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Johnson Controls access control enhancements unveiled at ISC West 2025

Johnson Controls, the pioneer for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announced a series of upgrades to their access control and video surveillance (ACVS) solutions. These product enhancements will integrate with existing security architectures to improve management of mission-critical security and protection for people, buildings and assets. They will transform customers’ security posture, unlocking new levels of operational agility and cost-effectiveness. Advanced access control technology "Security across enterprise and commercial applications is evolving rapidly, and organisations need solutions that provide both flexibility and resilience," said Faisal Pandit, president, Controls and Security Systems at Johnson Controls. "We are empowering customers to leverage advanced access control and surveillance technologies by maximising effectiveness, UX, cost efficiency and scalability." C•CURE IQ 3.10 release The latest C•CURE IQ release evolves the end-to-end enterprise access control and video management solution into one comprehensive integration platform, enabling users to manage 24x7 mission-critical security through a single interface across on-prem, hybrid and cloud deployments. Key features include: Enhanced Mapping: Seamless transitions between outdoor GIS maps and indoor floor plans with device integration to enable faster, more targeted responses. Advanced Video Management: Improved Video Clip Management with personalised whiteboard spaces, full journals and audit logs for forensic searches and reporting. Security Intelligence and System Health Dashboards: Easily manage alarm systems, occupancy levels and detailed system health metrics in one space. Edge AI Analytics: Advanced analytics powered by native integration with Illustra cameras through American Dynamics high-performance network video recorders (NVRs) enhance real-time security insights. Prioritised-security focus and response: Reducing unrationalised operational expenses by optimising operator time management, and space and asset utilisation. iSTAR G2 controller upgrades The Software House iSTAR G2 family of door controllers has been upgraded to meet the demands of modern enterprise environments with greater security, scalability and efficiency than ever before. Key enhancements include: Higher Capacity, Lower Footprint: The iSTAR Edge G2 panel now supports 8 readers and 1 million cardholders, dramatically lowering the hardware footprint and associated energy costs. It requires approximately 75% less space than comparable solutions. Unmatched Protection: Featuring OSDP end-to-end encryption, FIPS 140-3 certification, TLS 1.3 authentication and adherence to zero-trust cybersecurity standards. Elevated Interoperability: OSDP improvements align with all IT and procurement requirements, enabling seamless system integration. A new family of OSDP I/O modules is also available, enabling additional input for sensors and expanding on the capabilities that were introduced with the second generation of RM-4E and RM-DCM-2 Door Modules. victor VideoEdge NVR portfolio enhancements The American Dynamics scalable NVR system, victor VideoEdge, now offers increased security value and cost efficiency. Alongside integrating with C•CURE IQ 3.10, developments include: Major Performance Upgrades: Enriched system capabilities for faster processing and more effective video storage management. Built-in AI Intelligence: Advanced analytics to identify objects, behaviours and anomalies for proactive, edge-enabled security intervention. Elimination of Additional Camera Licencing Fees: Security managers can leverage the powerful native integration between victor VideoEdge NVRs and Illustra Flex and Pro cameras without incurring extra costs for camera licences, reducing total investment. End-to-end security with Kantech, Exacq, DSC, Illustra A new platform for commercial and enterprise applications seamlessly integrates four systems into a single platform to enhance real-time situational awareness, operational efficiency and proactive threat response.  The comprehensive system combines the market-recognised capabilities of Kantech Access Control, Exacq Video Management, DSC Intrusion Detection and Illustra Cameras. The new infrastructure enables: Full System Unification: Connecting access control, video surveillance and intrusion detection capabilities for a holistic approach to physical security. Enhanced Intelligence: Delivering AI-driven video analytics, automated threat detection and flexible access control features to streamline proactive security decisions. Scalability & Flexibility: Designed to support businesses of all sizes, the solution adapts to evolving security needs while optimising cost efficiency. These solutions will be on display through immersive Command & Control video walls at ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas from March 31 – April 4 (Booth #18033) for attendees to experience first-hand.

