Nortech Access Control Readers

Edge devices (and edge computing) are the future. Although, this does seem a little cliché, it is the truth. The edge computing industry is growing as quickly as technology can support it and it looks like we will need it to. IoT global market The IoT (Internet of Things) industry alone will have put 15 billion new IoT devices into operation by the year 2020 according to a recent Forbes article titled, “10 Charts That Will Challenge Your Perspective of IoT’s growth”. IoT devices are not the only edge devices we have to deal with as the total number of connected edge devices includes the likes of devices like security devices, phones, sensors, retail sales devices, and industrial and home automation devices. The IoT (Internet of Things) industry alone will have put 15 billion new IoT devices into operation by the year 2020 The sheer number of devices begins to bring thoughts of possible security and bandwidth implications into perspective. The amount of data that will need to be passed and processed with all of these devices will be massive. There needs to be consideration taken by all business owners and automation engineers into how this amount of data and processing will be conducted. Ever-expanding edge devices market As the number of edge devices in the marketplace and their use among consumers and businesses rises, the need to be able to handle the data from all of these devices is no longer going to be suitable for central server architectures. We are talking about hundreds of billions and even trillions of devices. According to IHS Markit researchers’ study, there were 245 million CCTV cameras worldwide. One has to imagine there are at least 25% of that many access control devices (61.25 million devices) based on a $344 million market cap also calculated by IHS Markit’s researchers. If all the other edge devices mentioned earlier are considered then one can see that trying to route them all through servers for processing is going to start to become difficult if it hasn’t already, -which arguably it already has, as is evidenced by the popularity of cloud-based solutions amongst those businesses that already use a lot of edge devices or are processing a lot of information on a constant basis. Cloud computing The question is whether cloud computing the most effective and efficient solution as the IoT industry grows The question is this; is cloud computing the most effective and efficient solution as the IoT industry grows and the amount of edge devices becomes so numerous? My belief is that it is not. Taking the example of a $399 USD device that is just larger than the size of a pack of cards and runs a CPU benchmarked at the same level as a mid-size desktop. This device has 8GB RAM and 64GB EMMC built-in and a GPU that can comfortably support a 4K signal at 60Hz with support for NVMe SSDs for add-on storage. This would have been unbelievable five years ago. As the price of edge computing goes down, which it has done in a dramatic way over the last 10 years (as can be seen with my recent purchase), the price to maintain a central server that can perform the processing required for all of the new devices being introduced to the world (due to the low cost of entry for edge device manufacturers) becomes more expensive. This introduces the guarantee that there will be a point where it will be less expensive for businesses, and consumers alike, to do the bulk of their processing at the edge as opposed to in central server architectures. Cloud computing is now being overtaken by edge computing, the method of processing data at the edge of the network in the devices themselves Edge computing There are a plethora of articles discussing and detailing the opposition between the two sides of the computing technology coin, cloud computing and edge computing. The gist of it is that “cloud computing” was the hot new buzzword three years ago and is now being overtaken by “edge computing.” The truth is that cloud computing is a central server architecture hosted at someone else’s location. Edge computing is going to be a necessary development in the technology industry Edge computing is the method of processing data at the edge of the network (in the devices themselves) and allowing for less resources required at a central location. There is certainly a use case for both, however the shift to edge computing amongst the general public and small to mid-sized businesses will not be a surprise to those players, who have been paying attention.  One article titled, “Next Big Thing In Cloud Computing Puts Amazon And Its Peers On The Edge” by Investor’s Business Daily takes the stance that edge computing is going to completely displace centralised cloud computing and even coins the phrase, “Cloud computing, decentralised” to explain edge computing. It speaks for the stance that most experts in technology seem to be taking, including Amazon Web Services’ VP of Technology, Marco Argenti according to the same article. We know that edge computing is going to be a necessary development in the technology industry, and it is happening as I write this, and quickly at that. Cost efficiency of edge processing As time goes on, the intersection between the prices of network bandwidth, edge processing and maintaining super powerful central servers will cause edge processing to be the most efficient and cost-effective way to maintain a scalable network in any environment, including datacenters. Owning a central server or utilising edge computing become the better options As it currently stands, most residential users can only achieve a 1Gbps WAN (internet) connection, and small to medium-sized business can’t get much more but seem to get much less, based on my personal experience. When more than 1Gbps needs to be processed, cloud computing becomes very expensive at which point, owning a central server or utilising edge computing become the better options. Then you look a total cost of ownership and when the cost of edge computing is less expensive than the cost of maintaining central server architectures, edge computing becomes the single best option. So, I’ll say it again, edge devices (and edge computing) are the future.

