How to Gain Customers with Wireless Access Control
Today’s innovative technologies can help security integrators address labor costs, smartphone app accessibility, remote control capability, retrofit conveniences and other requests from commercial and residential customers.
Stylish wireless door access hardware can now only take minutes to retrofit. This system offers bidirectional communications.
Looking for Lockdown Systems
It has become apparent with recent acts of terrorism and active shooters in schools and facilities that immediate action must be taken to close and lock all room doors. Having to reconfigure doors for remote locking when an incident is detected can be costly with fatal repercussions.
New wireless access locking devices have become popular in providing these remote automated lockdown systems. One such versatile wireless lockdown solution is the DL2700LD Privacy Cylindrical Locks from Alarm Lock, part of its Trilogy lock series.
The manufacturer claims that within an hour integrators can add wireless access control that is easily retrofitted to standard knobsets. A small remote keyfob can quickly lock down up to four classroom door locks. Another system with wireless options is the Schlage AD-Series Wireless Lock from Allegion.
This series has been integrated into more than 20 leading access control software systems via RS-485. Wireless system modules operate in the reliable 900MHz spectrum and can support as many as 16 wireless devices up to 200 feet inside and 1,000 feet outside.
They use a patent-pending “Wake-Up on Radio” technology to wireless locksets.
Realizing Remote Access Control
When one is not restricted by cabling in an access control application, the limits to address a customer’s needs explode. One of the most compelling areas in wireless access control is remote capability.
This allows staff to carry a remote wireless access point that has the same functionality as a dedicated cabled point. One slick example of remote access control is the handheld data collection device called the AACTivate Mobile Reader from Cypress Integration Solutions, a manufacturer known for its creativity and longstanding reputation for reliable, high-performance security products.
This handy device is unique in that it maintains a dedicated, live connection to the access control or security database at all times. This allows for instant verification of current credentials. Up to 16 handheld units can be
used on one system.
Both hand-held and base units have repeater functionality, due to multihop mesh network. The system employs OSDP Security Channel communications using either traditional Wiegand or the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) new Open Supervised Device Protocol standard.
READ: Increased Acceptance of Wireless Access Control Underscored in New Report
Applications might include guard booth/ ID checks in trucks and buses, rapid access control deployment, staff enrollment and asset tracking, random badge checks, and mustering at emergency assembly locations.
Another remote system is WPR400 wireless portable reader module, part of the Schlage AD-Series. Due to the device’s portable nature it can also be used as a wireless tester to help find the optimal locations for installing associated wireless wares such as system repeaters.
The goal with many wireless access control locks is to make them durable, stylish and technically reliable. Retrofitting new technology to existing standard key locks can often be a matter of removing one lockset and applying the wireless module. We saw this in the previously mentioned residential August Home locks.
This example of simplicity in design and function can commercially be seen in Salto’s new XS4 Mini Series. The wireless locks take only minutes to retro-fit. They have bidirectional communications and will work with popular technologies such as RFID and NFC (Near-Field Communications).
As Ruben Ramos of i-SAI, a Salto Systems Partner, notes, “Installing the XS4 Mini couldn’t be simpler – just remove the existing handle set and install. No complicated retrofit required.”
Don’t Forget Wireless Power Transfer
One of the more challenging areas of access control hardware installation is that of installing electrified hardware in the door. The door may have glass or may be a fire-rated model. The art of core drilling a door can often require special skill, tools, and certification.
Standard wiring of power transfer hinges offer points of vulnerability and wear. So one final area of wireless access control technology to consider is inductive coupling power transfer (ICPT). This can best be exemplified by the use of the PowerJump ICPT from Securitron.
The device ports power wirelessly across the door gap to the electrified hardware. This allows for convenient installation on the latch side of the door, which is typically close to the access control reader. Just another way wireless can work for your access control customers.
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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