Security access systems - Expert commentary

Advantages of choosing retrofit security solutions

As security systems age, their components become obsolete, end users outgrow them, or end users may be faced with expensive and time consuming upgrades. Users can spend months researching new solutions or take a chance on a lengthy upgrade with unforeseen challenges and costs. Both options include finding money in the budget for a new system, upgrades or labour expenses that often were not planned for or expected. However, Kim Rahfaldt, Public Relations Manager at AMAG Technology,...

Importance of open technology platform for electronic access control

Looking at electronic access control (EAC) from an applications perspective is very helpful to security professionals when analysing how to best protect a facility and its people. The fact is, no two doors are alike and no two end users are alike. Breaking down individual doors into a series of classifications can be most helpful in assuring that the EAC is performing to the highest standards that the budget allows. Karen Keating, Allegion Portfolio Marketing Manager, Electro...

Optimising Effectiveness and ROI for Physical Identity and Access Management Software

Ideal COTS solutions take cost, customisation and convenience into account Physical identity and access management (PIAM) software enables streamlined management of security identities across disparate physical security systems. In this article, Ajay Jain, President and CEO of Quantum Secure, explains that PIAM software can ensure synchronised and policy-based on- and off-boarding of each individual identity by integrating physical with logical systems. It would also ascer...

VMS best practices for IP video surveillance in education

Security is a top priority in schools throughout the United States. The capabilities of IP video surveillance systems, in conjunction with Video Management Software (VMS) systems, make them one of the most popular and effective security tools available. In this article, Gadi Piran, President, OnSSI defines scope and structure of IP video and its advantages in improving school security in a number of ways including: superior image quality, ease of manipulation, integration capabilit...

Genetec plans “continuous integration” approach to manage changes to cloud services

The impact of the IT department on physical security has been a source of discussion for years. Generally, the influence of IT on purchasing and technology decisions related to physical security systems has been seen as increasing with no end in sight. One industry leader thinks otherwise. Pierre Racz, president, CEO and founder of Genetec, sees the clout of the IT department waning in the age of “bring you own device,” cloud services and greater intelligence at...

K-12 Security: What school administrators need to know

Gates and fencing can keep visitors to one part of a campus away from other parts of the campus The need for more robust security in schools has been brought to the fore by a series of shooting incidents in schools in the US in the last few years. While such incidents are relatively rare, the threat of untoward incidents in schools is real and too serious to be ignored. This article lists some essential steps for school administrators to respond to potential security issues ca...

“Soft” biometrics among the next wave of innovation under study

 “Soft” biometric measurements, such as gait, gender, and ethnicity offer new possibility for biometric solutions What is the next wave of biometrics? The Center for Identification Technology and Research (CITeR) is looking at the possibilities. New developments include consideration of new “soft” biometric measurements, such as gait, gender, and ethnicity. Although not accurate enough to identify a specific person, the capture and analysis of such...

CITeR working to make face, iris and fingerprint recognition systems better

There are new biometrics on the horizon, but much of current biometrics research centres on improving the biometrics we have, especially the face, iris and fingerprint recognition systems commonly deployed in the field. These systems are effective and provide good accuracy, but their usefulness is often limited by the conditions under which data is captured. Research is looking for ways to make face, iris and fingerprint biometrics more accurate in more real-world situations....

Intelligent Key Management for Access Control

Intelligent asset management is a natural extension of access control Key and asset management can integrate with other security disciplines to extend beyond the much-hyped vogue for 'convergence' and move towards truly intelligent building management. Brenda Taylor, Sales and Marketing Director of Traka, shows how assets can be protected with an approach that draws on shared data while making its own contribution to enterprise-wide information.  A point for anybody who...

"Access Your World": ASSA ABLOY shares its thoughts on IFSEC 2013 and new developments in access control - Part II

At this year's IFSEC 2013, ASSA ABLOY willoffer a complete range of door solutions focusing on the slogan "Access Your World" To discuss broader issues within access control and the security industry in general, Tzachi Wiesenfeld, Executive Vice President and Head of ASSA ABLOY EMEA division, gave us his take on new trends in access control, the effects of the world economy on the industry and the role ASSA ABLOY EMEA plays within the security industry. ASSA ABLOY E...

"Access Your World": ASSA ABLOY shares its thoughts on IFSEC 2013 and new developments in access control - Part I

At this year's IFSEC 2013, ASSA ABLOY willoffer a complete range of door solutions focusing on the slogan "Access Your World" In a wide-ranging interview with SourceSecurity.com, Chris Bone, VP Access Control, ASSA ABLOY EMEA, discussed ASSA ABLOY’s product roadmap and outlook on technology trends in access control. Besides shedding light on the main product lines that it will be showcasing at IFSEC 2013, including the Seos ecosystem and Aperio range, he indicated that d...

Biometrics security solutions- everything you need to know

Many forward-thinking organisations are rightly reassessing their security options In many industries, security and dependability are at the forefront of customers’ minds. But the fact is that firewalls and encryptions will only ever form part of the solution. Jon Mooney and Dave Bulless, security experts at Ingersoll Rand in the US and UK respectively, discuss the benefits of biometric technology in the protection of people, businesses and assets. Highlighting the many...

Addressing school security challenges with access control systems

There are many factors that have an impact on the security of students, staff and the public In this article, Matt Thomas Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Access Control discusses the safety and security of schools and universities in the UK. There are many factors, such as the rise in tuition fees and the development of free schools, that have an impact on the security of students, staff and the public. The failure to protect and secure people and physical assets has serious a...

Benefits of a modern access control system go beyond security

An access control system can be an excellent and an invaluable tool for enhancing business efficiency The picture that comes into most people’s minds when thinking about access control systems is someone offering a badge up to a card reader to unlock a door or release a barrier so that they can get into or out of a building. And, of course, this is a primary function for most installations. The capabilities of modern access control systems extend far beyond simply contro...

Automated key control and management systems boost electronic access control

  An automated key control system bridges the gap between mechanical and electronic access control systems The vast array of doors, entrances and restricted areas securing semi-public locales are increasingly demanding the need for effective and easy access control management. In this article, Fernando Pires, VP Sales and Marketing at Morse Watchmans, highlights the effectiveness and convenience offered by automated key control systems that have narrowed the gap...

Intruder alarm transmission systems poised for growth

  Increased public demand for high spec intruder alarm systemsNew kinds of ‘cost-competitive' dual-path security alarm transmission systems are opening up new business opportunities for installers upgrading from audible-only, says BT Redcare's Andy Fyvie.Heightened public awareness of the need to improve security, coupled with new developments in intruder alarm technology, mean that there are now some exciting new opportunities for security alarm installers to grow their bus...

Get more from access control solutions

   IP connectivity featured in the latest access control products provides extra flexibility If it's been a while since you last looked at access control systems, be prepared for a surprise, says Matt Haynes of Siemens Building Technologies. For very little extra cost, the latest systems deliver a whole lot more functionality than their older counterparts. Let's be honest, even the most basic of access control systems are likely to perform some useful functions,...

Checklist for converged access control solution

Jeremy Kimber, Honeywell's EMEA Marketing Leader, lays out the key points to consider when choosing a converged access control solution. In the past few years, perhaps no security industry buzzword has been defined in articles and promotional materials as many times as 'convergence'. These definitions have most commonly referred to the integration of physical  Convergence of physical and traditional IT systems can provide compelling security benefits for an enterprise securit...

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