Access Control
Physical Access Control Systems article directory
Most Recent Coverage on Access Control
Proximity Credentials Tutorial
on May 21, 2013
"One of the most common credentials is also the most confusing. How exactly do proximity cards 're..."
"One of the most common credentials is also the most confusing. How exactly do proximity cards 're..."
Deadly Pushbuttons
on May 16, 2013
"A simple and common misunderstanding in specifying pushbuttons can kill people trying to escape b..."
"A simple and common misunderstanding in specifying pushbuttons can kill people trying to escape b..."
End User Sues ADT/Tyco For $42 Million
on May 07, 2013
"It was the biggest drug heist in American history. Burglars drove an 18-wheeler up to the Eli Lil..."
"It was the biggest drug heist in American history. Burglars drove an 18-wheeler up to the Eli Lil..."
Elevator Access Control Examined
on May 07, 2013
"Doors are certainly the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about electronic access cont..."
"Doors are certainly the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about electronic access cont..."
Testing Covert Cameras
on May 02, 2013
"Covert cameras are regularly referenced in TV shows and undercover reporting. We ordered two of t..."
"Covert cameras are regularly referenced in TV shows and undercover reporting. We ordered two of t..."
Stand Alone Access Control (Sargent)
on Apr 30, 2013
"Classroom safety is a key concern, especially with fears of school shooting. Door hardware plays ..."
"Classroom safety is a key concern, especially with fears of school shooting. Door hardware plays ..."
Access Control Course
on Apr 24, 2013
"The IPVM access control course will meet live online, started on April 30th for 12 times over 6 w..."
"The IPVM access control course will meet live online, started on April 30th for 12 times over 6 w..."
Pelco's Abandoned Access Control Line (Infinias)
on Apr 24, 2013
"Once upon a time, Pelco had its own access control offering that claimed to be the 'smallest, mos..."
"Once upon a time, Pelco had its own access control offering that claimed to be the 'smallest, mos..."
Hirsch / Identive Gets Cost Competitive
on Apr 22, 2013
"One of the biggest legacy brands in high end access control was Hirsch, who merged and was absorb..."
"One of the biggest legacy brands in high end access control was Hirsch, who merged and was absorb..."
Sony's 6th Gen Low Light Demo
on Apr 22, 2013
"Sony's ISC West demo of their 6th generation network camera's low light performance drew a lot of..."
"Sony's ISC West demo of their 6th generation network camera's low light performance drew a lot of..."
SIA NPS New Product Showcase Judging
on Apr 19, 2013
""It's like a cute baby contest. If only 12 ugly babies enter, then only ugly babies are going to ..."
""It's like a cute baby contest. If only 12 ugly babies enter, then only ugly babies are going to ..."
Top Trends in Access Control
on Apr 17, 2013
"All of a sudden, Access Control has momentum? After a long period of apparent stagnation and stal..."
"All of a sudden, Access Control has momentum? After a long period of apparent stagnation and stal..."
Reading Irises from Cars?
on Apr 15, 2013
"What happens when you want to use biometrics at vehicle gates? In the past, this has meant staffi..."
"What happens when you want to use biometrics at vehicle gates? In the past, this has meant staffi..."
IPVM Live From ISC West
on Apr 10, 2013
"In this post, we bring updates from the show floor, highlighting the great and not-so-great trend..."
"In this post, we bring updates from the show floor, highlighting the great and not-so-great trend..."
"Best" New Access Control Product?
on Apr 10, 2013
"It's 'award winning', but is it useful? With 3M Cogent's MiY-Touch fingerprint reader winning an ..."
"It's 'award winning', but is it useful? With 3M Cogent's MiY-Touch fingerprint reader winning an ..."
The SUPER RMR Padlock
on Apr 08, 2013
"Despite the dearth of new product announcements for the year's ISC West expo, padlock lovers can ..."
"Despite the dearth of new product announcements for the year's ISC West expo, padlock lovers can ..."
Get Automatic Updates on New Releases
on Apr 04, 2013
"IPVM releases a number of new posts each day. One recent request was an option to get notified as..."
"IPVM releases a number of new posts each day. One recent request was an option to get notified as..."
Mustering Tutorial
on Apr 02, 2013
"Access control can be used for more than just securing buildings. Among these powerful 'other' fu..."
"Access control can be used for more than just securing buildings. Among these powerful 'other' fu..."
An Alarm Super-Panel?
on Apr 01, 2013
"Combo alarm panels have become popular for small and medium installations. Now, DMP has announced..."