Johnson Controls: New security solutions at ISC West 2025

Johnson Controls, the pioneer for smart, safe, healthy and sustainable buildings, is excited to reveal new products and solutions across its industry-pioneering security portfolio at Booth 18033 at ISC West in Las Vegas, March 31-April 4. The company will highlight how its breadth of offerings and products enhance safety, improve automation and advance real-time situational awareness for customers. Integrated solutions “As security threats grow more complex, organisations need intelligent, integrated solutions that enhance both protection and efficiency,” said Faisal Pandit, vice president and general manager of Global Security Products at Johnson Controls. “Through AI-driven automation, edge-based analytics, and industry-pioneering intelligence, we are delivering security technologies to customers that strengthen security operations and help businesses make more informed decisions that go beyond security.” Data-driven decisions Johnson Controls is driving advancements to help customers streamline operations Johnson Controls is driving advancements to help customers streamline operations and make data-driven decisions in real-time, a critical upgrade for many customers.  For example, according to a study by Forrester Consulting, 70% of respondents believed that optimised, real-time alerting would have helped them significantly or totally reduced the harm of the most serious or disruptive events their organisation faced. Latest advancements in access control and video surveillance “At Johnson Controls, we are committed to empowering enterprises with intelligent, seamless and proactive security solutions,” said Greg Parker, global vice president, lifecycle solutions, Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “By listening to our customers and fostering strategic collaborations, we continue to innovate with integrated offerings that can simplify security operations without sacrificing safety. From building out security and fire solutions to meet the specific needs of non-acute healthcare and correctional facilities to our latest advancements in access control and video surveillance, we’re delivering smarter, more resilient, and cost-effective security solutions that help organisations protect what matters most, across industries.” Security products, solutions and services At ISC West 2025, Johnson Controls will showcase its comprehensive security products, solutions and services, designed for fully integrated, intelligent and automated enterprise security platforms. Products/solutions: Software House C•CURE IQ 3.10 includes powerful new features such as seamless indoor/outdoor maps, enhanced videoclip management features and a new set of dashboards as part of the Security Intelligence suite. This will significantly increase prioritised security focus and response by unifying access control and video surveillance workflows. Software House iSTAR G2 controllers are revamped to support more doors per panel with up to 8 readers and 1 million cardholders and are now OSDP-verified, with the portfolio of OSDP-supporting products extending through to a new family of industry-first OSDP Input/Output modules for unmatched protection with OSDP end-to-end encryption. End-to-End Security Solution with Kantech, Exacq, DSC and Illustra brings together four systems into a seamlessly integrated platform: Kantech Access Control, Exacq Video Management, DSC Intrusion Detection and Illustra Cameras. The technologies combine to provide a unified, interoperable and scalable security ecosystem for commercial and enterprise applications. PowerG + elevates the reliable, field-proven PowerG control panel and sensor technology to the next level and maintains its status of having the longest range on the market. IQ Panel 5, the newest iteration of the IQ Panel, introduces trailblazing control panel capabilities, future-ready updates, and the pioneering wireless connectivity of PowerG +. Attendees will also see expanded comprehensive life safety solutions for non-acute healthcare and correctional facilities. Collaborations: New offering with Threat Extinguisher to help ensure peace of mind in health care, education, government settings and more with an easy-to-use, non-lethal defense solution to neutralise security threats. New initiative with Gallagher Security, a pioneer in integrated technology solutions, to deliver industry-specific solutions that help customers safeguard their people, assets and operations. Johnson Controls legacy of innovation Johnson Controls proudly celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2025, commemorating a remarkable legacy of innovation and leadership in smart, safe, healthy and sustainable solutions. Since the invention of the first thermostat, the company has led the way with more than 8,000 active patents and $3 billion invested in engineering, research & development over the past decade.  Johnson Controls continues to redefine building performance, driving the next era of smart, sustainable and autonomous buildings, transforming industries and powering its customers’ missions.

