SALTO Electronic Keypads for Access Control Systems  (5)

In the field of access control, face recognition has come a long way. Once considered too slow to authenticate people's identities and credentials in high traffic conditions, face recognition technology has evolved to become one of the quickest, most effective access control identity authentication solutions across all industries. Advancements in artificial intelligence and advanced neural network (ANN) technology from industry leaders like Intel have improved the accuracy and efficiency of face recognition. However, another reason the technology is gaining traction is due to the swiftly rising demand for touchless access control solutions that can help mitigate the spread of disease in public spaces. Effective for high volumes Face recognition eliminates security risks and is also virtually impossible to counterfeit Modern face recognition technology meets all the criteria for becoming the go-to solution for frictionless access control. It provides an accurate, non-invasive means of authenticating people's identities in high-traffic areas, including multi-tenant office buildings, industrial sites, and factories where multiple shifts per day are common. Typical electronic access control systems rely on people providing physical credentials, such as proximity cards, key fobs, or Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, all of which can be misplaced, lost, or stolen. Face recognition eliminates these security risks and is also virtually impossible to counterfeit. Affordable biometric option Although there are other biometric tools available, face recognition offers significant advantages. Some technologies use hand geometry or iris scans, for example, but these options are generally slower and more expensive. This makes face recognition a natural application for day-to-day access control activities, including chronicling time and attendance for large workforces at construction sites, warehouses, and agricultural and mining operations. In addition to verifying personal credentials, face recognition can also identify whether an individual is wearing a facial covering in compliance with government or corporate mandates regarding health safety protocols. Beyond securing physical locations, face recognition can also be used to manage access to computers, as well as specialised equipment and devices. Overcoming challenges with AI So how did face recognition become so reliable when the technology was once dogged by many challenges, including difficulties with camera angles, certain types of facial expressions, and diverse lighting conditions? Thanks to the emergence of so-called "convolutional" neural network-based algorithms, engineers have been able to overcome these roadblocks. SecurOS FaceX face recognition solution FaceX is powered by neural networks and machine learning which makes it capable of authenticating a wide range of faces One joint effort between New Jersey-based Intelligent Security Systems (ISS) and tech giant Intel has created the SecurOS FaceX face recognition solution. FaceX is powered by neural networks and machine learning which makes it capable of authenticating a wide range of faces and facial expressions, including those captured under changing light, at different resolution levels, and varying distances from the video camera. Secure video management system A common face recognition system deployment begins with IP video cameras that feed footage into a secure video management system connected to a video archive. When the software initially enrolls a person’s face, it creates a "digital descriptor" that is stored as a numeric code that will forever be associated with one identity. The system encrypts and stores these numeric codes in a SQL database. For the sake of convenience and cost savings, the video server CPU performs all neural network processes without requiring any special GPU cards. Unique digital identifiers The next step involves correlating faces captured in a video recording with their unique digital descriptors on file. The system can compare newly captured images against large databases of known individuals or faces captured from video streams. Face recognition technology can provide multi-factor authentication, searching watchlists for specific types of features, such as age, hair colour, gender, ethnicity, facial hair, glasses, headwear, and other identifying characteristics including bald spots. Robust encryption SED-compatible drives rely on dedicated chips that encrypt data with AES-128 or AES-256 To support privacy concerns, the entire system features an encrypted and secure login process that prevents unauthorized access to both the database and the archive. An additional layer of encryption is available through the use of Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs) that hold video recordings and metadata. SED-compatible drives rely on dedicated chips that encrypt data with AES-128 or AES-256 (short for Advanced Encryption Standard). Anti-spoofing safeguards How do face recognition systems handle people who try to trick the system by wearing a costume mask or holding up a picture to hide their faces? FaceX from ISS, for example, includes anti-spoofing capabilities that essentially check for the "liveliness" of a given face. The algorithm can easily flag the flat, two-dimensional nature of a face mask, printed photo, or image on a mobile phone and issue a "spoof" alarm. Increased speed of entry Incorporating facial recognition into existing access control systems is straightforward and cost-effective Incorporating facial recognition into existing access control systems is straightforward and cost-effective. Systems can operate with off-the-shelf security cameras and computers. Users can also leverage existing infrastructure to maintain building aesthetics. A face recognition system can complete the process of detection and recognition in an instant, opening a door or turnstile in less than 500ms. Such efficiency can eliminate hours associated with security personnel checking and managing credentials manually. A vital tool Modern face recognition solutions are infinitely scalable to accommodate global enterprises. As a result, face recognition as a credential is increasingly being implemented for a wide range of applications that transcend traditional access control and physical security to include health safety and workforce management. All these capabilities make face recognition a natural, frictionless solution for managing access control, both in terms of performance and cost.