"Combo alarm panels have become popular for small and medium installations. Now, DMP has announced..."
Pivot3 Q1 2013 Update
on Mar 28, 2013
"Intransa's troubles have raised concerns about the viability of specialized surveillance storage ..."
"Intransa's troubles have raised concerns about the viability of specialized surveillance storage ..."
The Codes behind Access Control
on Mar 28, 2013
"In Electronic Access Control, there is one basic rule: Life safety above all else. While simple, ..."
"In Electronic Access Control, there is one basic rule: Life safety above all else. While simple, ..."
Request to Exit Tutorial
on Mar 27, 2013
"Locks are not always the most important pieces of door hardware. For access controlled doors, esp..."
"Locks are not always the most important pieces of door hardware. For access controlled doors, esp..."
World's Smallest HD Bullet (Axis M2014)
on Mar 26, 2013
"Axis announced the M2014-E, what it's calling "world's smallest HDTV bullet-style network camera...."
"Axis announced the M2014-E, what it's calling "world's smallest HDTV bullet-style network camera...."
Wireless Access Primer
on Mar 25, 2013
"In the past few years, one of the most interesting developments in access control has been the in..."
"In the past few years, one of the most interesting developments in access control has been the in..."
Door Controllers Guide
on Mar 20, 2013
"Access Control systems may have hundreds of parts, but none are more important than the door cont..."
"Access Control systems may have hundreds of parts, but none are more important than the door cont..."
Access Control Cabling Tutorial
on Mar 18, 2013
"Access Control is only as reliable as its cables. While this aspect lacks the sexiness of other c..."
"Access Control is only as reliable as its cables. While this aspect lacks the sexiness of other c..."
Camera Vibration Solutions
on Mar 14, 2013
"Shaky images can severely undermine image quality, strain operator eyesight and make monitoring m..."
"Shaky images can severely undermine image quality, strain operator eyesight and make monitoring m..."
Debunking Anixter's IP Video Advantages
on Mar 13, 2013
"Anixter has been touting 5 Advantages of IP Video Surveillance. Unfortunately, those benefits cen..."
"Anixter has been touting 5 Advantages of IP Video Surveillance. Unfortunately, those benefits cen..."
The 5 Biggest Access Control Mistakes
on Mar 12, 2013
"Access control systems keep people and places safe, but sometimes have huge weaknesses that leave..."
"Access control systems keep people and places safe, but sometimes have huge weaknesses that leave..."
Battery Powered Access Controller
on Mar 07, 2013
"Installing electronic access is never as simple as throwing in a mechanical lock. Not only do you..."
"Installing electronic access is never as simple as throwing in a mechanical lock. Not only do you..."
on Mar 05, 2013
"All decisions have a price, but some cost more than others. Choosing which type of database for y..."
"All decisions have a price, but some cost more than others. Choosing which type of database for y..."
Glass Doors and Access Control
on Feb 27, 2013
"The biggest challenge for many access control systems are glass doors. Here's what happens when a..."
"The biggest challenge for many access control systems are glass doors. Here's what happens when a..."
Replacing Access Control Systems
on Feb 21, 2013
"Q: What's rarer than a two-headed penny? A: An end user who replaces their access control system...."
"Q: What's rarer than a two-headed penny? A: An end user who replaces their access control system...."
Combating the Door Prop Problem
on Feb 18, 2013
"Doors have a fundamental security function: They keep the bad guys out. When a door is propped op..."
"Doors have a fundamental security function: They keep the bad guys out. When a door is propped op..."
IPVM For PR / Marketing People
on Feb 15, 2013
"This post helps PR / Marketing people understand and productively work with IPVM (as much as poss..."
"This post helps PR / Marketing people understand and productively work with IPVM (as much as poss..."
Maintaining Access Control Records
on Feb 14, 2013
"Weeding out old entries, turning off unused credentials, and updating who carries which credentia..."
"Weeding out old entries, turning off unused credentials, and updating who carries which credentia..."
Access Control Levels and Schedules Tutorial
on Feb 11, 2013
"One of access control's most critical security elements has nothing to do with cards, locks, or r..."
"One of access control's most critical security elements has nothing to do with cards, locks, or r..."
Multi-Factor Authentication Primer
on Feb 05, 2013
"Can a stranger use your credentials? One of the oldest problems facing access control is making c..."
"Can a stranger use your credentials? One of the oldest problems facing access control is making c..."
Fingerprint for Access Control
on Feb 04, 2013
"Despite being touted as the next big thing for access control, fingerprint readers struggle to de..."