The PSA Network grows technology offerings with addition of Kantech

The PSA Network, the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announced the addition of Kantech from Johnson Controls to its technology partner roster. Kantech offers a full suite of reliable, easy-to-install, scalable access control products. "Kantech provides the elite network of security integrators with expanded options for access control technology,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network. “Kantech’s innovative solutions are a strategic addition to our portfolio and give our members dependable access control technology for smaller businesses to large-scale clients.” Kantech’s flagship solution Founded in 1986, Kantech provides integrated access control technologies that are easy to install right out of the box, scalable and reliable for small to medium-sized businesses to enterprise-scale deployments. Kantech’s flagship solution, EntraPass security management software and KT door controllers, allow for simpler configurations and provide robust reporting to enhance the user experience for both the installer and the operator. Kantech provides integrated access control technologies that are easy to install right out of the box “We are tremendously excited to announce our new partnership with the PSA Network,” said Jason Edler, North American director of sales for Kantech. “This collaboration brings together Kantech's industry-pioneering access control solutions with PSA's extensive experience and nationwide reach in the security industry. We believe this partnership will be a game-changer for the security market, offering greater choice and value to security professionals across North America.”  VMS digital video management system Nothing is more vital to the health of an organisation than making sure that its people, material assets and operations are safe and secure. Kantech’s solutions address the full scope of risks that might arise, including risks that other security systems such as burglar alarms and intrusion detection simply are not designed to handle. By preventing people from entering places where they do not belong, Kantech’s hardware and software protects against theft as well as liability and disruption to operations. For additional convenience and security, Kantech solutions can seamlessly work with the exacqVision VMS digital video management system to provide a cohesive access control and video solution. Kantech also offers out-of-the-box integration with DSC intrusion panels, all managed from a unified software package. PSA offers solutions from pioneering security and audio-visual manufacturers.

Insights & Opinions from thought leaders at Kantech

Need help choosing an access control system?

