Lenel Access Controllers

Though many office workers across the globe have found themselves working remotely for the past year, we are seeing a bit of a silver lining, as vaccine rollouts hint at a return to some pre-pandemic sense of normalcy. However, while some of us might opt for a fully-remote work life, others are anticipating a hybrid solution. Even before the pandemic, offices were taking a new, more open layout approach—moving past the days of cubicles and small office configurations. Going forward, offices and other workspaces will be tasked with supporting a hybrid work solution, as well as increasing hygiene measures. Video intercom solution This is where an IP video intercom solution can assist. Below are four ways they can help usher in a smarter, safer work environment: Video intercoms assist in creating a more hygienic work environment - The outbreak of COVID-19 has raised awareness of germs and just how easily a virus can be transmitted by face-to-face contact. Germ barriers are popping up in many aspects of our daily lives, where we were not likely to see them before Unfortunately, the door is also the easiest of these germ barriers to breach As such, we’re becoming accustomed to seeing plexiglass barriers at restaurants, grocery stores, and even coffee shops. However, many don’t realise that one of the best germ barriers is a simple door. Unfortunately, the door is also the easiest of these germ barriers to breach. All it takes is a knock or a doorbell ring to make us open our germ barrier and be face-to-face with whomever is on the other side. Increasing hygiene safety A simple step to increase hygiene safety and visitor security in commercial buildings and workspaces is an IP video intercom. Installing a video intercom will allow staff to see and speak with visitors without breaching that all-important germ barrier. A video intercom system provides a first line of defence, enabling the user to visually confirm the identity of the person on the other side of the door first before granting access. It can also be used to make sure proper procedures are being followed before a person is allowed to enter, such as using hand sanitiser, wearing a mask, and following social distancing guidelines. Basic security needs A major topic of conversation the past year has been how to manage occupancy in all facilities Video intercoms for occupancy management and basic security - A major topic of conversation the past year has been how to manage occupancy in all facilities—ranging from grocery stores and retail shops to restaurants and commercial buildings. Workspaces and offices are no exception. A video intercom provides a quick and convenient method of seeing who, or what, is on the unsecure side of the door before opening. For basic security needs, if a business has a door opening into an alley, a video intercom would be used to ensure no one is waiting outside to force their way in when the door is opened. Personal protection equipment Such solutions can also be used to ensure a person is carrying proper credentials, or wearing proper personal protection equipment (PPE), before entering a sensitive area. For example, if a lab has a room which can only be accessed by two persons at a time wearing specific protective gear, a video intercom could ensure each person is properly equipped, before allowing access that particular room. Additionally, for office or workspaces that have shared common areas, such as a cafeteria, gym or even conference rooms, managing access to these spaces will remain a priority, especially with post-pandemic restrictions in place. Video intercoms are a comprehensive safety and security tool for any workspace Deliveries of packages, work-related materials, or even food are common in any office or workspace. Video intercoms can assist in facilitating safe deliveries by visually and audibly confirming the identity of the individual. The visitor could be your next big client, your lunch delivery, a fellow employee with a faulty access card, or your mail. Video intercoms are a comprehensive safety and security tool for any workspace. Visitor management systems Video intercoms provide a cost-effective solution in small to mid-sized office facilities - One significant advantage of video intercom systems is the variety of applications available. Systems range from simple one-to-one video intercoms, to buzz-in systems, to full-fledged visitor management systems in mixed-use buildings. While they might lack the resources and manpower many enterprises have, small-to medium-sized offices can also take steps to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. Like any business, controlling who comes into the building is a primary way of maintaining safety. Video intercoms work in conjunction with access control systems to provide an identifying view of visitors or employees with lost or missing credentials. They allow staff to both see and hear those on the unsecured side of the door to determine intent before granting access. Most quality video intercoms will provide a clear enough image to allow an identification card to be read by holding it close to the lens, adding another opportunity to verify identity. Touchless intercom activation One major trend is the option of providing a touchless door activation Video intercoms provide a touchless option - Even prior to COVID-19, one major trend is the option of providing a touchless door activation or touchless intercom activation of a video intercom for those without proper credentials. Though touchless isn’t a new solution to the access control market, the pandemic introduced a renewed focus on these types of solutions to provide hygienic access to visitors. For offices and other workspaces looking to make investments into post-pandemic solutions to assist in reopening, touchless can support these efforts. When it comes to smart, secure workspaces, many people think instantly of cameras or monitors, access control, and alarm systems. Proper access credentials However, video intercoms are often the missing piece of a building’s security puzzle. A video intercom provides an identifying view that is not always available from a camera covering a large area. They allow those without proper access credentials a method of requesting entry, and just like cameras, they can be activated by alarms to allow staff to clearly see and communicate. If a workspace or office is important enough to be secure, it’s important enough to be sure of who is there before the door is opened. In 2021, it’s not enough to ensure the physical security of your staff and visitors, but also to ensure they are accessing a hygienic environment. Video intercoms provide that security and peace of mind.