In daily work and life, various locks have always played the role of protecting asset safety. In different usage scenarios, the most appropriate lock must be selected to maximise benefits. In the past applications, the difficulties encountered by managers are as follows. Unlocking authority is difficult to control, unclear access records, emergency unlocking, and troublesome upgrade and installation. Through the following points, how the key-centric access management system solves such problems. Access management system The key-centric access management system, also known as intelligent passive electronic lock system, which is based on three elements: electronic keys, electronic cylinders and management software, can provide powerful and traceable access control. Each smart key is unique and cannot be copied, and in the event of loss or theft, these keys can be quickly disabled. Each smart key is unique and cannot be copied, and in the event of loss or theft, these keys can be disabledIn the process of using traditional mechanical locks, it is not difficult to find that it is quite complex to realise the access control of unlocking. The difficulty is that the keys can be copied at will, the use records are not clear, and the credibility of employees cannot be guaranteed... etc. For managers, this is a safety issue that cannot be ignored. Mechanical lock system And through the key-centric access management system, we can accurately assign access authority for each user, and set different access authority for locks in different areas. For example, we can set the XX user to have access to the archive room (A) from 10:00 on May 1, 2021 to 17:00 on June 1, 2021, within this time range. Outside this time range, there will be no unlock authority. The flexibility of the traditional mechanical lock system is insufficient. There is no clear record to determine who entered the area. It is usually a simple paper record that records the unlocking records of the employees. The authenticity and validity of the system need to be examined. In the key-centric access management system, when an employee unlocks the lock, the unlock record will be synchronised to the management terminal. Remote authorised unlocking With the key-centric access management system, remote authorised unlocking can be realised Through secondary records, managers can easily track employees and supervise employees' visits to each area. In daily work, there are often emergencies that require temporary visits to certain specific areas. If you encounter a situation where the distance is extremely long, and you don’t have the key to that area, you can imagine how bad this is. The process of fetching the keys back and forth is time-consuming and laborious. With the key-centric access management system, remote authorised unlocking can be realised. You can apply for the unlocking authority through the mobile APP, or you can temporarily issue the unlocking authority for the area on the management terminal, which saves time and effort. When faced with the failure of ordinary mechanical locks to meet management needs, some managers can already think of upgrading their management system, that is, the intelligent access control system. Passive electronic locks But before making this decision, the manager will inevitably consider the various costs brought about by the upgrade, including installation costs (cable cost), learning costs, and maintenance costs. Since most of the universal intelligent access control systems on the market require wiring and power supply, the cost of transformation and upgrading is quite high for managers who have such a huge amount of engineering. The key-centric access management system is the ‘gospel’ for managers. Since passive electronic locks and ordinary mechanical locks have the same size, they can be directly retrofitted to existing hardware, and they can be replaced step by step simply and easily. At present, the key-centric access management system is being known and applied by more and more managers and enterprises. Application industries include, such as power utilities, water utilities, public security, telecommunication industry, transportation, etc.