Condo Media - June 2021 - 32

DOUBLE DUTY
ELECTRONIC ACCESS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
Electronic access control systems
typically consist of:
● readers placed in designated
areas of a property;
● credentials such as key
fobs or access cards
held by residents and
staff to access secured
entrance points;
● some type of controlled
door locking hardware;
● a computer that stores
programming and system
activity; and
● software that allows users to
interface with the system, program
credentials, and search for events.
Depending on the system, there
would also be some type of infrastructure allowing these devices to

communicate, which may include
wiring, switches, power supplies, and
communication panels.
Advancements in electronic access
control systems and the broader application of these systems have allowed
them to become a very interactive tool
used to manage and operate a property.
Being able to program a reader
to provide no access, only allow
access during certain hours, or
to only designated users
during certain times
as in the case of
amenity spaces,
is exceptionally helpful
in remotely
managing and
controlling building access. Readers
can also be configured
into areas to create a " zone, "
and the system can be taught to only
allow a pre-defined number of people
into the space at any given time.
Cloud-hosted systems can take away
the burden of maintaining hardware on-

site and provide administrators with remote access at all times to make changes
or check status. Systems have the ability
to make notifications if doors are forced
open or propped open so that corrective
actions can be taken swiftly to address
the issue. These systems now allow
for users to carry digital credentials
on their phone or other smart device,
which make them significantly more
convenient for users to engage and not
worry about having their keys, key fobs,
or access card handy. These systems
can also be integrated into a number of
other site access control measures to include vehicle access lift gates or garage
doors, access into package storage areas,
or even residential unit doors.
Technology advancements have
provided ease of use and convenience
as well as more flexibility in overseeing
operations and security. With a little
planning, the right equipment selected,
and a qualified installer engaged, all
properties regardless of size, location,
or budget, can benefit from these advancing security-related technologies
and their broadened uses.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
● Establishing clear expectations is the first step on the road
to picking the right equipment. What are you hoping to
achieve with this technology? For example, do you want
the video camera to be able to capture a license plate on
entering vehicles? Do you want the access control system to
be able to notify someone if occupancy in a particular area
exceeded a desired number of people?
● Consider non-proprietary, readily, and widely available
and supported equipment. Ensuring that the technology
can be integrated or enhanced in the future without significant limitations, as well as supported by a large number
of vendors, is all important.

● Understand the financial implications associated with each
manufacturer's equipment.
This would include the initial
purchase and installation
costs, ongoing maintenance,
and support costs, as well as
possible additional annual costs
such as licensing, software support agreements, and hosting costs,
which vary from manufacture to manufacturer
and can significantly impact the cost of the technology
over the course of its lifetime.

● Educate yourself on the technology and its features and
functions. Use independent consultants, product representatives, educational forums, various installers, and colleagues
who have installed similar technologies to learn. Seeing the
equipment in use at a similar property in real-time can be
exceptionally beneficial.

● Understand the equipment's life expectancy and how long
the manufacturer has been producing the equipment, what
other equipment the manufacturer produces, and where they
fit in the industry (i.e., established company with long history,
defined product and customer base, good reputation and
reviews online, etc.).

CONDOMEDIA June 2021

Condo Media - June 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Condo Media - June 2021