In a world forever changed by the coronavirus pandemic, companies worldwide are now expanding their concept of physical security to best safeguard their facilities and employees. Few incidents have had as much of an impact on businesses globally as the COVID-19 pandemic; much of the world is still struggling to contain COVID-19, navigating the lasting effects and exploring what the “new normal” looks like. While some organisations are still engaged primarily in “anywhere operations”, i.e. remote work, many organisations are implementing strategic physical security solutions that better protect everyone through the use of video surveillance technology and advanced intelligence capabilities. As this new normal takes hold within the business environment, security strategies will largely be centered around several key initiatives like access control, people counting, occupancy controls, temperature screening, contact tracing, and reducing office touch points. With the use of a video management system (VMS) in the shadow of COVID-19, occupancy data from a VMS can trigger a lockdown and not permit new entrants until the occupancy drops below a certain threshold; this is significantly useful for organisations that have returned to in-person work.  But there’s a caveat: though many legacy security systems are being re-evaluated to allow for touchless or frictionless access control — a move designed to eliminate the need for employees and visitors to physically touch a surface when using an access control system — upgrading the outdated technologies can be cumbersome and expensive, especially for organizations that had not planned for an interruption like the pandemic. Security contractors will be vital So, what is the solution? Security contractors will play a vital role in helping end-users across a range of vertical markets — large and small — to achieve their goals in the new paradigm. For some, this may mean leveraging existing access control and video surveillance systems with upgrades where needed. For others, an entire overhaul is made possible with budget friendly solutions for businesses to migrate to integrated access control through end-to-end security solutions that tie into existing infrastructures without major disruptions (meaning the organisation will never be left vulnerable). Cybersecurity is becoming even more intertwined with physical security There is massive transformation occurring in the security industry, most notably the movement to digitise physical access and integrate it with video management systems and surveillance. This shift means that cybersecurity is becoming even more intertwined with physical security, allowing organisations the ability to correlate the metadata of people’s behaviors and activities — a plus point for those looking to remain vigilant against future pandemic-esque business interruptions. Access, video, and audio are converging into consolidated platforms. Due to lower costs and pairings with IP-based, wireless infrastructure, there are infinite solution configurations. IT security requirements are beginning to apply to physical security because of this integrated infrastructure. Multi-factor authentication The security industry is also beginning to see a trend of multi-factor authentication, which is going to dominate in the days to come as it makes solutions more reliable. Most people carry smartphones these days, which have green check communication capabilities that allow easy multi-factor authentication. Costs are going down, and algorithms are getting better, making more people willing to try it. Some new solutions have both the fingerprint reader and a camera for facial biometrics Some new solutions have both the fingerprint reader and a camera for facial biometrics. Cameras and CCD modules cost almost nothing, and they do not have to be super high-end anymore, especially if organisations are doing one-to-one verification. It’s not just about security now; it is security, health, and safety. Access control with video, intelligent readers, and credentials is a perfect platform for next generation solutions.