ISC West continues to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the security marketplace. In 2019, there will be 200 new exhibitors, 100 new speakers and an expanding mix of attendees that includes more end users and international attendees. The International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West) will be held April 10-12 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. Among the more than 200 new exhibitors on the show floor will be Dell Technologies, Resideo, SAST (a Bosch IoT startup), Belkin International, NetApp, Lenovo, Kingston Technology and many others. The event continues to see more and more solutions in the area of IoT/connected security, a surge in barrier/bollards exhibitors, an increased number of start-up companies, and an emphasis this year on stadium/major events security. Plus, the new exhibit area of ISC West, Venetian Ballroom, will include a mix of solutions from mid-sized domestic and international companies, and is the home of the Emerging Technology Zone – back for its second year with 50-plus start-up companies expected.  The International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West) will be held April 10-12 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas “ISC West is no longer just about video cameras, access control systems and alarms,” says Will Wise, Group Vice President, Security Portfolio for Reed Exhibitions, which produces and manages ISC West. Embracing and stimulating the market dynamic of comprehensive security for a safer, connected world, solutions on display at the show reflect convergence across physical security, IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology). The ISC West expo floor includes specialised featured areas such Connected Home, Public Safety & Security, Connected Security, Unmanned Security Expo and the Emerging Technology Zone. Plus, complimentary education sessions in the Unmanned Security Expo theatre will include topics such as drones, counter-drone solutions, ground robotics and regulations/policies that support autonomous technology. This year’s event will feature more than 1,000 products and brands covering everything from video surveillance, access control and alarms/alerts, to IoT, IT/cybersecurity convergence, AI, embedded systems, drones and robotics, smart homes, smart cities, public safety and more. The ISC West expo floor includes specialised featured areas such Connected Home and the Emerging Technology Zone  Elevating the Keynote Series  Over the past few years, ISC West has elevated its Keynote Series (open to all attendee types) to include more speakers and dynamic content covering relevant topics. Attendees should be sure to head to the Keynote room Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. before the expo floor opens at 10 a.m.  Relating to attendance, ISC West continues to diversify and grow the attendee universe by attracting additional enterprise government end-users across physical and IT/OT responsibilities. The show also continues to attract and grow the channel audience, and there will be an increasing number of International attendees.  “Years ago, ISC West was known exclusively as a dealer/integrator/installer show, but not anymore,” says Wise. “Today, the demographic mix continues to evolve as the event diversifies its product and educational offerings, embracing the current market reality of collaboration among integrators/dealers/installers, end-user decision-makers, and public safety and security professionals.”  When planning for the show, be sure to view the list of special events and take advantage of the additional connection-making opportunities Within the SIA Education@ISC West conference program, there are over 100 new speakers. Through ISC West’s strong partnership with the Security Industry Association (SIA, the Premier Sponsor of ISC), the SIA Education@ISC West program has expanded and become increasingly dynamic and diverse over the last three years. In addition, ISC West and SIA are hosting a Women in Security breakfast on Friday morning April 12th.  Women in Security is a new track for the education program.    “Our attendance data reflects the demand for a mix of physical security integrator and end-user content, a balance of technical and management/strategic topics, and diverse topics incorporating IoT and cybersecurity/physical security convergence, and analytics expertise,” says Wise. “Last year was a record year for conference program attendance, and 2019 will yet again set new benchmarks.” Mobile apps, information desks and ease of registration ISC West is also focusing on the attendee experience. Need advice on what exhibitors are a fit for your business needs and interests? The Information Desk adjacent to the main expo entrance will provide customised recommendations based on the information attendees provided during the registration process.  Attendees can download the official ISC West mobile app and create a MyShow account through the ISC West website Attendees can download the official ISC West mobile app and create a MyShow account through the ISC West website to research exhibitors and product categories, receive exhibitor recommendations that best fit business needs, review complimentary educational opportunities as well as 85-plus sessions from the paid SIA Education@ISC program.  There are many networking opportunities being offered at the show this year. When planning for the show, be sure to view the list of special events and take advantage of the additional connection-making opportunities.  Whether attendees want to network with peers or customers at an awards ceremony (Sammy Awards, Fast 50, New Product Showcase Awards), Charity event (AIREF Golf Classic, Mission 500 Security 5K-2K Run/Walk), or an industry party (SIA Market Leaders Reception, ISC West Customer Appreciation Party at Tao), there are a variety of special events offered, all designed to help you make new connections. Make sure to check out the ISC West website for all the Special Events taking place at ISC West.