"Despite being touted as the next big thing for access control, fingerprint readers struggle to de..."
Surveillance CODEC Guide
on Feb 01, 2013
"CODECs are core to surveillance, with names like MJPEG, MPEG-4 and H.264 commonly discussed but, ..."
"CODECs are core to surveillance, with names like MJPEG, MPEG-4 and H.264 commonly discussed but, ..."
SIA Says: Buy Our Stuff, Stop School Shootings!
on Feb 01, 2013
"The US Security Industry Association is proudly speaking for all of us in a letter to President O..."
"The US Security Industry Association is proudly speaking for all of us in a letter to President O..."
AHJ / Authority Having Jurisdiction Tutorial
on Jan 30, 2013
"One of the most powerful yet shadowy characters in all of physical security is the AHJ, the Autho..."
"One of the most powerful yet shadowy characters in all of physical security is the AHJ, the Autho..."
Delayed Egress Examined
on Jan 28, 2013
"Is it ever legal to lock people into a building? With so much of access control driven by life sa..."
"Is it ever legal to lock people into a building? With so much of access control driven by life sa..."
Fail Safe vs. Fail Secure Primer
on Jan 24, 2013
"Few terms carry greater importance than 'fail safe' and 'fail secure' for access control. The def..."
"Few terms carry greater importance than 'fail safe' and 'fail secure' for access control. The def..."
Selecting the Right Electric Strike
on Jan 23, 2013
"Despite being one of the most common components of access control, specifying the right electric ..."
"Despite being one of the most common components of access control, specifying the right electric ..."
Access Control Killer: Tailgating
on Jan 21, 2013
"Despite costing thousands of dollars per door, access control systems are inherently vulnerable t..."
"Despite costing thousands of dollars per door, access control systems are inherently vulnerable t..."
The Passback Problem
on Jan 17, 2013
"Every security system has flaws, even high-tech ones. While Electronic Access Control helps keep ..."
"Every security system has flaws, even high-tech ones. While Electronic Access Control helps keep ..."
Door Hardware Grades Explained
on Jan 14, 2013
"How can you tell high quality hardware from junk? Unlike other industries, where 'buyer beware' d..."
"How can you tell high quality hardware from junk? Unlike other industries, where 'buyer beware' d..."
Classroom Locks Reviewed
on Dec 19, 2012
"Access control hardware cannot defeat a gunmen; but it can slow them down and buy precious minute..."
"Access control hardware cannot defeat a gunmen; but it can slow them down and buy precious minute..."
Palm Vein / Face Combo Reader
on Dec 18, 2012
"A new reader terminal claims it is the "only true PACS terminal using Palm Vein Recognition" and ..."
"A new reader terminal claims it is the "only true PACS terminal using Palm Vein Recognition" and ..."
Higher Resolution Cameras Need More Light?
on Dec 14, 2012
"One of the most misleading myths is that higher resolution cameras need more light than lower res..."
"One of the most misleading myths is that higher resolution cameras need more light than lower res..."
Selecting Access Control Readers
on Dec 13, 2012
"Given the variety of types available, specifying access control readers can be a daunting process..."
"Given the variety of types available, specifying access control readers can be a daunting process..."
Access Control Exploits: Risky PIRs?
on Dec 10, 2012
"A panicked end user called us this week about a surprisingly simple way their access control syst..."
"A panicked end user called us this week about a surprisingly simple way their access control syst..."
Axis Changes A&E Event
on Dec 07, 2012
"For the last two years, Axis funded lavish cruises for A&Es and their spouses, hotly debated ..."
"For the last two years, Axis funded lavish cruises for A&Es and their spouses, hotly debated ..."
Verint Surveillance Revenue Steep Drop
on Dec 06, 2012
"Verint's painful decline in (or perhaps out of) the surveillance market continues. In their most ..."
"Verint's painful decline in (or perhaps out of) the surveillance market continues. In their most ..."
Designing an Access Control System
on Nov 27, 2012
"Designing an access control solution requires decisions on 8 fundamental questions. This in-depth..."
"Designing an access control solution requires decisions on 8 fundamental questions. This in-depth..."
Dorma Acquires Rutherford Controls
on Nov 27, 2012
"Billion dollar plus German door hardware manufacturer Dorma is acquiring one of the most well reg..."
"Billion dollar plus German door hardware manufacturer Dorma is acquiring one of the most well reg..."