Access control and door entry is a huge responsibility, and challenge, for local authorities and housing associations UK wide. For councils, they’re accountable for the security and safety of many public facilities such as leisure centres, libraries as well as residential housing developments which are often large scale and home to hundreds of people. Housing associations manage affordable rental housing which also means they’re responsible for the appropriate access control management for each individual house or flat. Technology developments have enabled better entry systems that are far more secure yet also more convenient and easier to manage. For example, with modern intercom and access control systems, remote management and communication is something that offers local authorities and housing associations features that enable them to reduce costs and cut their carbon footprints by managing multiple sites from one place. On the other hand, such technological innovation has meant that local authority and housing association specifiers and consultants now have a wide range of systems and products to choose from which can cause issues in ensuring the right system for a specific building or development is chosen. Choosing an appropritate access control system In choosing an appropriate system, local authorities and housing associations need to opt for a cost effective solution that can be easily maintained with excellent support from the manufacturer and guarantees that the system and system parts will remain supported for the duration of its expected life cycle. It is also important that the chosen system is flexible to cater for the varying needs of the tenants and visitors. Of increasing importance is the reduction of anti-social behaviour which new technology can help by providing the use of data loggers which track the use and events of a door entry system, allowing specific evidence to be located by integrating with CCTV. Using technology to our advantage Through advancements in management systems and services, we can gain a much better visual representation of the events and general usage of an intercom entry system and not just its proximity access control. Systems, for example, can now send email alarms or notifications to the administrator or management. We are now able to modify user rights and access levels on the go from a mobile app which enables a much greater control over service and maintenance engineers, such as making sure they have full access when required via an app, rather than arriving to site with the incorrect keys or access fob. Systems, for example, can now send email alarms or notifications to the administrator or management Dealing with tenant’s lost and stolen keys has never been so easy either. The blocking or deletion of lost fobs and adding a new fob can be carried out in minutes while at the same time removing the cost of sending an engineer to the development to programme new fobs. This greatly reduces the carbon footprint of the whole task as fobs can now be sent out via post to a secure location for collection. Technology has also helped local authorities and housing associations to overcome the issue of not being able to have a concierge or building manager available 24/7 at some developments. Now with internet communication, it’s possible for tenants and visitors to get in touch with someone should they need assistance, whether that’s from within the apartment or from an entrance point. For example, lets take the Videx VX2200 with IP concierge integration. This system is exceptionally flexible, enabling calls to be answered on Videx intercoms and also mobile phones if required. With the integration of the IP concierge each block can be either standalone or networked via the internet back to a central control room. Reduced maintenance costs and carbon footprint We work with a wide range of local authorities and housing associations to help them overcome access control and door entry challenges. One organisation we have recently partnered with is The Living Group to help them greatly reduce their maintenance costs and carbon footprint by installing the MiAccess offline proximity system on many of their developments across the North East. Technology developments have enabled better entry systems that are far more secure yet also more convenient and easier to manage By installing an appropriate system, The Living Group has managed to overcome issues caused by the existing system’s limitations and also enabled much more flexibility when it comes to effectively managing the access control system of all their included developments. For those responsible for effective and appropriate access control, the management of the systems are easier, quicker and there’s no delay or on-going costs for needing a specialist programme to modify fobs and access rights as this can now all carried out in-house. Improved security legislation Further advancements in programmes such as Secured by Design (SBD), a police initiative that improves the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work and visit, means that there’s more security legislation being implemented that’s making intercoms and access control more secure, without affecting ease and convenience. Videx holds an SBD accreditation and we know, from first-hand experience, how it’s making a difference