ISONAS' Crystal Matrix at a glance.

Easily Support Seasonal Schedules with ISONAS Access Control System

source: ISONAS

Are some of your clients affected by seasonal changes to their facility's schedules?

Seasonal variations are common for organizations such as:

• Schools and Libraries
• Park Districts
• Amusement Parks
• Sports Facilities
• Churches
• Recreation or Tourism Business

Many of these organizations will wnat to pre-plan and pre-program the upcoming schedules into their access control system, so that the schedule's transition times are seamless and worry-free. The Crystal Matrix application supports these types of requirements with the Permission Groups feature.

Crystal matrix Permission Groups for Schools

A high school might use the Permissions Group feature of Crystal matrix to schedule the full summer activity sessions before the end of the school year. Prepare the system for band camp, 2-a-days football practice, teacher development workshops, and adult education seminars. All pre-planed and pre-programmed before the school's staff begins its summer break. As the summer calendar progresses, the access control system automatically adjusts the system's business rules to allow the proper people into the school, at the proper times.

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Understanding how to use Crystal Matrix Permissions

To effectively use the Crystal matrix Permission Groups feature, you shoul dhave a solid understanding of how Permissions are defined within the system. Below are links to short training videos that explain the process of setting up Permissions within the ISONAS system.

Basic Crystal Matrix Configuration

Advanced Crystal Matrix Configuration 

The Clash of the Titans; Physical Security and IT Security

IT departments are no strangers to turf wars, but is the one shaping up between those overseeing computer networks and those in charge of physical security about to get really ugly?

Unlike past tussles between say, voice and data communications teams, the contest between IT security and those involved in everything from fire alarms to video surveillance to door-lock access controls tends to involve people who might never have had any reason to cross each other's paths.

Converging physical and logical security: A good idea or not?

"It typically takes a C-level executive to force these organizations to work together," says Tom Flynn, director of marketing in North America for smart-card maker Gemalto. "The fact is there are different entities in a corporation for physical and logical security… We see turf wars happening."

Merging physical and logical security is seen by advocates as a cost-saving step and a natural evolution for facilities maintenance and guard operations, where door-access equipment and video cameras are increasingly IP-enabled, and a smart card-based badge could be used by employees to access both buildings and computers. But resistance to convergence runs deep among traditional physical security managers, who are wary of IT departments taking control. And even IT security experts voice concerns that it's risky, with some strongly opposed to the idea of physical security operations, such as video surveillance streams, riding on the same IP corporate network as the rest of the business.

"Physical security has been about closed systems, but with the move to IP-based systems and connecting campuses there's the need to have the IT and security department involved," says Steve Russo, director of security and privacy technology at IBM's global technology services group. He says there can be advantages in integrating physical security with logical and transactional systems to give management a better picture of what's occurring, especially in retailing. And although network capacity is a concern, it's possible to share an IP network for logical and physical security, he suggests.

"Is there a risk associated with combining it? Absolutely," Russo acknowledges. But he adds: "The logical-security people are looking at threats to the environment. And where we see the interesting spark is that they can take information about physical events and turn it into operational use."

But there's often a cultural rift existing between the physical security department for facilities management, with their isolated closed networks, and the IT department with its systems administrators and security specialists trying to keep scores of Internet-accessing computers and applications running safely.

"With IP-based access control, the 'turf wars' tend to be marginalized once the IT folks realize that a system like ISONAS' PowerNet reader is actually a network appliance," says Steve Rice, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Colorado based ISONAS Security Systems. "It demands little in the way of network capacity, resources to install and can be supported like any other IP device. The benefits of integrated video, access control and/or other building control systems include a combination of additional detailed information available from a set of closely integrated functionalities (ex. have a picture of personnel involved in an entry event plus network confirmation of the credential information timed exactly to the video feed) as well as the simplicity of dividing what functionality to integrate on a customer by customer basis. This is due to the relative ease of integration with a true network software-based system. So the physical security requirements are met with a minimum of IT resource."

These differences in viewpoint are often heard in the physical-logical security convergence debates. But one of the most ardent advocates for convergence might be Ray O'Hara, executive vice president of international operations, consulting and investigations at Andrews International, which is in the traditional physical security business of "guns, gates and guards," as he puts it.

"The traditional security person and the cyber-security side are both hands-on and doing things for the betterment of the organization," says O'Hara, who recently became president of the board of directors of ASIS International, an organization for security professionals.

But today the physical-security technologies are evolving to the point where "the traditional people need help from the IT people," O'Hara says. There is often discord and mistrust between the physical and logical security divisions. But that needs to be overcome by possibly combining reporting structures so they can more easily collaborate or by setting up a "risk council" to have regular discussions with business managers, he suggests.

IBM's Russo says protocol issues point to the need for standardized compression techniques and transport in physical-security equipment, as well as standard XML-based definitions so that important meta-data can be shared. "Physical security is transitional right now," Russo says, pointing to both the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance and OASIS as organizations trying to further interoperability standards that would add convergence and make it worthwhile.