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has made us all more conscious of who is coming and going from our property. Whether it is a family home, business premises or public building, property owners want full control over access for protection and peace of mind. As a provider of access control technologies, we are seeing a growing demand for automated gates with a variety of access control systems. There are a number of considerations that buyers need to make when investing. And as an installer, there is advice that you can offer to help your clients make the right choice for their property. Here are some of the key considerations you’ll need to make and discuss with your client. Whomever you buy from, you should be offered more than a simple instruction manual. Electronic locks, magnetic locks and code security In the first instance, you’ll need to advise on the type of lock and access control available. Electronic locks release on the operation of the automation system to allow the gates to open. Locks are required for all non-locking (also known as reversible) operators and are recommended for any gate on a multi-user site or any gate over 2.5m. Apply the same logic to an automated gate as you would to a domestic door – for example, you wouldn’t fit your front door with a lock on the same side as the hinges or a drop bolt at the hinge end of a manual gate so why dispense with this logic when the gate is automated? Electronic locks release on the operation of the automation system to allow the gates to open There are a number of locks on the market including magnetic locks, drop locks that “shoot” a bolt into the ground and side latching locks. These are all designed for external use. While the gate itself will provide physical security, the customer will want to feel in control of who enters their property, when and for what purpose. Consider access for post and deliveries, waste disposal and visitors arriving on foot etc. There is a range of options available. Intercom systems will allow the user to vet visitors, keypad entry can allow remote access for visitors with a specific code, remote controls allow an oncoming driver to open the gates without getting out of the vehicle, and a timer control can be used to open or close the gates at certain times of the day. Vehicle detection loops can be installed discreetly under the tarmac allowing the presence of vehicles to exit the gates and prevent closing whilst obstructed. Sliding gates versus swinging gates There are a number of locks on the market including magnetic locks, drop locks that “shoot” a bolt into the ground and side latching locks Gates can be automated to either swing or to slide open and in the case of swinging gates, the opener may be concealed underground or gate mounted. The most suitable opener for your installation will depend on the space available and the type of gate selected. Concealed underground automation is ideal for highly ornate gates. However, where gates are fully infilled (typical of many timber designs), gate mounted openers are concealed from the front of the gate by the gate leaf and present a cost-effective option. The choice between slide and swing is largely down to space - swing gates require a clear space for their opening arc whilst sliding gates require space to one or both sides of the gate. Sliding gates are perhaps the best choice where the drive slopes or when drive space is limited, as they use the least space when opening. Voltage Most swing gate and sliding systems are available in 24v or 230v. The 24v systems still need 230v mains power – there is a transformer built into the 24v control panels. Deciding which voltage to use can include a combination of factors such as the material of the gates, the location of the system and the safety features you want. Concealed underground automation is ideal for highly ornate gates With wrought iron gates, the wind can pass through them whereas with fully boarded wooden gates (popular because they give full privacy) the wind has nowhere to go, so they act like sails. For commercial or industrial applications with larger entrances and a heavy gate, you may need 3 Phase 400v power (sliding gates only). Installing gate motors in confined spaces The environment in which you are fitting may well influence which gate and motor you recommend. Will it be in an exposed area which is subject to the elements? Will it be positioned on a slope? Sliding gates are perhaps the best choice where the drive slopes or when drive space is limited Installers have always faced the challenge of installing gate motors in confined spaces. When fitting a pedestrian gate, there is often limited space in which to work – potentially making an installation time consuming and technically demanding. If this is the case for you, consider a gate operator which is designed specifically for installations with limited space for manoeuvre. An example of this is the E5 compact gate operator. The operator is not only small but has an optional slide lever attachment designed for installations where there is extremely limited space, meaning that just 8cm of the pillar is needed for installation. What’s more, improved fixing points and a simple ‘hook and fasten’ process means assembly is safe, quick and straight forward. Ultimately, you’ll be looking for a good quality, reliable product with good service. Work with a supplier that offers more than just a manual. If they are happy to offer training, their time and advice when you buy, the chances are you’ll get their support long term.

