Access Control Systems

[drvnbysound]

I am working on a project to tie in access control systems to a larger system. Does anyone know of any particular companies who support any sort of open architecture, or have APIs that support outputting data such as what doors are open, who entered a particular door, etc. I know systems such as an ELK or OMNI are able to do so (not sure on their ability with access control, but I assume its there) but I assume these are not used for commercial uses. These are likely going to be fairly large systems that can support many doors, zones, users, etc. I am not looking for particular make/model solutions, just any ideas of what companies I should check into first?

To give some sort of metric, what would something like a shopping mall need to use, if it were to require access control during certain hours? Or even monitor all backdoors 24/7? I had to limit to certain hours/doors, as during standard operation hours it wouldnt matter if main entry doors are necessarily monitored as they are used excessively by anyone.

What about something sized like the Mall of America? I assume, they would simply utilize many "smaller systems" (even if they were something like 100+ zones each) to monitor specific "regions", as I assume there would be no single system capable of handing something of that scale???

 

[AnthonyZ]

Two suggestions. One, call or email Kantech for roll out support. They have a handful of systems but I've only used the small stuff. Two, cross your t's and dot your i's when it comes to permits, insurance and license. In Colorado, the laws have got extremely strict and they will HAMMER you if you fudge. Acces control carries enormous liability.

 

[drvnbysound]

Two suggestions. One, call or email Kantech for roll out support. They have a handful of systems but I've only used the small stuff. Two, cross your t's and dot your i's when it comes to permits, insurance and license. In Colorado, the laws have got extremely strict and they will HAMMER you if you fudge. Acces control carries enormous liability.

I / we dont plan to install any of these systems, but simply integrate with them - we just want their data . Our goal is to provide enhanced security to what is already in place, if we can interface with such systems this can provide even better protection for our customers. The intention is that if I can actually find a system or systems that actually have an open interface / API we can possibly have enough "power" if you will, to influence the customer to have their system retrofitted to one of the said systems - if they currently have a proprietary system in place. I am simply looking for options to begin the process down the path.

I will certainly start with Kantech! Thanks for the information.

 

[drvnbysound]

I am working on getting more information from Kantech.

I was curious if anyone knows anyone who does this type of work? Ideally, I'd like a couple of options in manufacturers to integrate with, rather than having to be locked into a particular company. I figure a vendor or installer may know of other manufacturers. While Kantech may certainly provide a product that fits the bill, I figure they arent exactly going to tell me who their competitors are who offer an API or interface that is designed to be integrated with :-\

 

[gatchel]

For a large mall with lots of points of entry and potential monitored points you may want to go with a system with lots of expandability. Software House is a good system. I'm not sure about the availability of an API. Make sure, whatever you choose to use, that you can get support from more than one vendor in your area.

I would suggest meeting with a couple of Integrators in you area to see what your needs are and what they suggest.

The Mall of America uses Andover Controls...


http://securitysolutions.com/mag/security_mall_america_cctv/

 

[drvnbysound]

For a large mall with lots of points of entry and potential monitored points you may want to go with a system with lots of expandability. Software House is a good system. I'm not sure about the availability of an API. Make sure, whatever you choose to use, that you can get support from more than one vendor in your area.

I would suggest meeting with a couple of Integrators in you area to see what your needs are and what they suggest.

The Mall of America uses Andover Controls...


http://securitysolutions.com/mag/security_mall_america_cctv/

Thanks for the information. Unfortunately, the work will likely not be in my area at all, but remote locations across the country. So meeting with local vendors isnt really going to matter all that much. Its going to have to be done where some 3rd party company, possibly local to the site - possibly not - will have to be contracted to retrofit the systems if needed.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

Rosslaire also makes some excellent systems.

 

[drvnbysound]

Rosslaire also makes some excellent systems.

Thanks for the lead. I see they will be at ISC West in a few weeks - Im hoping to make it out there