Understanding lock keyways are critical for access control, as even when adding in electronic access control, mechanical locks are typically maintained but changed in the process. In this note, we examine keyways, identify which ones are most...
By Brian Rhodes - 28 days ago
IPVM surveyed more than 150 integrators for estimates on five common access control installations. The standards focus on 5 scenarios where integrators routinely install access control: Glass Storefront Single Door Hollowcore Steel...
By Brian Rhodes - about 2 months ago
One of the biggest access control challenges is securing glass doors. Unlike wood or steel doors that can be modified to work with electrified locking hardware, glass doors present significant hardware challenges. In this tutorial, we...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 months ago
Door closers have an essential access control function: To automatically shut doors, because open doors do not control access. In this tutorial, we review door closers, examine how they are selected, and show how to avoid misusing...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 months ago
Assa Abloy is acquiring Spectrum Brands 'Hardware & Home Improvement' (HHI) division, including lock and security fixture brands Kwikset, Baldwin, and Weiser, in a $4.3 billion USD deal. In this note, we examine: Investors Calls from...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 months ago
SmartRent went public today, raising ~$500 million at a $2.2 billion valuation, bigger than Latch's SPAC earlier this year. SmartRent touts its open architecture and being hardware agnostic, as a differentiator vs Latch. In this report, IPVM...
By Isabella Cheng - 3 months ago
Despite being one of the most common access control components, specifying the right electric strike can be deceptively complex. Understanding the particulars of each device can be overwhelming. In this note, we examine how strikes work, the...
By Brian Rhodes - 3 months ago
IPVM offers the most comprehensive access control course. Unlike manufacturer training that focuses only on a small part of the system, we look at the whole picture - design, operation, maintenance, and how all parts of an access system work...
By IPVM Team - 4 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 some of the most common root causes but typically ignored. Along with proper Door and...
By Brian Rhodes - 4 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...
By Brian Rhodes - 7 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...
By Brian Rhodes - 7 months ago
Locks are used everywhere, but they are not all the same, sometimes for no other reason than geography. The variation complicates the most basic access control designs. Inside, we compare the 5 common types used worldwide and address their...
By Brian Rhodes - 9 months ago
Many spend thousands on advanced access systems but regularly neglect one of the least expensive, yet most important aspects of all: Key Control. Keeping track of keys, who carries them, and which doors they open is vital for security. In...
By Brian Rhodes - 10 months ago
Powering access control using Power over Ethernet is convenient and increasingly common. However, access requires more power than cameras, and the problems of not having enough are significant especially if unsecured doors, unresponsive...
By Brian Rhodes - 10 months ago
The direction doors open might seem minor, but it can greatly impact access lock 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 - 11 months ago
For decades, Gallagher has been one of New Zealand's most famous companies. Now, they are aggressively expanding into North America and, if they fulfill their plans, will have one of the largest US-based access control sales organizations. But...
By Brian Rhodes - 11 months ago
Not all doors, even in larger facilities, can justify using electronic access control. And even for doors that do have electronic access control, many often need to work with mechanical locks. However, most keys can be easily copied. How do you...
By Brian Rhodes - 11 months ago
This 85+ point checklist helps end users, integrators, and consultants verify that access control installation is complete. It covers the following sections: Door Hardware Checks Reader Checks Controller Checks Fire Alarm Loop...
By Brian Rhodes - 12 months ago
Access lock brands Allegion, Assa, and Dormakaba have captured huge sections of the door locks market, but which one do integrators most prefer? We asked integrators, with 200+ respondents answering: What is your favorite brand of...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 year 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...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 year ago
Access control can cause integrators big headaches. What practical issues do they face selling and installing them? ~200 integrators told us the biggest problem they face when selling electronic access control and why those particular...
By Brian Rhodes - about 1 year ago
Doors vary greatly in how difficult and costly it is to add electronic access control. Bad assumptions about them can cost thousands. Often the door is inadequately or inaccurately described resulting in avoidable specification mistakes. In...
By Brian Rhodes - over 1 year ago
Density presented its cloud-based occupancy sensor to deal with Coronavirus at the May 2020 IPVM Startups show. Inside this report: A 30-minute video from Density including IPVM Q&A Background on the company Key Positive factors to...
By Brian Rhodes - over 1 year ago
Openpath presented its new PoE controller at the May 2020 IPVM Startups show. Inside this report: A 30-minute video from Openpath including IPVM Q&A Background on the company Key Positive factors to consider Key Negative factors to...
By Brian Rhodes - over 1 year ago
PDQ presented its mobile, wireless access system 'pdqSmart' at the April 2020 IPVM New Products show. Inside this report: A 30-minute video from PDQ including IPVM Q&A Background on the company and the new product Key Positive...
By Brian Rhodes - over 1 year ago