Locksmiths Replaced by Vending Machines?
on Nov 08, 2012
"Is the venerable locksmith on the way out? First, big box retailers set up their own departments ..."
"Is the venerable locksmith on the way out? First, big box retailers set up their own departments ..."
Entertech FaceStation Examined
on Nov 06, 2012
"Biometric credentials are more than just fingerprints. A growing trend in access control readers ..."
"Biometric credentials are more than just fingerprints. A growing trend in access control readers ..."
Test Your Access Control Knowledge
on Oct 26, 2012
"How well do you know electronic access control? Do you understand maglocks, mullions, strikes, bi..."
"How well do you know electronic access control? Do you understand maglocks, mullions, strikes, bi..."
Revolutionary Door Lock? (Lockitron)
on Oct 08, 2012
"This could be the biggest thing to hit access control in years. A Silicon Valley startup has deve..."
"This could be the biggest thing to hit access control in years. A Silicon Valley startup has deve..."
Next Generation Intercoms (Stentofon Turbine)
on Oct 02, 2012
"Just like IP cameras, IP intercoms are getting more sophisticated. In the olds days, it might hav..."
"Just like IP cameras, IP intercoms are getting more sophisticated. In the olds days, it might hav..."
NFC: Not Ready for Primetime
on Oct 02, 2012
"NFC continues to be the biggest buzzword in access control. HID, the principal manufacturer of th..."
"NFC continues to be the biggest buzzword in access control. HID, the principal manufacturer of th..."
Multifunction Maglock (Securitron M680)
on Sep 24, 2012
"A new maglock claims to be 'smarter' and more 'stylish' than the rest. Is it useful, or is i..."
"A new maglock claims to be 'smarter' and more 'stylish' than the rest. Is it useful, or is i..."
Lowest-Cost EoC Yet? (EnConn Mini-Power)
on Sep 20, 2012
"Reusing coaxial cable for new IP cameras can simplify and save on upgrades. However, the devices ..."
"Reusing coaxial cable for new IP cameras can simplify and save on upgrades. However, the devices ..."
A Revolutionary Reader? Nedap uPass Access
on Sep 19, 2012
"Is a revolution in access control readers upon us? That's the claim of one manufacturer, who has ..."
"Is a revolution in access control readers upon us? That's the claim of one manufacturer, who has ..."
IR Sells Off Bright Blue
on Sep 13, 2012
"Once the hottest new access control product, Bright Blue has sunk into relative obscurity in a ma..."
"Once the hottest new access control product, Bright Blue has sunk into relative obscurity in a ma..."
Ready Made Access Control Entrances
on Sep 11, 2012
"Some projects only need access control points for a few months, while others cannot tolerate leng..."
"Some projects only need access control points for a few months, while others cannot tolerate leng..."
Kaba Restructures Access
on Sep 07, 2012
"One of the oldest companies in door security has announced a sweeping reorganization of their ele..."
"One of the oldest companies in door security has announced a sweeping reorganization of their ele..."
Wireless Door Power (Securitron ICPT)
on Sep 06, 2012
"Wireless electricity? Door hardware is hardly known as 'high tech', but a new product from Assa A..."
"Wireless electricity? Door hardware is hardly known as 'high tech', but a new product from Assa A..."
Proximity Card Vulnerabilities
on Aug 23, 2012
"Even though it is the most common credential in access control today, proximity cards face notabl..."
"Even though it is the most common credential in access control today, proximity cards face notabl..."
Should Smart Integrators Lead with Access Control?
on Aug 03, 2012
"Video gets all the hype but should savvy integrators lead with access control instead? Recently, ..."
"Video gets all the hype but should savvy integrators lead with access control instead? Recently, ..."
Assa Abloy Aperio Wireless Examined
on Jul 23, 2012
"Cabling and installation are the two biggest expenses in access control. With many locations diff..."
"Cabling and installation are the two biggest expenses in access control. With many locations diff..."
HID VertX Examined
on Jul 18, 2012
"HID's VertX door access control system is the more powerful but lesser known sibling of HID's Edg..."
"HID's VertX door access control system is the more powerful but lesser known sibling of HID's Edg..."
HID's EVO Series Examined
on Jul 09, 2012
"After years of rumors, door access control giant HID has formally announced its next generation o..."
"After years of rumors, door access control giant HID has formally announced its next generation o..."
BrightBlue: Small Site Access Control
on Jun 18, 2012
"Hardware giant Schlage wants to control doors in even the smallest deployments. Unlike other 'big..."