SALTO Systems (SALTO) has introduced the XS4 Original+, the next generation of the world’s most flexible and reliable smart locking solution that features a beautiful design, with a sleek flat reader in two new colours. SALTO XS4 Original+ The new SALTO XS4 Original+ takes the trusted and proven flagship XS4 Original electronic lock product family and incorporates the latest technology, to accommodate access control needs of both today and tomorrow. Our customers, partners and users rely on the XS4 every day, which is why we’ve made XS4 Original+ more powerful" “Our customers, partners and users rely on the XS4 every day, which is why we’ve made XS4 Original+ more powerful, capable, and redefined to elevate any door’s security, and management,” said Marc Handels, SALTO Systems’ Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Marc Handels adds, “When you have an excellent product like the SALTO XS4 Original electronic lock that has withstood both the test of time and technology, it makes sense to improve upon what is already working very well.” Embedded with BLUEnet functionality The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability, which enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. The SALTO XS4 Original+ is compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions, including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE, and NFC technology functionality. “By incorporating the latest in technology into the XS4 Original+ locking range, SALTO has delivered a product that extends up-to-date and comprehensive electronic access control to any door,” said Handels. Engine of XS4 Original+ XS4 Original+ is much faster than the XS4 Original, delivering more performance, new security architecture" The XS4 Original+ is much faster than the XS4 Original, delivering more performance, new security architecture and the same electronic functionalities, which is based on BLUEnet connectivity, and better power efficiency. The feature rich new security architecture, which is protected against internal and external attacks, makes everything more fluid, transforming the way users’ access, operators manage, and installers’ set-up the electronic lock. Catering to a range of access and customer needs There is an XS4 Original+ model for every type of access and customer need. The existing XS4 Original models are fully available in the XS4 Original+ product range, from the key override option to mechanical or electronic privacy models. Just as with the original version, the SALTO XS4 Original+ is suitable for a wide range of customer applications, including interior doors in educational or commercial buildings or tailored solutions for other specific building requirements. Easy to install and retrofit Easy to install and retrofit, the SALTO XS4 Original+ works with ANSI, Euro, DIN and Scandinavian door industry standards. Universally compatible, it can replace the existing door hardware and fits any door with unlimited model options. XS4 Original+ wide reader models are slightly wider and the reader is now flatter. “SALTO has long sought feedback from our end-users and partners on what they desire in an upgrade and, taking their input into account, we have developed the XS4 Original+ which delivers everything needed for current and future smart lock solutions,” said Aznar Sethna, SALTO Systems’ Chief Sales & Marketing Officer (CSMO). Aznar Sethna adds, “With restyle designs, industry-leading performance and advanced access control features, with impressive communication capabilities, all with incredible durability, the XS4 Original+ ensures customers get secure and safe access when they need it.” Redefined and stylish design The XS4 Original+ works with existing XS4 Original door hardware. A broad range of different models and functions make smart access to any door possible, in order to cover all needs of any type of building. Visually, the XS4 Original+ differs from the conventional XS4 Original only in a few details, with improved reader aesthetics. Thanks to a sleek design update, the XS4 Original+ looks better than ever Thanks to a sleek design update, the XS4 Original+ looks better than ever. The reader is now flatter and available in black and white colour options, for a simplified, modernised front. The ANSI, Euro Wide, and Scandinavian Wide standard reader models are a little wider, thereby creating a more harmonious version. The XS4 Original+ can be tailored to varying building and door needs, with a wide variety of colours and finishes, including the new Dark Bronze finish, and black or white reader options. These can be visualised on a wide range of door styles, by using the SALTO MyLock Configuration tool. Environment-friendly access control solution The XS4 Original+ is designed to minimise its impact on the environment. Today, SALTO Systems is carbon neutral for corporate factory operations and is committed to having net-zero climate impact, across the entire business, which includes manufacturing supply chains and all product life cycles. The XS4 Original+ is the latest model from SALTO to be delivered to customers as a net CO2-neutral access control solution. This concept involves offsetting the CO2 emissions generated during the manufacturing process and the logistics until it is delivered to the customer.

SALTO Systems announces appointments to the positions of regional sales manager in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast regions, and the North America Vertical Business Leader for retail and fitness. “With a constant eye on exceptional service and focus on our customers and our channel, we are once again expanding our sales team. We are confident the addition of these positions will enable us to better serve our customers in these key markets,” said Steve Burk, North America Director of Marketing and Vertical Businesses. About Brett Huffman Brett Huffman has been named as Regional Sales Manager for the Pacific Northwest. Based in Oregon, Huffman will oversee sales activity and growth in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington state. He has 17 years of experience in the security industry including as a security company owner, commercial security manager, project manager, and hands-on roles including installer and technician. About Jeremy Woody SALTO's commitment to excellence and technology innovation shine both in leading-edge products and their people" Jeremy Woody will serve as the Southeast Regional Sales Manager. Based in North Carolina, Woody is responsible for sales and growth in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. “SALTO's commitment to excellence and technology innovation shine both in leading-edge products and their people,” said Woody. “Having the opportunity to join and represent an organisation that consistently strives for greatness in brand quality, partnership focus, and the customer experience is a dream.” Woody has 17 years of experience in security management and technology and most recently served as business development director of AccuTech Corporation. He has been regional sales manager for Dahua Technology USA and branch John Wright h manager for ADI Global Distribution. About John Wright John Wright has been appointed as SALTO North America Vertical Business Leader for retail and fitness. "SALTO's focus on inspiring and empowering people to contribute to their personal and professional goals has me extremely excited to join this amazing group of people,” said Wright. “I’m honoured to have an opportunity to improve people’s lives by sharing SALTO's world-class solutions and cutting-edge technologies."

