Despite widespread use, locked doors are notoriously weak at stopping entry, and thousands can be misspent on locks that leave doors quite vulnerable. Using locks with multiple latches is one way to improve door security against attacks. Insid...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 days ago
Wyze's inexpensive cameras have grabbed the attention of many in the consumer market, but can the company's new smart lock get similar attention? In this test, we share an IPVM member's field report to see how well Wyze lock installs and performs...
By IPVM Team - 12 days ago
Mechanical keys are one of the most fundamental forms of access control. 'Master Keying' can allow individually different credential keys to segment access, but requires no electricity, no network, and uses regular door locks. How Master Keys w...
By Brian Rhodes - 17 days ago
Hotel access control does not work like typical commercial access control because doors in hotels are not typically directly connected to a central server. How does it work then? How can the hotel assure that cards are used properly? Inside thi...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 month ago
While Wyze has disrupted the consumer IP camera market with ~$20 cameras, its entrance into smart locks is entirely undisruptive. We have reported on the rise of Wyze in the past year, including 'big box' retail displays, selling more than 1 mi...
By Brian Rhodes - about 2 months ago
One of the biggest access challenges are locking and securing glass doors. Unlike wood or steel doors that can be modified to work with electrified locking hardware, glass doors present great challenges. In this tutorial, we examine: Why Gl...
By Brian Rhodes - 2 months ago
For some access openings, running wires can add thousands in cost, and wireless alternatives that avoid it becomes appealing. But using wireless and WiFi locks can have drawbacks over hardwired alternatives. In this guide, we examine key aspec...
By Brian Rhodes - 2 months ago
For access, there is one basic maxim: Life safety above all else. But how do you know if all applicable codes are being followed? While the basic maxim is simple to understand, many potential variations of rules exist, and access control profes...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 months ago
Just because access doors are closed does not mean they are locked. Unless access systems are using lock status monitoring, the doors and areas they protect could be left insecure. How can you tell when doors are locked? Lock status monitoring...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 months ago
Door controllers are at the center of physical access control systems connecting software, readers, and locks. Despite being buried inside enclosures or hidden inside ceilings, they are a complex component that ties everything else together. ...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 months ago
Few terms carry greater importance in access control than 'fail safe' and 'fail secure'. Access control professionals must know how these concepts apply, and how to select locks that are appropriate. In this tutorial, we teach: The differen...
By Brian Rhodes - 4 months ago
A heated access debate surrounds who should pick and install the locks. While responsible for selecting the control systems, integrators often struggle getting locks to work when others supply them. So we asked integrators 'What percentage of you...
By Brian Rhodes - 6 months ago
Maglocks divide access control specifiers perhaps more than any other component. Many are concerned about life safety codes, but others cite benefits such as being less expensive. How frequently are maglocks used? 150+ integrators told us how ...
By IPVM Team - 7 months ago
Significant money can be saved and problems avoided with an access control job walk if you know what to look for and what to ask. By inviting interested parties onsite for pre-bid job walks, many of the site conditions inadequately described in...
By Brian Rhodes - 8 months ago
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 - 8 months 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 - 9 months 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 - 9 months 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 - 9 months 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 - 12 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 - about 1 year 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 - about 1 year 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 - about 1 year 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 - over 1 year 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 - over 1 year 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 - over 1 year ago
