Conceptually, could there be an IPVM tool similar to the camera calculator but for Access Control Systems? ACS finder? ACS Hardware Finder etc..
Food for thought.
Conceptually, could there be an IPVM tool similar to the camera calculator but for Access Control Systems? ACS finder? ACS Hardware Finder etc..
Food for thought.
Joel:
This subject caught my attention because solutions we have found available don't seem to work quite as well as expected or advertised. Our last attempt was with eMerge, made by S2 for Linear, which has turned out to be a disaster. We are now moving on to another provider of access control systems.
Due to the complexity of the systems and variables on each particular job, we like to makie a commitment to one manufacturer for the control system.
What were your thoughts on the information that would be provided?
Ted
Hello Joel:
We have discussed a similar idea internally but have always been somewhat hung on the criteria we'd compare platforms against.
It's straightforward enough to compare on features like dBase support, hardware support, credential support, and so on, but those variables aren't very differentiating.
It is quite possible to match up major platforms on paper, and they look the same/very similar, although they are very different in a given situation.
Also, price comparisons are a little tough, since dealer markups and project volume impact things greatly.
When it comes to shopping for access, what does the forum think are important criteria to compare?
Ted,
My thoughts were from this typical end user persepective, where to start looking for direction to take and to research further. Start with the basic questions and then build up the application from there;
Scenario #1 - Totally new install
How many entrances/exists to cover? What type of office doors, turnstiles, vehicle gates etc..
Scenario #2 - Existing system
Conceivably, I would think, again, starting with the basics, such an online tool could be made but it would certainly need to stay current to stay relevant.
John, Brian or Ethan.... any thoughts?
The proposed output would be basically a list of potential manufacturers, hardware, software to begin my research further.
Brian,
From an end-user perspective, at least in my case, a tool that would at least provide one with a 'starting' point to begin researching further would be my main positive output requirement. Not so much pricing at this stage. I just want a set of potential solutions to start my path to further investigation.
Thanks for the feedback, Joel!
Another key here is dealer/service availability. If the 'short list' returned four platforms, but two don't have installing dealers in your area, do you think the result is still useful?
I upvoted you for 'informative' for the help here.
I would'nt eliminate or filter them out from the search output. I would leave that to the person receiving the output to make that decision. However, a field where the user could limit the results (if they so desire) would be useful upfront of the search criteria.
Brian,
How about a zip code (US) or postal region (other) and then a Miles/Kilometre field for how far away from that region to use as a filter criteria?
I have conducted many product-to-product comparisons for access control systems (usually when evaluating RFP responses) and I can tell you that it is a monumental task. There are a wide range of different types of system architectures and application software designs that make direct feature to feature comparison a real challenge. Terminology also varies greatly between manufacturers; for example an "access level" on one system may mean something entirely different than an "access level" on another system.
I have typically prepared comparisons between three to five different products and needed dozens of footnotes to try and explain the variations described above. I can't imagine what would be needed to compare all of the major access control systems available today, especially if you included the variants like Salto.
I have seen some feeble attempts by some of the security magazines to create an access control system "buyers guide", but these were incredibly inaccurate and misleading. I would rather see IPVM do nothing than to create something that was on online version of one of these.
Michael,
I can understand your perspective (as a Security Consultancy Firm Owner) however from a end-users perspective, not doing anything is not improving how we get started in the first place. Even if it guides us to the output saying 'here's a list of access control or security consultants' that can assist you in your particular situation.
Mike,
How do you start an investigation from scratch? What key questions are important to you when determining a path for a new client?
Joel,
I normally conduct a comprehensive Security Assessment for the client that looks at security risks, loss history, physical security (doors, locks, fences, lighting), operational security (policies and procedures, guard staffing, etc.) and electronic security (alarms, access control, video, etc.)
Once this assessment is complete, I usually have a good understanding of the client's business and security needs and can begin developing a specification for the access control system.
If I was asked to design an access control system without having conducted an assessment, here are some of the questions I would ask:
This list is by no means all inclusive, but would give me a good place to start.
Ask questions and get answers to your physical security questions from IPVM team members and fellow subscribers.