Overwhelmed by too many choices for an access control system? Where do you start? Always seeking to help, SourceSecurity.com asked access control suppliers to describe what differentiating characteristics set their systems apart from others in the market. AMAG: Easy migration, simple pricing model AMAG’s Symmetry platform includes access control, photo ID badging, visitor management and digital video server software, all standard in an integrated solution. The pricing model is easy – up to 512 readers can be added to the software platform; most options are covered with the base charge. The platform is cost-effective, even for small systems. The Symmetry Retrofit program provides easy migration (without a screwdriver) from legacy or end-of-life products such as Casi/GE systems. Options include the Threat Level Manager, which can customise system settings based on a selected level of threat. Symmetry is also compatible with G4S’ One Facility workflow management system, and Symmetry Web thin client application enables use of mobile devices. AMAG’s new true two-door PoE controller includes two reader ports, two lock relays, two REQs and two door status inputs. AMAG has a long list of third-party integrations. Brivo Systems: A truly cloud-based system Brivo Systems provides access control in a truly cloud-based system in a software as a service (SaaS), recurring revenue model. All firmware and software systems are updated automatically. The cloud service works with Brivo’s IP door controllers. End users only pay for what they use. Continental Access: From one door to ten thousand CardAccess 3000 software by Continental Access is easy to use and yet enterprise class – able to control access to one door or to ten thousands of doors in locations worldwide. Designed by Continental Access in the United States, the robust hardware continues a legacy of the company founded in 1961. Total cost of ownership is low; Continental Access does not charge mandatory end user support fees to integrators. Additionally, CardAccess 3000 is integrated with video management systems and other systems such as visitor management, time and attendance, gated community software and several sister companies’ products – Napco intrusion products and Alarm Lock wireless Networx and ArchiTech Locks (with Marks locking hardware). Web-delivered user interface benefits end users and integrators in terms of lower total cost of ownership as well as ease of operability Frontier Security’s deep integration with video Frontier Security’s access control system features deep integration with video, providing a more efficient and powerful process to correlate access events and transactions with corresponding video. Another capability is advanced alarm filtering and routing to provide alarms to the appropriate parties. Frontier also provides powerful capabilities to filter and view card transactions. The new HTML5 web interface provides an easy way to access common functionalities from browsers and tablets. Galaxy Control Systems: Easy to upsell Galaxy Control Systems' System Galaxy software solution is not “brand”-dependent and is easily implemented in existing systems to enhance functionality. Improvements in performance and efficiency available with new and evolving access control technologies are even more valuable to integrators and end users when they are interoperable with earlier generations of systems. System Galaxy enables systems integrators to cost-effectively upsell business. The backwards-compatible software enables future business development with new customers who have old systems. The advanced architecture also allows dealers and integrators to offer access control as a managed service. Multi-client functionality can manage and control several systems on a single backbone, much like the approach found in facilities that have multiple tenants.  Genetec’s unified Security Center The Genetec access control system, Synergis, is built into to the company’s unified Security Center platform, which brings together IP video surveillance and access control into one easy-to-use solution. Common security operations from multiple systems are standardised, including monitoring, reporting, alarm management and configuration. Within a single intuitive client application, operators can see corresponding video each time a cardholder touches their card to a reader. The cardholder information is displayed automatically. In case of an access-denied alarm, operators can quickly address the situation by confirming the cardholder’s identity and assigned access rights. Decision-making and investigations are faster because operators don’t have to navigate among different applications to understand what took place. Redundancy is achieved at the controller level, not simply from a redundant network server Honeywell: A choice for anybody Honeywell offers two access control systems – the ProWatch geared toward enterprise customers and the self-contained WinPak for entry-level to mid-market applications. Sold through dealer/integrators, ProWatch implementations are customised for each customer and include the Honeywell SDK to ensure integration with a wide range of existing equipment. Customers include enterprise, Fortune 500, and multi-city and countrywide applications, including multiple points of control. There is no limit to the number of doors and card-holders – one centre manages 10,000 doors. WinPak comes in three “flavours” – the XE entry level for 1 to 16 doors, the mid-range SE for 16 to 32 doors, and the PE (professional edition) geared toward multiple locations, including field offices or satellites. WinPak has dozens of native integrations. PCSC’s Fault Tolerant Controller PCSC’s flagship access control product, the Fault Tolerant access controller, uses a patented process for automated system recovery. If a primary controller should fail, an alternative controller automatically takes over the duties of the failed controller. Redundancy is achieved at the controller level, not simply from a redundant network server. The Fault Tolerant Controller also uses a Hydra Protocol to use peer-to-peer communication to keep the system updated. Ethernet and PoE are standard, and optional wireless mesh communication is also available. For integrators, the system provides better reliability with fewer problems both from a system network and physical security point of view. Result: Lower installation and operating expenses and better performance and security. S2 Security features web-delivered interface S2 Security access control products use a web-delivered user interface. Customers can access their systems without requiring an installed client, whether in a fixed or mobile environment. Credential-based access control, intrusion detection and video applications are integrated seamlessly for a unified management and administration experience. The web-delivered user interface benefits end users and integrators in terms of lower total cost of ownership as well as ease of operability. No software installation or client license fees are required. The system can be accessed from any authorized computer, and key access control functions are also available on mobile devices using S2 Mobile Security Officer. Security is more unified because both physical and logical security apps can share a common database Tyco Security provides plenty of options Software House’s C-Cure 9000 combines its iSTAR Door Controller with enterprise-level access control features. A scalable, fully distributed and robust architecture – empowered by iSTAR controllers – can meet complex regional, global and enterprise access control challenges. Kantech access control solutions from Tyco Security Products offers low installation cost and ease of use. Minimising installation time and need for product knowledge decreases total cost of ownership, both related to software and hardware-based solutions. CEM Systems’ AC2000 access control system differentiates itself by its IP Edge devices, such as the Emerald reader, a terminal at the door that has the ability to run applications like a smart phone or tablet. This capability allows customers to post announcements on the keypad or even add a checklist to access control decisions for things like health and safety or hazardous areas. Viscount Systems emphasises IT Eliminating proprietary panels altogether, the software and databases of Viscount Systems’ Freedom access control system are hosted on physical or virtual servers. Multiple synchronised servers provide higher security, built-in resiliency and the ability for IT departments to leverage existing infrastructure. With the Freedom solution, integrators and end users can utilise native IT software that resides on a non-proprietary server and is deployed virtually across multiple servers or in the cloud. Updates are done in real-time and under the control of the customer. Leveraging existing IT infrastructure and resources also makes the Freedom solution cost-efficient and scalable. Security is more unified because both physical and logical security apps can share a common database.