Intelligent Cloud Access Control: Secure all entry points
Access control is the ability to permit or deny the use of a particular resource by a particular entity. Electronic Access Control Systems have many advantages including the ability to monitor real time activity, on site and remotely off site. There are a variety of ways for you to gain access, the most commonly used has been via a fob or smart access card or inputting a code. However with cloud technology touchless access via mobile devices is becoming more common.
Adopting cloud-based access control means users can manage doors and gates remotely via an internet-connected device. Additionally, everything from employee credentials to relevant access information is stored entirely digitally, making it less susceptible to corruption or physical damage. Cloud access control is often adopted by businesses with a high number of employees as it can be scaled up easily. It offers a quick and efficient means of editing door schedules and distributing access permissions on the go from a single software device. Users can also manage their entire database from any web browser, on any device, wherever they are.
How Electronic Access Control Works and How to Manage it
- Authorisation: The access control system administrator specifies individual users’ access rights to areas or resources. For example, employees are authorised to enter a building, but may not have permission to access all areas depending on their job role. Access can be via PIN codes, swipe cards, fobs or proximity key cards; via an app on their mobile device or a biometric solution in the case of buildings requiring stronger security arrangements.
- Authentication: The system or an individual validates an entry request such as the identity of a person or the credentials they present. For example, a resident checks a video image of a visitor before granting access, or the system validates credentials against a database of authorised users. Depending on the access system solution chosen the correct keypad, card, fob readers, smart door lock or biometric readers will need to be installed for the authorisation and authentication to work. For visitors you can have intercom or video door readers to verify their identity.
- Access: When the system has authenticated a request, it grants access by opening a locked door. The controllers and access control boards act as the link between the door reader and the user database.
- Management: Security administrators manage the access control database by adding or removing authorised users so that the access control devices only validate requests based on current information. The software for access control systems is a vital tool for managing the database of authorised users. The database holds the details of the network of access-controlled doors and authorised users together with their access levels. There are now two options for hosting access control software: on-site in servers or hosted in the cloud accessible via the Internet.
- Audit and review: Regular reviews and audits minimise the risk of users retaining access rights they no longer require. Audits also provide essential records for compliance.
What are the benefits of cloud-based Electronic Access Control?
If you are struggling with managing the number of staff or visitors on your site and want to be able to more easily record who is present or want to seal off areas within your property then electronic access control is the answer.
- Easy, but secure, access for staff, visitors, contractors, delivery drivers
- Centralised access control for easy management of multiple sites nationally and globally
- Lower costs with automatic system-wide updates
- Support for unlimited sites, doors, users, roles and groups
- Site-specific controls for every location and user on a single interface
- Reduce IT costs with no expensive licensing or software to renew
- Maintain audit logs of admin portal activity and control who has access to your data
- Boost productivity by providing instant access credentials in the cloud
- Seamless integrations with leading video management providers
- Easy for users to add and remove access credentials entirely through digital platforms
- Instant access alerts and warnings
- Live occupancy monitoring
We are an NSI Gold-accredited company in respect of the access control systems we install. To achieve NSI Gold, we have to demonstrate that Ecl-ips operates a Quality Management System (QMS) and this QMS is compliant with the BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Standard. Implementing a QMS affects every aspect of an organisation’s performance.
Avigilon Alta
Avigilon Alta Access uses the power of the cloud to offer a comprehensive access control solution which make access easier than ever without compromising on security.
The solution was developed by Openpath which was founded in 2016 by US technology entrepreneurs. They initially used their own funds but expanded further after raising more money through venture capital firm partners. The company quickly won awards in the USA as a fast-growing tech start-up and for its innovative approach to access control. The company was acquired by Motorola Solutions in July 2021 and we began offering its products the following year.
In March 2023 Motorola Solutions announced an integration of its cloud-based security and access control solutions into a single brand, Avigilon Alta. We and Avigilon Alta take security, privacy, and regulatory matters seriously. The Avigilon Alta hardware meets European compliance standards, and its readers are IP65 rated, which means it has a level of protection against water and dust. Avigilon Alta is also GDPR compliant, demonstrating it treats your data responsibly and meets UK data protection obligations.
