Electronic access control systems (EAC) may serve the same purpose as old locks and keys, but they bring many new advantages, such as controlling who goes where and when, the ability to terminate lost or stolen credentials without replacing locks, and reporting on who entered and when. Clearly, security is improved with these capabilities, and the cost of replacing locks and duplicating keys is eliminated.
Web-hosted access control could be the next step in the technology’s progression. The benefits of this fast-growing and increasingly popular technology could make it a perfect fit for just about any vertical market, regardless of type or size.
The Cost of Traditional Systems
Traditional EAC brings with it a host of costs: organizations must install software on a PC and then maintain that software (keeping it safe from viruses, paying annual license agreements and fees, and applying upgrades and patches to obtain new features or keep up with new operating systems). Additionally, an on-site server is required along with its own maintenance needs (including regular database backups); and after a few years, these pieces become obsolete and the end-user must make a major expenditure to replace them. Often, simply upgrading the PC and operating system makes the access control application obsolete and in need of replacement, which then can require replacing the control panels.
A traditional EAC also supports only one facility, unless the buildings are networked together. If two locations are managed separately, there are two access control systems — both of which have the same maintenance needs. Administration ends up being twice the work as well, because a user needing access to both buildings must be entered into both systems.
Web-hosted Access Control
Instead of installing software on dedicated computers, Web-hosted access control enables end-users to access their system using a standard Web browser. Since user and configuration data are hosted as well, there are no backups needed, and no virus protection or data security to worry about. Since there are no on-site servers, obsolescence is a thing of the past. In fact, the end-user never has to be concerned about upgrades — since the application is not installed locally, it is not upgraded locally either. The upgrades are taken care of by the host, often referred to as an Application Service Provider (ASP).
Managing multiple sites becomes possible from a single interface with Web-hosted access control. Because the user and configuration databases are hosted and accessed over the Internet, it does not matter where the buildings are located or where the administrator happens to be at any given time. This results in time and money savings for the user.
Lower TCO, Superior Performance
Web-hosted access control has a variety of costs as well, of course. Generally, the total cost of ownership is more favorable for Web-hosted access control, and it can be much easier to budget for. Since there is no software or computer hardware to buy, the end-user does not need to worry about upgrades, backups, and data security — it is all taken care of at the Hosting Center. Since there are no on-site servers, there is no cost to maintain servers nor will an obsolete unit need to be replaced. So, upfront costs are quite low compared to traditional electronic access control.
The ongoing service cost is generally a set monthly fee which is easily budgeted for and remains fairly consistent from year to year. Many businesses that opt for Web-hosted access control do not have the IT staff to support a traditional access control system. Others have an IT staff but make a conscious decision to keep them focused on maintaining their core business systems. Examples of popular hosted systems include Sales Force.com (CRM) and NetSuite (accounting). Google is also banking on Web-hosted applications, including its Office suite of offerings.
Web-Hosted in Action
The Village of Hoffman Estates is spread out over 26 square miles northeast of Chicago. After its founding in 1959, the Village has steadily grown to a population of more than 51,000 residents, served by a full complement of municipal staff and services.
The Department of Public Works initially faced multiple challenges to cost-effectively upgrade its access control system over such a large area while avoiding the installation of a number of new phone lines.The Village was looking for a Web-based system that could be accessed from anywhere. Budget considerations also dictated that any system upgrade must be implemented over a number of years, while being capable of integrating with existing and future systems including video surveillance. The Village also had begun planning to protect its water tower, wells, chlorine substations, other key infrastructure, and the staff who serve the residents.
In selecting a Brivo ACS, the Village deployed an advanced Web-enabled and wireless access control system to enhance security for key buildings and critical infrastructure throughout the town. The system is being implemented in phases, and they have been able to upgrade software along the way. The system integrates with other technologies to bring multiple buildings, vehicles and doors onto one control interface.
In the early phases, Web-enabled panels and readers were installed at the Village police station and wireless panels were installed to control access to the Village’s water towers and the chlorine facility. The Village has been able to mix and match data communication technologies to best fit its needs and budget.
The completion of the most recent installation phase included expanding access coverage to the Village Hall, the Public Works Center, the Vehicle Maintenance Building and four fire stations. These installations are all Ethernet-based and Web-enabled. This phase also included installation of multiple DVRs in separate locations and more than 20 surveillance cameras integrated onto the access control platform.
“With a Web-enabled system, we didn’t have to maintain servers and get our IT department involved,” says Paul Petrenko, facilities manager. “A Web-hosted solution provides data storage and management and front-end installation costs were kept low, so we were able to do this on budget.”
Village administrators have programmed the system to fulfill a number of critical functions. Every day, staff members receive an “exception report,” which flags activity for investigation: propped or forced doors, unauthorized access attempts, and repeated attempts for access by someone who may actually need such access. The system has also been programmed to send alerts to handheld devices in the event of system or communications failure, problems at the water supply facilities and other contingencies.
Petrenko says he often accesses the system from his home office and even when on vacation by handheld device. On one occasion, he unlocked a water treatment plant access gate for a vendor from hundreds of miles away. “This system is fantastic,” he says. “It’s logical and easy to use.”
Bob Mosler is executive vice president of sales and marketing for Brivo Systems. He has more than 30 years experience in the electronic security industry, including tenure in both the dealer and manufacturer segments. He has been a member of ASIS for more than 15 years.
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