Page 72 - Security Today, September 2018

Opening New Opportunities
The market is wide open for cloud-based access systems
BAy Tom Potosnak
s demand for controlled access communities contin- ues to grow, so does the demand for secure and flex- ible access solutions. While many communities are still using traditional telephone entry systems, where information resides on localized hardware, a cloud-
based environment that allows integrators to control systems from anywhere has elevated entry access systems from a stand-alone func- tion to an integrated security feature. Upgrading to a cloud-based entry access system can be a win-win move for all involved, with com- pelling benefits for both community managers and integrators alike.
The Benefits of a Cloud-Based
Access Solution
Increased functionality and scalability. Keeping up with multiple requirements for gaining access in gated communities and multi- dwelling units can be quite complex. Managing the entry/exit of per- manent and part-time residents, renters, visitors, guests, deliveries, and service providers, while satisfying basic security needs presents a significant challenge. Resident databases, including names, contact information, and most importantly access codes, change frequently.
With legacy analog technologies, databases are maintained at the entry unit itself, in some cases requiring a physical connection at the unit in order to make updates. This is often a time-consuming process for the community manager and, depending upon the location of the unit, potentially dangerous, especially in high traffic areas. Since it can be so time-consuming, many community managers tend to up- date their databases less frequently, which means that active access codes are available to former, unauthorized residents.
Given these challenges, community managers are turning to
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cloud-based entry systems.
Rather than storing resident database information solely on the
unit, new connected systems will also store the database and ap- proved access codes in the cloud. System functions, including adding, modifying and deleting users, assigning individual access levels and other vital access control actions can be performed remotely, when and where it’s convenient for the community manager. Since the data is stored in the web, the information is less likely to become corrupted or lost. Additionally, cloud-based solutions enable temporary or one- time access codes for visitors, guests and service providers, helping to prevent unauthorized sharing of codes. Plus, real-time activity track- ing and the ability to monitor access 24/7 makes it easier to detect po- tential violators and provides the ability to more rapidly de-activate unauthorized codes.
However, it’s not just user databases that can be updated remotely. As new system functionality is introduced, software and firmware up- dates can also be pushed remotely. This eliminates the added expense and hassle of physically interfacing with the telephone entry system to install updates manually.
Yet another benefit associated with cloud-based systems is add- ed customization and scalability. Cloud-based systems are typically driven by web or mobile applications. Both methods easily lend them- selves to customizable user settings, such as the type of information users receive, alert messaging, reporting, dashboard views, etc. Fur- ther, these applications simplify the addition and modification of new access points, making it easier to scale as the community expands.
Value-add service for the integrator. Often times community man- agers elect to have their service dealer (or integrator) maintain not only the physical system itself, but also the database, access codes,
CLOUD SECURITY
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