Why choose Avigilon Alta?
- Remote system management: manage your entire database from any web browser, on any device, wherever you are.
- Integrated video and access control: powerful visual verification with mobile monitoring, remote unlock, and two-way audio.
- Smart security for every door: complete access control with video, voice activation, turnstile and lift solutions, plus wireless lock integrations.
- Reduce costs with intuitive software that eliminates the need for a dedicated administrator, and automates processes across IoT-connected devices and sites
Avigilon Alta access control delivers reliable keyless, mobile access control with smart video, intercom capabilities and cloud-based software. This software, state-of-the-art hardware and advanced record-keeping technology means easy access for users and effective remote management for site operators and owners. The access control system is created with scalable technologies designed to secure everything from a single door, office, or a global enterprise with multiple buildings.
Cloud-based software
Instant communication and updates all managed remotely via the cloud on the Alta Access platform.
Modern hardware
Easy-to-install readers and controllers with live video, two-way intercom, and touchless capabilities in a sleek design.
Encrypted credentials
The Avigilon Alta readers support touchless access with smartphones, cards, fobs and Apple watch.
We offer bespoke cloud-based access control to meet your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is access control?
Access control is the ability to permit or deny the use of a particular resource by a particular entity.
What are the latest developments in access control?
The improvements in cloud computing, and the widespread use of smart phones and tablets, mean touchless access and accreditation are now available. Cloud solutions like Avigilon Alta allow for more secure software and greater flexibility to scale up the system too.
What is touchless access control?
Touchless access control systems can complement or replace traditional access card methods, enhancing hygiene and convenience as they do not require the user to physically touch the reader or door handle to gain access. A touchless door handle or touchless door knob can be integrated to work with different types of credentials, including proximity cards, biometric indicators and app-based controls, with none of these methods requiring physical touch to unlock doors.
What makes up an electronic access control system?
An electronic access control door can contain several elements. At its most basic there is a stand-alone electronic lock. In larger applications involving more than one door, electric strikes or magnetic locks are used. The lock is unlocked by an operator with a switch.
To automate this, operator intervention is replaced by a reader.
What are the components of access control?
An access control point, which can be a door, turnstile, parking gate, elevator, or other physical barrier where granting access can be electrically controlled.
Typically the access point is a door. An electronic access control door can contain several elements. At its most basic there is a stand-alone electronic lock. In larger applications involving more than one door, electric strikes or magnetic locks are used. The lock is unlocked by an operator with a switch. To automate this, operator intervention is replaced by a reader. The reader could be a keypad where a code is entered, it could be a card reader, or it could be a biometric reader. Readers do not usually make an access decision but send a card number to an access control panel that verifies the number against an access list.
To monitor the door position a magnetic door switch is used. In concept the door switch is not unlike those on refrigerators or car doors. Generally only entry is controlled and exit is uncontrolled.
In cases where exit is also controlled a second reader is used on the opposite side of the door. In cases where exit is not controlled, free exit, a device called a request-to-exit (REX) is used. Request-to-exit devices can be a push button or a motion detector. When the button is pushed or the motion detector detects motion at the door, the door alarm is temporarily ignored while the door is opened. Exiting a door without having to electrically unlock the door is called mechanical free egress. This is an important safety feature. In cases where the lock must be electrically unlocked on the exit, the request-to-exit device also unlocks the door.
Why do I need access control?
Access management allows you to manage your building access efficiently, enhancing overall site security. They give you the ability to monitor people entering buildings, or parts of your site both if you are on site or off site via remote access.
Who are our access control partners?
We are a Motorola Solutions partner meaning we can offer their cloud-based Avigilon Alta access solution. We are also a well-established partner of Paxton Access, which is a UK-based manufacturer and developer.
What cloud-based access control solutions can you offer?
Our cloud-based access control partner is Motorola Solutions. We offer their Avigilon Alta solution.