"Hardware giant Schlage wants to control doors in even the smallest deployments. Unlike other 'big..."
Security Gates Tutorial
on Jun 06, 2012
"While gates are a critical component for many facilities, selecting them can be challenging. Nume..."
"While gates are a critical component for many facilities, selecting them can be challenging. Nume..."
FIPS-201 Failure
on May 29, 2012
"The security market is hungry for money. With security budgets shrinking worldwide, any glimmer o..."
"The security market is hungry for money. With security budgets shrinking worldwide, any glimmer o..."
Alerting Against Unlocked Doors
on May 13, 2012
"Unlocked doors are a key vulnerability of many access control systems. While a door may be closed..."
"Unlocked doors are a key vulnerability of many access control systems. While a door may be closed..."
Brivo Access Control Examined
on May 11, 2012
"Does hosted access offer advantages over traditional panel based door access control systems? Bri..."
"Does hosted access offer advantages over traditional panel based door access control systems? Bri..."
Disrupting Residential Access Control? Lockitron
on May 10, 2012
"Can the traditional access control market be disrupted by new entrants leveraging consumer techno..."
"Can the traditional access control market be disrupted by new entrants leveraging consumer techno..."
Should Manufacturers Write A&E Specs?
on May 09, 2012
"Users depend on architects and engineers (A&Es) to design buildings that best meet their need..."
"Users depend on architects and engineers (A&Es) to design buildings that best meet their need..."
Hotel Access Control Explained
on May 08, 2012
"Hotel access control seems to work magically. Unlike electronic access control systems used in se..."
"Hotel access control seems to work magically. Unlike electronic access control systems used in se..."
Quiet Door Hardware Examined
on May 07, 2012
"The incessant buzzing of electrified door hardware can drive people crazy. Is noisy door hardware..."
"The incessant buzzing of electrified door hardware can drive people crazy. Is noisy door hardware..."
Anixter Q1 2012 Security Sales Reviewed
on Apr 25, 2012
"As one of the biggest distributors in security, Anixter is a bellweather for the broader IP video..."
"As one of the biggest distributors in security, Anixter is a bellweather for the broader IP video..."
Critiquing HID's 'Access Control Goes Mobile' Presentation
on Apr 12, 2012
"Are Mobile Credentials ready for primetime? ASSA ABLOY / HID, who have invested heavily in ..."
"Are Mobile Credentials ready for primetime? ASSA ABLOY / HID, who have invested heavily in ..."
Turnstiles Guide
on Mar 20, 2012
"Turnstiles are security devices that control pedestrian access to secured areas, designed as movi..."
"Turnstiles are security devices that control pedestrian access to secured areas, designed as movi..."
Selecting the Right Type of Electric Lock
on Mar 15, 2012
"Picking between electric strikes, magnetic locks, electronic bolts and locksets can be a complex ..."
"Picking between electric strikes, magnetic locks, electronic bolts and locksets can be a complex ..."
Video Surveillance / Access Control Integration
on Mar 14, 2012
"One of the most desired high end security system features is integrating video surveillance and e..."
"One of the most desired high end security system features is integrating video surveillance and e..."
Access Credential Form Factor Tutorial
on Mar 09, 2012
"Deciding which type, or form factor, of access control credential to use and distribute can be a ..."
"Deciding which type, or form factor, of access control credential to use and distribute can be a ..."
NFC For Access Control
on Mar 07, 2012
"Led by door access gorilla, Assa Abloy / HID, NFC is getting a lot of unwarranted hype as the nex..."
"Led by door access gorilla, Assa Abloy / HID, NFC is getting a lot of unwarranted hype as the nex..."
PoE Door Strike?
on Mar 02, 2012
"A true PoE / network door strike would reduce costs and simplify installations considerably. Inde..."
"A true PoE / network door strike would reduce costs and simplify installations considerably. Inde..."
Door Intercom Tutorial
on Mar 01, 2012
"Door entry systems are an often overlooked subsystem of facility security. Typically, entry syste..."
"Door entry systems are an often overlooked subsystem of facility security. Typically, entry syste..."
How Doors Impact Access Control
on Feb 14, 2012
"Assuming every door can be secured with either a maglock or an electric strike can be a painful a..."
"Assuming every door can be secured with either a maglock or an electric strike can be a painful a..."
Digital Locks / eCylinder Tutorial
on Feb 08, 2012
"In some applications ‘traditional’ panel/controller based Electronic Access Control a..."
"In some applications ‘traditional’ panel/controller based Electronic Access Control a..."