But to date, Flynn says he is only aware of a handful of large enterprises in the oil-and-gas industry, such as Chevron and Exxon, and pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer, that have adopted converged smart cards for physical and logical security.

Access Control - Then and Now

Access control systems have changed and grown exponentially since they were first introduced. In 2009, amazingly, the majority of access control systems on the market continue to utilize the same basic technologies that were introduced in the late ‘60s: a combination of simplistic card readers lacking electronic intelligence, linked by multiple wires to a centralized power supply and a central control panel. This setup makes the “allow entry” decisions for the card or other credential presented at the door. These systems are energy hogs, they’re difficult to install and –more simply put- they’re a relic of past technology.

Then – A look back in access control history

The original access control system was a simple lock and key. Still in use today, keyed locks are easy to install and affordable, yet easy to break into. The first generation of automated door access systems used what would today be referred to as primitive readers with no intelligence which passed credential information -from a magnetic or RFID-enabled card- to a central control panel, which made the “allow entry” decision. The next generation of readers made slight improvements so that the reader could be connected to the control panel with an RS-485 bus and had enough intelligence to open the lock. These second-generation “semi-intelligent” readers however still passed the credential codes to the control panel so there was no improvement in either installation cost or energy consumption cost.

Although the advent of “intelligent” readers improved memory to allow access decisions to be made at the reader, independent of the control panel, the panel was still necessary since updates to the system and event histories were uploaded to it. Though some current panels have added the ability to connect to a network, they still offer no new advances in installation time, costs or energy consumption.

As shown below, the installation of even the most modern panel-based system remains a labor and cost intensive exercise. The panel also has the disadvantage of limitations to the number of doors supported per panel – typically 4, 8 or 16 doors depending on the brand and model. This means that adding just one more door to a full panel system necessitates the addition of another panel, thus increasing the cost on both a total system and a per-door basis. The ongoing operational costs of any panel-based system are also higher than the state-of-the-art ISONAS alternative for two reasons;

Panel-based systems must be maintained by specially trained  personnel since they do not employ widely available computer standards of operations.

 They consume significantly more energy

Now – Intelligent IP reader-controllers

Alternatives exist today that take advantage of modern computing and networking technologies to provide a number of significant improvements over panel-based systems by improving the basic functionality of access control systems, improving the overall security parameters of these systems, lowering the cost of installation, lowering energy usage associated with the system’s operation and easy integration with other security and building management systems.

The ISONAS Powernet Access Control System utilizes a customer’s existing Ethernet-based Internet Protocol (IP) network to link intelligent reader-controllers via a CAT5 or CAT6 cable -the same cables that provide power to the ISONAS reader allow data communications to any inexpensive standard Windows computer running the system’s access control software – the ISONAS Crystal Matrix Software System.

“Allow entry” decisions are made at the door by the intelligent PowerNet IP reader-controller with historical event data passed, on a periodic basis, to the host software. The PowerNet reader contains a list of individuals that are allowed entry to the door (cabinet, gate, etc.) along with the times or shifts that they are allowed entry. Management of the system is easily accomplished via web-based pages from any computer with access to the internet. Individual reader-controllers can be set to stay open for specified periods or to remain locked until an authorized user’s credential is presented. Requirements such as anti-pass back, holidays and other special actions are easily accomplished through the Windows-based management software. Should the network go down, the PowerNet reader-controller continues to function in “standalone mode” and automatically updates the Crystal Matrix software when the network comes back online.

With Power over Ethernet (PoE) made possible by using the customer’s existing Ethernet network and industry standard CAT5 or CAT6 cabling, the additional power sources and wires needed for a standard panel-based system are simply unnecessary. The PowerNet reader-controller, the magnetic lock or strike and all the typical accessories, such as request to exit (REX) devices and door sensors, are powered by low voltage PoE through the PowerNet reader-controller. The on-going power usage of the system as a whole is therefore significantly more efficient than with any panel system, and installation is accomplished much faster -and is more cost effective- than is possible with a panel-based system.

The PowerNet is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and since it is not encumbered by a control panel, it can be installed in virtually any location with no limitation on the number of doors or access points. Adding new doors is as simple as adding a single CAT5 cable to the existing network facilities, attaching the PowerNet, the appropriate lock and accessories to the entry point and programming the reader-controller via the reader’s web-based pages from any computer with access to the internet.

Since the PowerNet system is managed by a software system (the ISONAS Crystal Matrix Access Control Software System) that runs on a standard Windows-based server, and is accessible through the normal IP network, integrating the PowerNet reader-controller with a web-based video system, building management system or other electronic security system is quite easily accomplished. The combination of access control and IP video into a single platform not only optimizes security and efficiency during operations but it also minimizes the costs of hardware, maintenance, and training of security personnel.

