Does anybody in this forum have experience with Maxxess' eFusion access control system? I'm considering purchasing for my facility. Thoughts? Thx!
Subscriber Discussion
Experience With Maxxess Access Control System?
Brian Rhodes
Apr 25, 2018What about eFusion is most appealing to you?
In general, one of Maxxess' strong points is support for 3rd party hardware, as they support HID, Mercury Security (now part of HID), and Axis controllers (among other smaller suppliers), so their solution has advantages in take-overs of mixed systems.
For a smaller access company, usually the strategy is to offer proprietary controllers, or at least private label their own OEM'd equipment, but Maxxess markets themselves primarily as a software company.
Are looking to 'green field' (install entirely new) a system, or update something existing?
UE
Undisclosed End User #1
Apr 30, 2018I'm just back in the office today so I apologize for the late response to you, but want to thank you, Brian, and UI-2 for the information.
I should start by telling you that the Maxxess office is about a 10-15 minute drive from me, here in Orange County (CA). So, I met with them in their office.
We'll need to change the controllers when we change the software, as our current system uses proprietary controllers, so the 3rd party hardware is very appealing. We use HID card readers, so no need to change them.
In addition to the compatibility with 3rd party hardware, what I like is its flexibility, as UI-2 mentioned in his response.
There are certain features that I think should be a no-brainer for manufacturers, but seem to be pretty rare. For example:
I want alerts (such as for expired card, unauthorized entry, etc.) to pop up in a large window on the screen so the officer staffing the desk cannot miss it, provide procedural instructions, and require the officer to insert notes on their response. What I find most often, is a single line in red print (not bold, no contrasting background color) on the transaction monitor, and in the same font as all other transactions. In essence, the alert blends in with all of the other transactions, so it the officer isn't staring at the screen, they'll miss it.
Maxxess doesn't so this out of the box, but they programmed the system in front of me to do exactly what I described, including procedural instructions for the officer and a requirement for the officer to insert notes.
Also, I'd like to digitally change the background color of profile photos to indicate category of cardholder, e.g. employee, contractor, visitor, etc. I haven't found a single system that can do this, yet it seems such a basic and useful feature.
Maxxess also doesn't do this, but it has a frame around the photo which can be adjusted by thickness and color, so it serves the same purpose.
I also like the Maxxess display. Multiple windows on screen simultaneously with windows adjustable by size and shape. Other systems do this, but Maxxess does, as well.
There are other things I like about the system, but this should give you an idea of what appeals to me about it.
UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #2
Apr 30, 2018Maxxess is one of the access systems we sell and promote. The software is pretty versatile and support is usually pretty good, though they have some new people in first level support that might need a little more seasoning. The interface can take some getting used to and they need more out of the box reports that better match what customers want- we'd have to ask for quite a few custom reports. But they are one of the easiest manufacturers we've dealt with. And if you are really looking for some custom integrations, they have been by far the easiest to discuss and get a price for them. They have an inhouse development team that will actually give you a quote and the few times we asked I think it was a pretty reasonable rate. Many manufacturers will say "here is the API, go out and find write your own integration or find someone else to do it".
UE
Undisclosed End User #1
Apr 30, 2018Many thanks, UI-2. As I wrote in my note to Brian, it's exactly the flexibility of the Maxxess system that's most attractive to me. I'm very glad to know they're easy to work with. I've met with their president a few times in their office and in mine, and she seems very accommodating.
What I like about being a few minutes' drive from their office is that I can meet with them so describe visually an issue or request that I may not be able to describe verbally by phone or email.
Can you tell me your experience with the system's reliability and customer feedback?
UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #2
Apr 30, 2018System reliability for the most part has been pretty good. Nothing major like a database corruption or disconnect which I've seen in some other systems. Sometimes the occasional bug in the software where some not often used feature doesn't work right and they have to do another quick release to fix, but they were minor and again nothing catastrophic that led to a system failure or worse, a system redo and restore.
If you don't want to be fully dependent on the dealer integrator for support they have support options where they will work directly with the end user for support. It's an additional cost, but supporting end users can be more costly to a manufacturer, hence why channel models are still popular. Software licenses and support renewals are still through authorized dealers.
And from what I heard from the ISC West show they also worked on expanding more of their out of the box reports for more of what customers have been asking for.
UE
Undisclosed End User #1
Apr 30, 2018That's good news. Thank you. My lead staff and I attend integrator training for our systems so, while we leave the complex issues for integrator-provided support, we will work directly with the mfr for simple-to-moderate issues.
Thanks again for the info.
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