Selling IP Access Control?

Not that I do a lot of work with access controls (little bit here and there), but all of what I've done to date has been with standard direct-connected setups.

To me, one of the major benefits of IP video is the flexibility it gives you in the infrastructure - no requirement to home-run every line, primarily. The ability to decentralize cabling and control. And in a pinch, the ability to simply plug into existing infrastructure, which while generally not desireable, highlights the core benefit: MORE OPTIONS in how to do things.

I see the same benefits to IP access controls :not needing to run EVERY. FREAKING. WIRE. all the way back to one central location, the ability to use existing networks (less of an issue as traffic will be negligible), and so forth. On other words, MORE OPTIONS.

Michael's example highlghts that as well - FAR greater control on a per-door/per-reader basis, and in fact, the ability to change that control on the fly, without the need for complex programming changes, or worse, physical wiring changes. Again, MORE OPTIONS.

I agree with reduced cabling costs and increased flexibility. Reduced costs: utilize the existing investment in ethernet. Where the client already has switches in the field you can run IP to them and rs485 to other components in that sector. Increased flexibility: with IP traffic you can use a hybrid network of ethernet cabling, point to point links and 3G modems to build your network.

The best advantage that we see for IP Access control is First - if the products can be powered over the ethernet as well. If the POE aspect of the lock controllers can also control the maglocks and door locks then this saves on electrical work required.

Second - if the access control is on the network and can integrate with other components of the building - such as lights and speakers then a policy can be created which means that sharing the network allows integration between these components. So for exmple a visitor arrives at the office. Lights are automatically turned on or increased in brightness and welcome announcement can be made through the speakers etc.

Third - With the IP Access control on the network - this can be integrated also with IP Surveillance and IP Telephony system (open and close doors from say a Cisco Phone menu after viewing mages from a camera and adding door open options in the phone's menu).

Fourth - When access control is on the IP network you can control entry to remote buildings from a central monitoring centre using video and door controls over the Broadband network with IP addressing.

It is all available right now - and with case studies at the netgenium.co.uk web site.

Most of this is installed usually by network and data installers as they understand structured cabling and POE infrastructures etc. They do not need qualified electricians for a deployment which means they can add other products into their typical bag of network and IP offerings.

Can we back up and define what's meant by "IP access control" here? Are we talking "edge" controllers or are we simply talking about systems which connect to the server via Ethernet?

I'm curious who's still out there installing RS-485 based systems. The company I worked for pretty much stopped that in 2005-2006, latest. Were we really just that ahead of the curve?

Based on the pricing comparisons I've done in the past, edge systems with single door controllers are cheaper than centralized, at least if you look simply at the access hardware. HOWEVER, and that deserves all caps, because it's been an afterthought in a lot of edge systems I've seen, if you want battery backup, you're looking at either a large UPS or power supplies with batteries, adding cabling and/or hardware cost. Of course if you're using maglocks additional power supplies are often required (though I've run Securitron M62s off of HID Edges for years without issue).

All that being said, I still generally prefer the distributed system, powered over Ethernet. Installers just need to be aware of the drawbacks and potential security/life safety issues, which I don't think a lot of IT-centric integrators are.

Brian, (Disclosure: My Firm, The Centurion Group represents ISONAS)

IP based Access Control Systems such as ISONAS have multiple justifications for an end user to implement such as:

Reduced installation cost, no panels to cut in or extra wires.

More advanced technology, IP based readers are directly connected to the network and are able to "Call Home" from remote locations.

Strong VMS integration

Connect Directly to your existing network.

The biggest attribute customers like about IP based systems is there is no extra labor/product cost for composite wire, panels, powers supply's and transformers. I have found that most organizations IT departments typically prefer an IP based system because their buildings have an existing network infrastructure that an IP Based Access Control System will connect to with relative ease.

Brian,

These claims are not exclusive and the redundancy and pass through power are just components of their patent as mentioned before. Since you deemed my information was a "naively spun sales pitch" then please accept my apologies yet end users do care about what I listed above.

John,

There are several distinct features of the product I spoke about above in respect to the question's asked. And no, other manufacturers do not have all of the same features. Your question is easy, here is the answer.

Please name one or a few IP Access Control manufacturer's that can do all of the below:

A. Handle 7, 70 or 700 readers without the use of a panel/multiple panels/module above the door and works both indoors and outdoors.

B. Do not charge for software or have license fees.

C. Supplies 600 Milliamps, .6 Amps of power at the reader.

D. Works completely POE, no need for an outside power supply.

E. Works in local mode if the network connection is lost

F. The Reader/Controller/Power is in (1) Device.

-Dan