TD SYNNEX Explores the Importance of Flexibility in Access Control Solutions
Sandi Stambaugh, senior vice president of product management, explores how access control solutions can transform spaces of all kinds.
Image courtesy of TD SYNNEX
Access control has progressed in a variety of ways recently and it’s up to security systems integrators to keep up with, understand and embrace the changes so they can meet the evolving needs of their customers when it comes to keeping people in and out of spaces with access control solutions.
Sandi Stambaugh, senior vice president of product management at TD SYNNEX, recently talked to SSI about the latest developments in the access control world and how they’re playing a role.
What can flexibility in access control solutions mean to a user?
Typically, end users are looking for a “single panel of glass” to administer their building security systems. TD SYNNEX has complete end to end solutions including access control system that has multiple partnerships/integration APIs to industry leading VMS and building automation will be a huge valve add in the scalability of the Access control system.
Cybersecurity remains the leading integrator access control concern. What does protection against cyberthreats look like in the future?
Protecting all the components on the network is IT department largest and most complex task. With high trust products from trusted manufactures along with keeping your system components firmware up to date help lessen the chances of a cybersecurity attack.
Access control manufactures have rolled out OSDP protocols for more security between the card reader and door controller. The access control industry overall has remained unchanged for decades, so updating your access control system will help mitigate cybersecurity risk.
How can monitoring and awareness factor into creating solutions?
Obviously, you can’t solve the problem that you don’t know you have. Access control systems are just that, controlling the flow of people throughout a building or facility. When, where and what time and days can a person “access” a door, gate, cabinet, or object.
For example, schools now lock all exterior doors, but teachers and staff can enter the building through dedicated doors at specific times through access control. Where building facilities staff may have access to multiple doors at all times of the day for maintenance upkeep. Knowing who is entering your building and when is a key feature of access control.
What are some features of an agile access control system?
With the typical access control system being in service for 10 or more years, selecting a solution that can grow with the needs of the end user is vital. Although AI hasn’t swept the access control market, the access control system is replacing building systems like monitored intrusion detection.
Real-time notifications can be done with access control system. Integrators can program complex schedule of events with various inputs and outputs keeping your building secure when it should be.
How is integration challenging security and access control in the modern world?
With the end users loosely using the term system integration, the challenge for integrators is to discern what the end user is really asking for. Physical security is made up of “layers” and each layer in the end user’s eyes should act and feel as one integrated system.
The reality is that the integrated system is comprised of individual systems. For example, the video surveillance system, access control system, building management systems and even life safety systems can be viewed/monitored as one integrated system.
With each integrated system adds complexity and time for the Integrators in the beginning and throughout the life of the systems. If any of the connected systems go end of life the cycle starts over. Selecting an access control system manufacture that offers a complete end to end solution reduces the headache of whose component is causing an issue.
How is artificial intelligence sophistication impacting access control in physical solutions?
Artificial intelligence in the access control market has yet to be greatly impacted. AI is used for learned decision making, in the access control system, the “decision-making” is predetermined through the system’s programming logic, can this person enter this door, gate, etc., at this time?
The computer has no “learned pattern” to work from, a human or group (HR, IT, whomever manages the access control system) has entered the access group’s access.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
