go. If needed, the system can integrate
with CCTVs, Intruder Alarm Systems and
Fire Alarm Systems and give users a fully
integrated security system allowing them
to easily manage multiple sites and access
control features.
For more information: www.cdvi.co.uk
46
NOV/DEC 2019
locksmithjournal.co.uk
Issue Takeover
Proud sponsor of Access Control Extra