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Integration in security refers to the interactivity between different parts of a security system. Here are some examples of what you can accomplish with an integrated security system.

Access control systems are designed to regulate and manage the movement of people. One of the essential components of access control systems is the portal, which refers to a physical barrier that controls entry and exit from one space to another. The portal is typically a door, gate, or hatch that is managed by a locking device like a key, code, card, or biometric authentication that grants access. The locking device may also have additional features, such as integration with video surveillance systems or intrusion alarm systems for a more intelligent security system. In addition to managing access, portals can also be used to monitor and record the movement of people whose historical records can be accessed from DGAConnect.

Bluetooth is a technology standard for the short-range wireless interconnection of mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices. One type of Bluetooth technology that consumes significantly less power is called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This type of Bluetooth remains in sleep mode unless a connection is initiated, which translates to much longer battery life. This is ideal for access control systems since it doesn't use as much power. BLE is the wireless technology used in mobile app-based access credential systems.

Even if your employees use the correct credentials to gain access to restricted areas, holding or propping the door open can create a security risk. This is why Door Held Open Alerts were created. This feature is part of an advanced physical access control system.

As businesses everywhere are working their way through the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve been getting calls from our clients to help them open their doors safely – and we mean that literally. We have been installing automatic door openers to create hands-free door entry systems for office suites, office bathrooms and more.

When a business is temporarily closed or is rarely visited, it’s even more critical to make sure your business security and fire systems are working properly. Here are the top seven tips on how to optimize your business security and fire systems to keep your business assets protected — even when you are stuck at home.

As recently as a couple of years ago, commercial video surveillance and access control systems were closed systems that couldn’t share data with each other. Despite the many benefits of integrating video and access control, the cost and technical complexity made it impractical to integrate these disparate systems. But thanks to advances in technology, integrating video surveillance and access control systems is now possible.

A well-designed access control system can do much more for your business than simply manage who can enter what doors during which specified times. First Person In and DoorStat are access control features that are often overlooked but can be very useful in streamlining your business operations, while mitigating physical security risks.

For businesses that handle high-value assets, whether physical or intellectual property, there are areas that require extra security measures. Local Door Sounder, Door Held Open Alerts and Escort (also known as "Two-Person Rule") are effective ways to layer additional security elements to your physical access control system. While financial services firms, banks, jewelry businesses, cannabis growers and operators most frequently request these advanced features, they offer useful applications in many different types of businesses and buildings.

Even if you have business-grade network connectivity in your facility, network outages do happen. It’s important to understand what happens to your access control system when the network goes down to ensure the continuity of your business operations and the safety of your staff. 

The most time-consuming aspect of installing an access control system is wiring. Every electric strike, maglock, and credential reader is hardwired to an Access Control Unit (ACU) that is typically installed in the IT room. Unfortunately, we see cable wiring mistakes all too often when we survey customer sites. 

When you're in the process of designing a physical access control system for your company, you're probably not thinking about your building's fire alarm system. But you should. Overlooking the fire alarm system could cause an unexpected, and costly, delay to your access control system installation. This article explains why it's often required to link your access control and fire alarm systems using a fire relay, and provides tips to minimize potential delay and cost.