in keeping tenants safe. When you combine the safety features promoted by an SBD member company like ourselves with the likes of the Videx event logging, image capture and ability to modify access users on the go, for example, we can help to create a very safe and secure environment. Personally, I think there needs to be a greater emphasis on the role of security legislation Technology has completely transformed the way local authorities and housing association are able to choose, install and manage door entry and access control systems for tenants and visitors alike. Personally, I think there needs to be a greater emphasis on the role of security legislation such as Secured by Design to ensure all councils and housing association consultants are up to date with what constitutes a robust and secure system that’s also cost effective too. In my role, I see weaknesses in systems and constant ongoing costs that could easily be avoided. For instance, features such as timed remote entry means local authority and housing association management no longer need to worry about keys being lost, the wrong keys being supplied or locks needing to be changed. With new systems such as the Videx MiAccess and Videx WS4 range, we can help to massively reduce a housing association’s or council’s carbon footprint and engineer costs by allowing them the access to management and control from an offsite location. Crime prevention We can also use live and logged events to help prevent crime in different ways, from antisocial behaviour growing around a tenant being called or visited much more regularly than others, to knowing a tenant is currently still living at a property but isn’t paying rent or answering to any correspondence. Technology enables local authorities and housing associations to receive detailed data and therefore behavioural insights on the people under their management and care. If consultants and specifiers are advised on the most appropriate systems that meet their specific entry needs, they can ensure greater, safer and more convenient access control that meets the requirements of both the end user and the those responsible for its effective management.

In support of Carrier’s Healthy Buildings program and the safe return to work, LenelS2 introduced a COVID-19 Contact Notification subscription-based service for businesses and other organisations using LenelS2’s OnGuard® or NetBox™ access control security systems along with LenelS2’s BlueDiamond™ mobile credential app. LenelS2, a front-runner in advanced security systems and services, is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the foremost global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. This new service complements LenelS2’s touchless building access solutions by providing BlueDiamond-credentialed users with the ability to assess their health symptoms, receive real-time social distancing reminders and anonymised notifications if they have recently come into contact with a user that self-assessed as being positive for COVID-19. The combination of BlueDiamond mobile-enabled readers with the BlueDiamond mobile app credentials and the new Contact Notification service, forms an advanced solution being offered through Carrier's Healthy Buildings Program. Safe return to work “The global pandemic has changed expectations for health and safety in the workplace,” said Jeff Stanek, President, LenelS2. “The BlueDiamond Contact Notification service empowers our customers with the tools they need to help address today’s challenges and provide greater confidence in a safe return to work.” Contact Notification service Includes daily self-assessments for employees to report any symptoms or self-report their positive COVID-19 status The Contact Notification service in the BlueDiamond mobile app identifies and communicates anonymised real-time COVID-19 risks and provides employees with a safer building experience while empowering building administrators with the data they need to monitor and manage potential exposure risks in the workplace. Contact Notification includes daily self-assessments for employees to report any symptoms or self-report their positive COVID-19 status. Based on the results from the daily assessment, employee mobile credentials can be automatically restricted for a configurable quarantine period from within the app as pre-defined by the administrator or company policy. Features The BlueDiamond Contact Notification service utilises mobile-to-mobile Bluetooth® technology to help enforce social distancing in the workplace and provides real-time app notifications to employees who violate distancing guidelines. Leveraging an administration console, building administrators can configure Contact Notification parameters and proactively monitor trends in the workplace. Beyond initial provisioning requirements, Contact Notification is hardware independent and can be quickly implemented by LenelS2 customers. Additional benefits The latest BlueDiamond app version also includes a variety of non-subscription-based updates to improve access control and user experience. Two-factor authentication leveraging Touch ID, Face ID or a smartphone passcode can now be used as a method for validating a BlueDiamond mobile credential user. In-app tutorials provide users with an easy way to use other currently available app features.

