One of the most misunderstood yet valuable pieces of electrified hardware is the maglock. Few locks are stronger, but myths and confusion surround their proper use. Many access control designers avoid using them altogether, but should they? In ...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 days ago
For access controlled doors, especially those with maglocks, 'Request to Exit', or 'RTE' devices are required to override electrified locks to guarantee free egress. Inside we examine these key RTE factors: The Common RTE Devices: REX and Pu...
By Brian Rhodes - 6 days ago
Door Closers have an important job: automatically shut doors when they are opened, because an open door cannot control access. In this note, we review Door Closers, examine how they are selected, and how to avoid misusing them: Why closers a...
By Brian Rhodes - 17 days ago
Accidents and inside attacks are risks when network connections are not locked down. Security and video surveillance systems should be protected against such attacks and can be done with relatively low-cost means. Inside this guide, IPVM explai...
By John Scanlan - 26 days ago
Designing an access control solution requires decisions on 8 fundamental questions. This in-depth guide helps you understand the options and tradeoffs involved in designing an excellent access control solution. The eight fundamental questions ar...
By Brian Rhodes - 4 months ago
Big investment in access startups is uncommon, but Openpath has recently attracted $20 million doing just that. The company has limited security industry, but deep tech industry experience. Their system claims major advancements over traditional ...
By Brian Rhodes - 6 months ago
Haven, a US startup founded in 2014 as a residential-focused company, has now raised funding and is offering a lineup of commercial grade locks for the education market. Further, the company says it has new smart lock offerings and is growing ...
By Dan Gelinas - 6 months ago
Cloud-based access control company VIZPin is releasing a solar-powered and smart phone based access control system for gates and other remote sites. The company claims it can do access at these locations, typically with no power and network infras...
By IPVM Team - 7 months ago
Some of the trickiest access control problems are caused by bad door hinges. From doors not closing right, to locks not locking, worn or warped hinges are one of the most common root causes but typically ignored. Along with proper Door and Fram...
By Brian Rhodes - 7 months ago
While power supplies are becoming less important as PoE matures, they remain vital to access control systems, where increased power for locks, readers, and controllers is needed. Companies such as Altronix and LifeSafety Power are the most widely ...
By Brian Rhodes - 8 months ago
In this guide, we examine locks; critical elements of any security system and fundamental parts of every access control system. Two fundamental classes of locks are used in access, electrified locks and mechanical locks. But with thousands of l...
By Brian Rhodes - 8 months ago
Ladders are one of the most important pieces of worksite equipment for the surveillance technician. Too often, however, even highly experienced technicians are using old or defective ladders in an unsafe or inefficient manner. As the Occupational...
By IPVM Team - 8 months ago
Assuming every door can be secured with either a maglock or an electric strike can be a painful assumption in the field. While those items can be applied flexibly with various openings, there are occasions where certain hardware cannot be used. A...
By Brian Rhodes - 8 months ago
Wireless access control is frequently promoted by manufacturers as a way to cut installation costs. Perhaps the biggest proponent of this is mega access control manufacturer Assa Abloy. Their most recent version of their wireless access control li...
By Brian Rhodes - 9 months ago
When the main power fails, many believe maglocks must leave doors unlocked. However, battery backed up maglocks are allowed according to IBC / NFPA code. It just needs to be done properly. We examine the five critical steps for using backing up m...
By Brian Rhodes - 9 months ago
The direction a door swings might seem minor, but it can greatly impact door hardware selection. There are four basic ways a door can swing, and knowing how to properly determine it is critical when designing access control systems and ordering...
By Brian Rhodes - 10 months ago
It has been 5 years since Axis 2013 entry in the physical access control market, with the A1001 (IPVM test). Now, Axis has released its second access controller, the A1601. With this release, Axis is touting it is faster, more powerful, and bette...
By Brian Rhodes - 11 months ago
Electronic access offers features that traditional mechanical locks cannot. While these features may not be as fundamental as keeping doors secure, they can provide significant management, safety, and security advantages over locks and key alone. ...
By Brian Rhodes - 11 months ago
Security system dealers can benefit from having their own access control test door both for demonstrations and training. Inside, we explain the advantages of using a 'test door', how it was purchased, and include a list of reports that feature t...
By Brian Rhodes - 11 months ago
This team sold their last startup for hundreds of millions of dollars, now they have started Openpath to become a rare access control small business focused entrant. Like many startups, the company is making big claims like 'mobile access control...
By IPVM Team - 12 months ago
Keeping surveillance networks secure can be a daunting task, but there are several methods that can greatly reduce risk, especially when used in conjunction with each other. In this guide, we look at several security techniques, both physical and...
By IPVM Team - about 1 year ago
Even though access control normally keeps people safe, tragedies have revealed a significant issue. If users are forced to unlock doors for criminals, unsuspecting people inside are vulnerable. But 'Duress Access' is a common, although overlooke...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 year ago
End users spend thousands on advanced systems to keep themselves secure, but regularly neglect one of the lest expensive yet most important aspects of all: Key Control. Administrating who carries keys and which doors they open seems simple but ma...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 year ago
For ISC West 2018, what is new and interesting in access control? This rundown will bring you up to speed on the exhibitors, what they are releasing, and give you an idea of what is new. Notable Trends In terms of marketwide trends, three them...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 year ago
Locks are used everywhere, but they are not all the same. In fact, even the shape of the lock changes, sometimes for no other reason than geography. The variation can complicate the most basic access control designs, and not being aware of the dif...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 year ago
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