TDSi’s new EXgarde 4.1 access control software integrates with Milestone’s VMS to offer a complete PSIM solution

The new EXgarde 4.1 version of integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi’s access control software features integration with Milestone’s Enterprise and Corporate video management software. From a single IP-enabled access portal, security operators are able to use EXgarde 4.1’s Explorer to directly monitor CCTV feeds via Milestone’s XProtect Corporate or Enterprise software range, tagging events and using Video Verification – whilst also controlling the physical access control of automated doors. EXgarde 4.1 also integrates directly with Microsoft Active Directory, so physical security systems can be directly synchronised with logical security and the central business facility database can provide an overall view of any situation.

TDSi’s Managing Director, John Davies, commented, “EXgarde 4.1’s integration with Milestone’s software means security operators can take advantage of its wide scope of video surveillance solutions to provide exactly what they need. With our software at its heart, any business can directly link and manage its entire security enforcement from one place. With direct links to CCTV feeds (through Milestone’s software or TDSi’s own VUgarde2 CCTV management software), along with input from Texecom’s alarm systems, EXgarde 4.1 can then collate this information and rapidly advise security staff. At the same time, as users gain access their location is logged with Microsoft Active Directory, which is the keystone to many modern build control systems. Any security breach can also trigger IT system protocols that control the level of access available in certain areas, to minimise the possibility of unwarranted removal of data.  This offers a superb way to integrate physical security with the IT security systems to provide a total picture of organisational security”

EXgarde 4.1’s integration with both Milestone’s XProtect Enterprise and Corporate video management software is part of a wider drive to unite traditionally disparate components of business security. Recognising the power of compatible systems, TDSi and Milestone’s systems are designed to be highly complementary to one another, providing excellent results and superb value for money. In the case of the CCTV integration, users can view live video from any camera within the EXgarde Explorer window, so an incident reported by the access control system, for example, can immediately be investigated visually.

This is further enhanced by the ability to use Video Verification, whereby when specific events are generated (e.g. access is denied on a reader) a window will pop-up displaying live video from a chosen camera. The operator can then choose to unlock the door from the pop-up window if they are certain access should be granted.

Integration with Milestone’s systems is also ideal for event tagging and compliance. Specific events can be tagged as they occur (or during playback) so an incident can be thoroughly investigated. This makes the review of recorded footage simple – when the tagged events occur in the event list the recorded video can be played back corresponding to the event timestamp. EXgarde 4.1 makes searching for recordings of incidents easier with recording being searchable by date and time directly through EXgarde Explorer, without the need for operators to move between separate pieces of software.