With this platform in place, it can easily be expanded to create a complete IP-based security and process monitoring system. Perimeter security devices, motion detectors, and/or additional cameras for monitoring key operations can be quickly added to the infrastructure. As illustrated below, the installation of a combination of IP-based access control and video surveillance is more efficient and cost effective than the installation of panel-based system.

Summary

Utilizing the capabilities of PoE allows access control devices to break free from the limitations of a control panel. Today one of the major advantages brought by PoE to the security marketplace is the freedom to install reader-controllers virtually anywhere. In a traditional panel-based system if the control panel fails the functionality of all the doors in the system is lost, severely impacting facility security. With an ISONAS system if the reader-controller fails it is isolated to one door.

The reason for the reduced installation costs of the ISONAS system is simple: Since the IT infrastructure already has PoE built in, no additional power infrastructure needs to be added to support the access control system. The number of wiring terminations required for an ISONAS system versus a panel based system is significantly reduced since an electrician installing a panel-based system terminates the wire at a junction box near the door and runs proprietary wiring back to the control panel where it has to be terminated again. With the CAT5 wire installation of the ISONAS system, “termination” is a single wire per reader-controller, pulled by less expensive installation personnel (no electrician required since CAT5 is low voltage) and uses the same simple plug familiar to anyone who has ever plugged a laptop into a network.

The installation labor of an ISONAS system is typically at least 30% less than a comparably sized panel-based system.

With a lower manufacturing carbon footprint and the lower voltage required from the PoE ISONAS devices, access control can now legitimately claim to have gone “green” since the power usage of an ISONAS system is significantly lower over its lifetime than with any panel system.

And since the actual hardware cost of a panel system with all its pieces and parts is more expensive than the simpler but more powerful ISONAS IP-at-the-door reader-controller, the whole system is more cost effective than any alternative available. Better security combined with more cost effectiveness – the difference between THEN and NOW.

ISONAS Is A Green Technology Product

ISONAS, the World Wide leader in IP Access Control Systems, recognizes the PowerNet™ as a Green Technology Product.

Green building is as much about design strategy as about selecting eco-friendly materials.

Integrated design is thinking about how a building works as a system, and designing that system to be environmentally friendly is a key part of green building. Certain products, particularly those that deal with energy, can be used in ways that enhance the environmental performance of a building. The ISONAS PowerNet™ Access Control System can be used in any building type, and through its BACNet and OPC interfaces can integrate seamlessly with Building Automation applications.
Reduced energy usage, which also reduces carbon dioxide emissions and your energy bill, is one of the most effective green strategies for business. The PowerNet IP Reader from ISONAS uses PoE (Power over Ethernet) to power the reader and the associated door hardware. This provides the lowest possible energy cost for powering an Access Control system.
Eco-friendly materials are used in the manufacturing of ISONAS Reader-Controllers. ISONAS is certified with RoHS, a standard banning the general use of six hazardous substances including lead and mercury. ISONAS has also taken the strategy of using green materials in its packaging and shipping of its products.
The smallest manufacturing carbon footprint of any Access Control system is made possible by the panel-free nature of the PowerNet series. Combined with a single Cat 5 cable for installation versus the multitude of copper wiring required by alternative Access Control systems, the ISONAS PowerNet is the cleanest, most sustainable Access Control system in the world.
Low impact manufacturing means that ISONAS creates inventory based on consumer demand. With the ability to access and analyze real-time demand signals, ISONAS is one of a growing number of companies moving from push to pull manufacturing. By nature, this not only eliminates excess inventory, thereby reducing waste, but it also decreases carbon emissions as it relates to the creation of products and materials.
No Paper Waste is the ISONAS philosophy. As an IP product manufacturer in the electronic age of technology, marketing materials as well as technical manuals are created electronically and posted on our website available to everyone in PDF form. By making technical manuals, marketing materials and catalogs easily accessible on our web site, ISONAS does not waste paper on needlessly printing excessive paper-based documents.
Localized Manufacturing ISONAS is based in Boulder, Co, where its PowerNet Readers are manufactured for the North American market. Off-shoring models of the past are increasingly being replaced with more efficient “right-shoring” models, as the risks and costs associated with manufacturing at long distances from one’s customers continue to surface. Longer lead times, increased fuel costs, larger carbon footprints and excess inventory are causing companies to re-examine where and how much they outsource. With the ability to analyze the various factors driving costs and environmental impacts, companies can create balanced plans that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. ISONAS is committed to manufacturing as close to its end user base as possible.

About ISONAS Security Systems, Inc. Since 1999, ISONAS Security Systems has provided advanced, Internet Protocol (IP) Access Control solutions for customers who require the superior, real-time access control enabled by a true network appliance. ISONAS is the first and leading developer of IP-at-the-door reader-controllers. Driven by its Windows-based Crystal Matrix Software™, ISONAS products are easily integrated with other network based systems, providing the most advanced physical access security for buildings and workplaces worldwide, across a wide range of industrial applications.

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