Today’s security industry technology standards create a common framework for achieving predictable performance. Systems are made more secure and easier to install, use and integrate with other devices. Standards are also intended to be living documents, open to continual refinements to benefit manufacturers, integrators and end users. An excellent example is the Open Supervised Data Protocol (OSDP), which is now the industry’s gold standard for physical access control installations. It was designed to offer a higher level of security with more flexible options than the aging defacto Weigand wiring standard. Updating OSDP-readers simultaneously One recent addition enables end users to push firmware and software updates to thousands of OSDP-enabled card readers simultaneouslyOSDP, first introduced in 2011 by the Security Industry Association (SIA), continues to evolve with significant manufacturer input. One recent addition enables end users to push firmware and/or software updates to a few or thousands of OSDP-enabled card readers simultaneously. Weigand technology requires updates to be made one at a time at each reader. Regularly changing reader encryption keys is an excellent way to enhance facility security. It’s easy using the OSDP file transfer capability and the latest DESFire EV2 credentials containing multiple encryption keys. You can transfer the next code on the card to all readers and the job is done. And there’s no need to create a new card for each user or reprogram each individual reader. AES-128 encryption ensures cybersecurity It’s time to migrate entirely away from Weigand technology. If greater security, convenience and reduced labour from the latest OSDP updates isn’t reason enough, here are a few more things to consider. The 40-year-old Weigand protocol provides no signal encryption, making it easy for hackers to capture the raw data transmitted between cards and readers. OSDP readers support AES-128 encryption while providing continuous monitoring of wires to guard against cybercriminals. Weigand reader installations require homerun cable pulls from the control panel to each peripheral device. OSDP readers can be daisy chained, providing additional savings on cabling and installation time. Weigand technology is simply too slow to work with today’s most versatile and secure card technologies. OSDP readers work with virtually all modern access control cards. The OSDP standard also works with biometric devices; Weigand does not. Meeting requirements of FICAM guidelines SIA is pushing to make the latest OSDP version a standard recognised by the ANSI, a move to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. security businessesAlso, OSDP is becoming a must-have standard for organisations demanding the highest security levels. The standard meets requirements of the Federal Identity, Credential and Access Management (FICAM) guidelines that affect how the access control industry does business with the federal government. SIA is pushing to make the latest OSDP version a standard recognised by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), a move to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. security businesses. There’s still a large worldwide reader installation base that works solely with the Weigand protocol. Admittedly, changing them all at one time may be prohibitively expensive; however, standards should be viewed as a journey, not a destination. That’s why a measured migration is the right choice for many organisations. Begin by securing the perimeter. Replace only the outside-facing Weigand readers. As long as the walls are secured, the inside can remain a softer target until OSDP-compatible readers can be added indoors. The case for moving to OSDP as a standard is compelling. It offers our industry the opportunity to design access control software and products that provide what end users want most – greater security, flexibility and convenience.

The Norpass access control system from Nortech using its Norpass3 software is providing secure access control at the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) building in central London. Norpass3 software solution Chosen for its ability to provide a secure access control solution, Nortech’s Norpass system was installed on 16 doors around the Soho Square offices to support a range of access levels according to staff responsibilities and include a management system with a user-friendly interface. This allows staff movements to be monitored, ID cards to be issued and access rights to be changed according to ongoing requirements. Nortech’s Norpass system was installed on 16 doors around the Soho Square offices  The BBFC is independent and not-for-profit and is in place to help everyone in the UK choose age appropriate films, videos and websites, wherever and however they watch or use them. Founded in 1912, they have been responsible for classifying films released in UK cinemas and on DVD and Blu-ray, and classifying content for Video on Demand services, such as Netflix and Amazon, as well as helping mobile phone operators set parental controls at the right level. Norpass access control modules Bradley Thomas, Facilities Manager at the British Board of Film Certification (BBFC) commented, “We have had the Nortech system in place for many years, we find it reliable and easy to use and their customer service team has always been helpful and informative to any queries.” The flexibility of Norpass access control modules and the user-friendly PC-based Norpass3 software together with Nortech’s elegant card readers made the Norpass access control system the ideal choice for BBFC. Since the installation, the system has provided secure access control throughout the building and, with Nortech’s support, BBFC has been able to keep the system up with changing requirements. Easy-to-use access control system Benefits of using the Norpass system include easy to use software offering a range of access levels Benefits of using the Norpass system include easy to use software offering a range of access levels, security that can be matched to an organisation’s needs, a flexible structure for easy expansion and a system that has been developed in the UK and is supported by a UK based team. Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind.      

