IDTECK 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.

Nedap’s uPASS Reach long-range UHF readers in combination with IDTECK elevator384 access control system were installed To optimise the monitoring and management of all vehicles and people access points at the company’s headquarters, the Vietnam Post and Telecommunication group (VNPT) recently upgraded the building’s entire access control and surveillance system. Nedap’s uPASS Reach readers were selected to facilitate hands-free access and elevator management. Located in central Hanoi (Vietnam), VNPT is one of the largest companies of the country. With 1,000 employees working at the HQ, manageable vehicle and people access control systems are needed to guarantee a convenient and secure flow of people. The entire project included access control readers for automatic vehicle identification at the building’s parking facilities, elevator management and hands-free door access. Elevator management In order to control the 6 passenger elevators in the building’s 27 floors, Nedap partner Techpro successfully installed Nedap’s uPASS Reach long-range UHF readers in combination with the elevator384 access control system of IDTECK (Korea). Only people with an authorised access credential can operate elevators with call buttons. All exit doors at the stairs are also equipped with Nedap's uPASS readers for tracking purposes. With this solution, VNPT ensures convenient and secure hands-free elevator access to all of its authorised employees and registered visitors. Nedap’s uPASS Reach offers long-range identification up to 5 meters [16 ft] using the latest UHF technology. Based on battery-free, passive technology, the uPASS Reach reader is a cost effective and enduring solution for hands-free building and parking access. Convenient building access By using Combi cards featured with UHF and Mifare technology, VNPT facilitates a one card solution for employees and visitors, allowing them authorised access to the 184 doors and elevators throughout the entire premises. Employees and visitors benefit from using a single access credential throughout the facility, from the car park to their office door, making it a cost efficient identification solution. Excellent results Techpro Co. Ltd. Director, Mr. Do Duc Hau, is pleased with the excellent results of the system. “The system has been working well since its completion in 2013. The system helps the company and visitors to enjoy a well-managed elevator system, and provide people tracking and time attendance. With 1000 employees and visitors in the buildings 27 floors, before the installation, the elevator system was always busy and it took a long time to call an elevator. Additionally, it was hard to manage the working time of the employees. With the new systems this is not an issue anymore. As one of biggest telecom providers in Vietnam, with hundreds of daily visitors it was often a burden to manage visitors in and out for VNPT’s security department. The new installation helps to conveniently grant access to authorized visitors to the right floor and the right department. Visitor information can now also be stored and provide support for management purposes”.

 IDTECK's FINGER007, professional T&A Software has been integrated to manage precise time and attendance dataArabian American Oil Company also known as Saudi Aramco is government-owned national oil company of Saudi Arabia. It is the largest oil corporation in the world with the largest crude oil reserves and production. Running over 100 oil and gas fields in Saudi Arabia, the company produces over 3.4 billion (540,000,000 m³) barrels of crude oil annually.In order to manage the large group of employees in their branch offices all over Saudi Arabia, the HR department of the Saudi Aramco headquarter office needed to retool its time and attendance system to reduce the payroll costs as well as the effectiveness in management. This included a prevention method for unauthorised overtime and card misuse. There were many cases of "buddy punching", which refers to the act of clocking in for other employees who might be late or absent. In addition, the time and attendance system had to integrate with their existing payroll and HR management system to apply payroll rules that are consistent and fair to every employee.IDTECK's distributor in Saudi Arabia region, Aflak Electronics Industries Co., has introduced FINGER007 access controller integration with T&A Software for precise time and attendance of their employees.IDTECK's intelligent standalone fingerprint access controller, FINGER007, delivers top of the line time & attendance and access control applications in a single device. High user efficiency is guaranteed as various identification modes; fingerprint, proximity card and PIN (Personal Identification Number) are supported. Arabian American Oil Company also known as Saudi Aramco is government-owned oil company of Saudi Arabia Best of all, fingerprint identification eradicates any possibilities of proxy attendance, which has known to be the weak point of proximity card T&A devices as the employees can generate false T&A data by using someone else's card to record clocking in and out time.Working alongside with IDTECK's FINGER007, professional T&A Software has been integrated to manage precise time and attendance data. IDTECK's Software Development Kit has been utilised to create one of a kind T&A software, which reflects user's request and regional characteristics. The T&A Software collects T&A data from FINGER007 for further processing and analysis to generate meaningful attendance reports. The software allows users to run multiple shifts and various work schedules without any manual calculations. Processing time, which used to take hours with conventional time clock T&A system, has reduced to just few simple clicks of a button.After the successful implementation of the new time and attendance system, the HR department of Saudi Aramco has been able to realise numerous benefits and satisfaction on their investment. The HR department of Saudi Aramco was pleased with how the time and attendance system reduced their payroll process. They no longer had to calculate employee time and input data in to the payroll system manually. Employees also achieved an immediate benefit by eliminating the need for employees to carry around RF cards or remember password numbers. Using only their fingerprint, employees can identify themselves more quickly and precisely.

 IDTECK access control system has ensured safety at TOBB Economics and Technology UniversityTOBB Economics and Technology University, located in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is one of the largest technical institute in its region. School's new dormitory building is a signature space that supports the academics and personal growth of residents, provides a place where programmes and events are hosted, and most importantly, provides a home-away-from-home for 1,500 students. The student dormitory complex is consisted of 4 block buildings, which are respectively 18 stories high.Staying the dormitory provides a lot of benefits to the students. It offers convenient access to classes and campus events and most importantly, it provides much needed security to the students that are living away from home for their first time. Nevertheless, Dormitory buildings go through constant exposure to students, faculty, staffs and in some cases, unwanted solicitors and intruders. It is the responsibility of the university to present safe atmosphere where students could study and socialise with one another as well as privacy during their own hours. This is promoted as better describing a living and learning community that is part of the larger academic institution.As the school officials requested, all the entry doors of the dormitory buildings are remained locked all times to prevent the entry of the unauthorised personnel. 118 units of SR10 SMART Card readers were installed on every entry doors and students are allowed access if they present their access card to the reader. 34 units of iTDC-SR access control panels, which are capable of controlling up to 4 doors, are deployed to control the readers. ELEVATOR384 verifies the user and activates the buttons for the floors the student is permitted In addition, properly securing the elevator systems has helped eliminate the risk of the misfortunate events from taking place. With the SR10 SMART Card reader installed right below the floor button of the elevator, students must present his or her access card to the reader and the elevator system, ELEVATOR384, verifies the user and activates the buttons for the floors the student is permitted to. Accessible floors can be set for each card holder (student) by the system administrator and they were able to monitor all the floors. Elevator control played a large role in establishing a comprehensive Access Control System.A key part of this project was that the students didn't have to replace their existing student identification card with a new card equipped with access card capability as the access control system as well as the elevator control system was compatible with SMART Card (MiFARE).On this large project, IDTECK's Turkish distributor, Optimum Guvenlik, was able to beat out other access control suppliers due to the great performance of the IDTECK product. Their recent project at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey was a great success and it has left a great impression for Optimum Guvenlik and IDTECK products. Students and dormitory personnel were fairly satisfied with the IDTECK access control system as it ensured safety and provided better environment to live and work.