Putting a Lock on Security
Part 1: Technology Solutions for Door-Hardware Retrofits
Part 2: Electronic Lock Cylinders Provide Secure Retrofit
Part 3: Software Solutions Make Electronic Lock Cylinders Scalable
Part 4: Door Hardware: Stand-Alone Locking Widely Available
Part 5: Draft Standard Targets Door Control Panels
Software Solutions Make Electronic Lock Cylinders Scalable
By Mark Visbal - September 2009 - Doors & Hardware
Four administration software solutions make these electronic lock cylinders scalable. One solution requires a grand master key and allows the administrator to authorize keys for use with the lock at all times. This feature affords an increased level of security based on the technology but does not limit access based on day of the week and time of day. It does allow administrators to disable lost or stolen keys.
Three scaled software-based audit solutions — from 50 to thousands of locks and users — allow administrators to restrict a user’s key and grant them privileges similar to a full-blown access-control system.
These software packages also allow managers to run audits and print reports, and they support role-based user privileges. The only thing managers do not get with the this technology is multiple forms of authentication and automatic locking of a door on a schedule.
A typical installation can cost between one-quarter to one-half of a full-blown physical access-control system, making it an attractive and more secure solution for many facilities.