LenelS2 announced the release of its Elements™ system, cloud-based, purpose-built access control and video management system delivered as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution. The Elements system is designed to be easily installed and simple to use with a mobile-first, intuitive user interface. Information is available at any time and accessible from anywhere on any device. By leveraging the power of the cloud, businesses benefit from automated updates, reduced on-site maintenance, predictable monthly billing, and minimised training requirements. LenelS2, a global company in advanced security systems and services, is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the global provider of healthy, safe, and sustainable building, and cold chain solutions. Easy, unified access control Several LenelS2 Value-Added Resellers (VARs) participated in a pilot program to gain feedback for product development. “Our customer wanted a cloud-based unified access control and video surveillance system,” said David Ellis, Senior Manager, Integrated Solutions, Superior Alarm Systems (SAS), a LenelS2 VAR. "The Elements system was easy to deploy and use the customer’s existing system controller and credential readers. There was no need for a lengthy technician or customer training session. It was a great experience.” Real-time updates Elements VARs and end-users benefit from LenelS2’s continuous delivery model, allowing for real-time feature updates In addition to common access control functionality, Elements VARs and end-users benefit from LenelS2’s continuous delivery model, allowing for real-time feature updates that reduce the need for costly on-site maintenance visits. Additionally, mobile credentialing issuance and management can be done completely through the Elements web portal, eliminating the need to access a separate system. This simplifies the entire process and allows for touchless access via LenelS2’s BlueDiamond™ mobile credential, services, and reader solution. Catering varied businesses As part of Carrier’s Healthy Buildings Program, the Elements system joins LenelS2’s feature-rich OnGuard® system and web-based NetBox™ appliance-oriented access control system to cover the full range of requirements from small- to medium-sized businesses to the most demanding enterprise and government customers. “Developed from the ground up as a SaaS solution, the Elements system provides businesses and other organisations with a flexible cloud, subscription-based option for how they want to deploy and manage their security systems,” said Jeff Stanek, President, LenelS2. “Customers will appreciate the ability to rapidly provision and operate remote offices using a centrally-managed cardholder database that can also be connected to our feature-rich and highly trusted OnGuard system located at their main facilities.” Central access solution The Elements system can operate as an independent access control system that is well suited for a wide variety of deployments, but it also supports enterprises’ remote offices by utilising the Elements OnGuard Connector. This connector supports the use of the OnGuard system at headquarters to centrally manage all cardholders and event activity. Branch office locations, including those without corporate networks, are secured by the Elements system. All event activity flows into the OnGuard system and is available for use with other integrated business systems. As a result, branch and headquarters’ employee activity is processed and managed consistently. The connector also enables end-to-end LenelS2 deployments, regardless of facility size. Cybersecure As a unified solution, the Elements system includes video management functionality, providing system configuration, real-time video verification of alarms and events as well as the ability to view live or recorded video through a single user interface. The Elements system works with any reader that supports Wiegand or OSDP™ protocols and Mercury hardware. Moreover, the Elements system incorporates “Privacy by Design” cybersecurity principles and can enable secure end-to-end encryption from cloud to edge devices at customer premises.

The three trends of 2020 - aggregation, automation and augmentation were replaced by four mega trends in 2021 at the annual MIPS 2021 by Milestone Systems demonstrating how quickly emerging technologies are forming new trends. Close to 4000 participants from technology partners, end customers and media attended the first virtual MIPS conference on March 1st and 2nd. The virtual event brought together this rich community of video, security, and technology solution partners from EMEA, APAC and Americas to discuss the advancing innovation and shaping the new next. Intelligent sensors Milestone predicts a successful 2021 in EMEA for multiple reasons including the massive amount of technology at hand that has accelerated the development of new innovative solutions to help businesses and societies navigate in a post-pandemic world. They see a clear mind shift in society, and a new market perception, fuelling the relevance and readiness for more intelligent sensors and video technology. The MIPS event included products and programs from pioneering brands including Axis Communications, Dell, Intel and Lenel S2. MIPS 2021 concluded with the hope that this year will stand for new beginnings, unbelievable comebacks and a world getting back in sync.