SALTO has introduced the XS4 Original+, the next generation of the world’s most flexible and reliable smart locking solution that features a beautiful design with a sleek flat reader in two new colours. The new SALTO XS4 Original+ takes the trusted and proven flagship XS4 Original electronic lock product family and incorporates the latest technology to accommodate the access control needs of both today and tomorrow. “Our customers, partners, and users rely on the XS4 every day, which is why we’ve made XS4 Original+ more powerful, capable, and redefined to elevate any door’s security and management,” said Marc Handels, SALTO Systems Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Cloud-based access solution “When you have an excellent product like the SALTO XS4 Original electronic lock that has withstood both the test of time and technology, it makes sense to improve upon what is already working very well.” The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE, and NFC technology functionality The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability, that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE, and NFC technology functionality. Delivering more performance “By incorporating the latest in technology into the XS4 Original+ locking range, SALTO has delivered a product that extends up-to-date and comprehensive electronic access control to any door,” said Handels. The XS4 Original+ is much faster than the XS4 Original, delivering more performance, new security architecture, the same electronic functionalities based on BLUEnet connectivity, and better power efficiency. The feature-rich new security architecture, which is protected against internal and external attack, makes everything more fluid, transforming the way users’ access, operators manage, and installers’ set-up the electronic lock. Electronic privacy models There is an XS4 Original+ model for every type of access and customer need There is an XS4 Original+ model for every type of access and customer need. The existing XS4 Original models are fully available in the XS4 Original+ product range – from the key override option to mechanical or electronic privacy models. Just as with the original version, the SALTO XS4 Original+ is suitable for a wide range of customer applications including interior doors in educational or commercial buildings, or tailored solutions for other specific building requirements. Easy to install and retrofit, the SALTO XS4 Original+ works with ANSI, Euro, DIN and Scandinavian door industry standards. Universally compatible, it can replace the existing door hardware and fits any door with unlimited model options. XS4 Original+ wide reader models are slightly wider and the reader is now flatter. Original door hardware “SALTO has long sought feedback from our end-users and partners on what they desire in an upgrade and, taking their input into account, we have developed the XS4 Original+ which delivers everything needed for current and future smart lock solutions,” said Aznar Sethna - SALTO Systems Chief Sales & Marketing Officer (CSMO). The XS4 Original+ ensures customers get secure and safe access when they need it" “With restyle designs, industry-leading performance, and advanced access control features with impressive communication capabilities – all with incredible durability – the XS4 Original+ ensures customers get secure and safe access when they need it.” The XS4 Original+ works with existing XS4 Original door hardware. A broad range of different models and functions make smart access to any door possible to cover all needs of any type of building. Visually, it differs from the conventional XS4 Original only in a few details with improved reader aesthetics. White reader options Thanks to a sleek design update, the XS4 Original+ looks better than ever. The reader is now flatter and available in black and white for a simplified, modernised front. The ANSI, Euro Wide, and Scandinavian Wide standard reader models are a little wider creating a more harmonious version The XS4 Original+ can be tailored to the building and door needs with a wide variety of colours and finishes, including the new Dark Bronze finish, and black or white reader options. These can be visualised on a wide range of door styles by using the SALTO MyLock Configuration tool. Corporate factory operations The XS4 Original+ is designed to minimise its impact on the environment. SALTO is carbon neutral for corporate factory operations and is committed to having net-zero climate impact across the entire business, which includes manufacturing supply chains and all product life cycles. The XS4 Original+ is the latest model from SALTO to be delivered to customers net CO2-neutral. This concept involves offsetting the CO2 emissions generated during the manufacturing process and the logistics until it is delivered to the customer.