What are the benefits of having access control?
The benefits of having electronic access control include:
- the ability to monitor real time activity, on site and remotely off site
- staff time keeping logs
- emergency evacuation call list logs
- secure room access activity logs
- different security levels for staff, visitors, and contractors
- the ability to unlock doors remotely or via schedule
- to reduce your costs and increase service levels to staff / visitors
- provide occupancy levels
What is the advantage of keyless access control?
Traditional keys can be copied or stolen, and locks can be picked. In contrast, a keyless lock system, particularly those with encryption, can offer improved security. Touchless systems that do not require fobs or cards could be regarded as the most secure.
Can you integrate access control with other security solutions?
Yes, the cloud-based Avigilon Alta platform can now be integrated with the Avigilon Alta video management platform so you can manage your security in one place.
How does AI technology improve access control systems?
AI-powered facial recognition algorithms can improve access control systems as they enable the accurate identification and verification of individuals.
What is the advantage of cloud-based access control?
Cloud-based access control means the systems are more scalable and flexible than ever.
What are the benefits of Avigilon Alta access control?
The main benefits of Avigilon Alta access control are:
- Fast, reliable patented Triple Unlock technology that supports multiple secure access methods
- Touchless mobile experience with digital badges, guest passes, and two-way intercom capabilities
- Secure cloud-based software with remote management and automatic system updates
- Real-time activity alerts, tracking, and visual monitoring
- Seamless integrations through its open API (Application Programming Interface) platform
- Beautifully designed hardware installs effortlessly to support anywhere from a single door to a multi-site enterprise
How does Avigilon Alta access control make entry easier for managers, staff, visitors and residents?
Avigilon Alta provides a complete mobile experience for those managing access for others and for users:
- Touchless entry with unique Wave to Unlock capabilities
- Unlock in the app, with Apple Watch, tablet apps, plus encrypted key card or fobs
- Easy-to-use mobile app with digital badges and automatic entry detection
- Digital guest pass for temporary visitor access to the right doors at the right times
- Remote unlock grants access to any authorised entry, from anywhere in the world
How can you manage access control with the Avigilon Alta cloud-based solution?
The cloud-based Avigilon Alta provides various feature sets to fit any size organisation including:
- Remote management of the entire platform on any web-enabled device, from anywhere
- Door schedules, enhanced role management, customisable rule-based actions, and zone sharing settings
- Detailed real-time activity reports with the ability to schedule in advance for regular auditing
- Flexible lockdown plans with remote activation from any device
Can you have video cameras as part of this access control solution?
Yes you can have unified video and access control with Avigilon’s smart readers which have high-definition video cameras built in. Motorola Solutions have also brought this cloud-based access control solution together with its cloud-based CCTV system so you can have the two systems running on the Avigilon Alta platform. In addition you can have:
- The mobile app for viewing live video and recorded access control events
- Alerts for access events with live video sent directly to your mobile device
- Enhanced visibility and control with real-time combined reporting and remote unlock capabilities
Who can benefit from Avigilon Alta access control?
Anyone who wants an easy-to-use access control solution which takes advantage of the power of the cloud. In particular: users, managers, staff or visitors in schools and colleges; commercial sites of all types and residential blocks would all benefit from Avigilon Alta.
We would like an on-premise access control solution what can you offer me?
Ecl-ips is a long-term partner of Avigilon and can offer its on-premise solution, Avigilon Unity Access. Additionally we partner with Paxton Access and can provide a range of its solutions, including Paxton Net2.
Who were Openpath?
Openpath was originally founded in 2016 by US technology entrepreneurs initially using their own funds then expanded further by raising more money through venture capital firm partners. The company, based in California, quickly won awards in the USA as a fast-growing tech start-up and for its innovative approach to access control. The company was acquired by Motorola Solutions in July 2021 and in March 2023 its cloud-based access control solution was integrated with its cloud CCTV solution (formerly Ava Security) into a single brand, Avigilon Alta.