People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech has launched its NanoQuest, a secure, single door self-contained access control system. This proximity card reader/access controller combination is small, powerful and supports up to 500 users. The NanoQuest is a compact standalone proximity card reader and access controller that is easy to install and operate, and houses both the access control electronics and the 125kHz proximity reader. Its slender and elegant compact design suits most architectural and interior design settings, while the robust construction allows it to be used in most working environments. A NanoQuest unit controls access through a single door for up to 500 authorised users and can also be used as a secure method of controlling devices such as intruder alarm panels, lighting and heating. Accessing restricting areas The unit can be armed by an external device and allows door monitoring and alarm output to external alarm devicesThe configuration of its many features and the addition/removal of user cards are made simple with a ‘Master’ card. Special ‘User’ and ‘Auxiliary’ cards can also be added to control auxiliary devices and access restricted areas and free exit input is included. The unit can also output card data in RS232 format when in 'NanoQuest' mode, and in both RS232 and 26-bit Wiegand format when in 'Reader' mode, so that it can be used as a standard card reader as part of a future migration to a larger system. The unit can also be armed by an external device and allows door monitoring and alarm output to external alarm devices. Duplicate administration card option Nortech offers a flexible range of card and fob packs. Cards and fobs can be purchased as necessary, and individually enrolled into the NanoQuest when needed. For installations with many users, card packs are supplied in filing wallets, where each card comes with a duplicate administration/shadow card option. A batch enrolment card is also supplied to enable the enrolment of a whole batch of cards in a single procedure. If a card is lost or stolen, then the corresponding administration card can be used to remove that card from the NanoQuest. Key fobs are also available with a corresponding batch enrolment card and administration cards. Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind. 

People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech will be exhibiting at Elevate 2019, the meeting place for UK’s growing physical activity sectors at London’s ExCel on the 8-9 May to introduce its innovative products to the market. 2019 is Nortech’s first time at the show and they will be demonstrating the flexibility of the Norpass access control solution, which provides a wide range of features that are ideally suited to the leisure sector. Access control sector With Norpass, access control can be provided at all access points to gyms, fitness studios, health clubs and more to ensure that only authorised members and staff can enter the premises. Nortech recommends the use of its Mifare readers and smartcards that have a dedicated secure access control sector. Norpass3, the licence free software at the heart of the access control system, can run on any standard specification PC The benefits of using smartcards with a dedicated access control sector is greatly improved security plus the ability to issue sequentially numbered cards to members, facilitating easier card management. In addition, the same cards can be used for other Mifare enabled facilities such as vending machines and fitness management systems. Norpass3, the licence free software at the heart of the access control system, can run on any standard specification PC (Windows 7 onwards) and is quick and easy to set up using the built-in setup wizard. Time limited access It includes many features that are ideal for leisure centre membership access control including - Picture Pop-up - This enables staff to monitor people entering through a turnstile to ensure that the person entering is the valid cardholder. When an ID card is presented to the reader, the cardholder’s photo automatically appears on the screen of the operator/administration terminal. Time Limited Access - A feature that automatically enforces time limited access to certain areas (for example where a member is allowed the use of the facility for a fixed number of hours each week). Once a member has used up their weekly allocated time, they will not be allowed access until the start of the next week or until a staff member has granted an extension. Count Groups and Reporting - This feature can be used to ensure that the number of members of a particular category present within a restricted area does not exceed a preassigned limit (e.g.for health and safety reasons), and to make sure that the appropriate level of supervision is available. Whenever the numbers exceed the limit, an alarm will be raised to alert staff to take action. Automatic Digital Video Recorder Activation - Individual ID cards can be registered on the system so their use can be monitored in real time. For example, if a card has been reported as lost or stolen, its record can be set to automatically activate a video recording of the person using that card when it is used to gain access through a certain turnstile. Vehicle access management Nortech will also be demonstrating the Nedap ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) solution for vehicle access management. The ANPR is fully compatible with Norpass so that it can provide a fully integrated vehicle access management system for staff and members. Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind. Visit Nortech at Elevate 2019 on 8-9 May at London‘s ExCel to find out more about the many systems available and how they can benefit the future of people and vehicle control solutions.