The new age of access control from Bosch
The new age of access control from Bosch

Access control has become a vital component of any security concept worldwide. The protection of intellectual property rights, prevention of theft and sabotage or simply compliance requirements - there are a multitude of reasons why companies of all kinds need to use a comprehensive access control system to restrict, manage and control access to their facilities. However, operated in isolation from other safety and security systems, even the most sophisticated access control system cannot really live up to its promises. In such an environment, operation and monitoring can quickly turn into a nightmare, as each system has its own architecture, its own user interface and its own management tool. This is why more and more organizations are looking out for an access control solution that easily integrates with video monitoring, intrusion detection and sometimes even visitor management to form a homogeneous security system with a consistent user interface and central management and operations.Moreover, suppliers are more and more often faced with requirements of their customers to supply a documentation of all access attempts, whether successful or not, to protect against industrial espionage. To fulfill this requirement, not only employee access must be captured and recorded, but also the entire visitor traffic. Video integration for more safetyWhile modern access control systems allow an efficient management of access rights, they are rather powerless against abuse if operated on their own. In critical environments it is mandatory to add a second layer of security by integrating access control with some kind of video surveillance. To prevent abuse, all access requests can then trigger one or more video cameras. Integrated systems can provide alarm verification, instantly displaying live video images from nearby cameras when there is an alarm event at a door - such as when a person presents an unauthorised credential or when a door is forced open. Forensics can also benefit from such integration if the video recordings are referenced in the access control system's event log. Such a feature greatly facilitates identification, retrieval and playback of past events and alarms if necessary.Open standards ease integrationIntegrating access control, video monitoring, and intrusion detection can be rather easy when all components come from the same vendor and if this vendor also offers a management platform like the Building Integration System from Bosch for all of them. Integrated systems "off the shelf" can greatly ease installation and configuration of the security solution. Logical integration eliminates the need for multiple software platform and interfaces -- resulting in fewer complications and greater event-driven functionality as well as reduced installation time and costs. What's more, this kind of integration also promises more efficient operation and a clearly reduced need for training, but above all also a higher security level. An open standards-based management system even makes sense in those cases where one vendor supplies everything, as it opens up the entire installation for future expansion.User interface is keyAn integrated security system is a very complex apparatus, and if this complexity is not hidden from the user, the system will be highly prone to human error and maloperation. Such systems do need very clear and intuitive user interfaces, avoiding information overload while offering all the information that is currently needed. This is even more important when several components or dialogs are open, which will often be the case if you deal with access control, video surveillance and maybe intrusion detection from the same console.

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CEM AC2000 version 7 access control system
CEM AC2000 version 7 access control system

The latest release of the AC2000 suite of access control and security management software. AC2000, AC2000 Airport and AC2000 Lite version 7.0 are now available with a range of new features that increase the performance, simplicity and scope of the system along with a number of additions that improve functionality. Card Validation from online readers AC2000 Users can now validate cards using any online reader, either Ethernet or Serial, without the need to have a dedicated validation reader. AC2000 Intercom CEM AC2000 Intercom software can now be deployed as a standalone installation on dedicated intercom workstations where full AC2000 system functionality is not required. AC2000 now also supports the functionality to record emerald intercom (only available in emerald TS200/TS300 terminals) voice communication to audio files and store on the AC2000 central server. Integrations AC2000 now supports full two way integration with Salto off-line locks utilising SHIP (Salto Host Interface Protocol). This bi-directional interface links directly to the Salto database server. With the release of v7, AC2000 now supports a fully featured interface with Genetec Security Center, a unified platform with IP surveillance. This new link allows alarms and video footage from Genetec Security Center to be fully integrated with AC2000. Enhanced emerald functionality In AC2000 v7 a new pre-door mode allows for the display of a configurable personal message to the cardholder on the emerald terminal. This release also enables system administrators to use AC2000 WEB to upload their company logo to display on the emerald home screen.

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TDSi announces new MIFARE Programmer tool
TDSi announces new MIFARE Programmer tool

Access control specialist TDSi has launched its new MIFARE Programmer, which offers users the ability to specify their own sectors and keys on their MIFARE access cards. Together with the ability to re-configure TDSi's standard sector readers to any desired code (without the need for any other parties to be involved), the MIFARE Programmer ensures confidentiality of security data and access control.To make sure it doesn't inadvertently become a weak point of security itself, TDSi's MIFARE Programmer uses a highly secure user login to protect the ability to programme user cards from unauthorised users. Having control of MIFARE security details also offers a number of other key benefits:  Use pre-assigned sequential numbers - The MIFARE Programmer provides an effective method of card programming which eliminates potential duplication problems, Read and identify existing cards - users can identify existing cards and sector usage before migrating existing system cards, Log all cards issued - The MIFARE Programmer provides a history of cards which have been issued (for future reference), Multiple card number options - The user can utilise a unique number, custom number or CSN to program a sector, providing increased flexibility, Dual decode options - The MIFARE Programmer allows users to decode the new 7 byte UID using TDSi's format or NXP's format, for increased flexibility, Check which sectors are used - This built-in function allows users to check which sectors have already been used. This is ideal if you want to migrate existing MIFARE CSN cards that may be utilised for other aspects (such as cashless vending) to a more secure sector operation. TDSi's John Davies comments on the MIFARE Programmer, "For companies that need the highest levels of protection; the ability to protect your security codes across the board is a very attractive proposition. Being able to programme your own MIFARE cards and readers means you can close a potential gap in security that comes from pre-programmed systems. We believe this is a unique solution that offers real peace of mind. It has been developed from feedback we have had from installers and users, who advised that it would be highly desirable choice for both security and convenience."

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Paxton Access Paxton10 v4.3 online access control & video management software
Paxton Access Paxton10 v4.3 online access control & video management software

Administers system with a simple to use interface in a web-browser without having to install additional software View live and archived footage with a powerful built in video management system Create a system spanning multiple sites and/or subnets, for control and management from a single remote user interface Scalable up to 100 sites on a single system with up to 1,000 doors, 1,000 cameras and 50,000 users Log into the system from a web-browser anywhere in the world with an internet connection Administer system on mobile devices with the free Paxton Connect app that can be used off site Use smartphone or smartwatch in place of traditional tokens with the free Paxton Key app Customise view of Paxton10, create widgets and build dashboard, combining video, site plans, events and building controls Fully customisable software permissions allow to give tailored access to particular areas of the software, reports, dashboards or users Create effective landlord/tenant scenarios with customisable building permissions and folder structures, with access only for specific user Use the software to control devices on the system; for example, open a door Import images for a visual representation of site, to monitor access, control devices or view video simply and easily Easily create rules based on system events, including controlling other doors, devices or arm/disarm the intruder alarm Prevent a user from passing their token back to a second person to gain entry into the same controlled area Create reports listing all users currently within a specified area. In the event of an emergency this helps to confirm all users have evacuated safely

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