My Blog

Access Control/Keyless Entry, What’s the Difference?

10/08/2011 21:59:00

What is an access control system or a keyless entry system? No matter how many systems are installed each year, many still don’t really understand these systems and the benefits of using them. There is one common reason for using these systems and that is to protect people, assets and property.

Access Control systems are about more than monitoring doors; they are an integral part of any security system and give users a convenient platform to manage their facilities. Traditional keys cannot track who or when people are accessing your building, and when keys go missing rekeying locks can be extremely expensive. Access Control systems solve all of these problems and many more, including:

Performing a facility or area lock down from any PC or card reader
Using motion detectors, glass breaks, door contacts, panic buttons to track and assign alarm conditions from a single interface
Calling up live video in the event of an alarm
Arming or disarming an intrusion panel via the access control system
Triggering a wide range of devices using auxiliary relay outputs to trip such items as sirens or strobes all based on certain events/conditions
Creating a map with active icons to annunciate system status, control doors, call up video, show employee photos as they pass through protected doors, and much more
Run a myriad of custom reports when you need to know who accessed what area and when

OK, but let’s really understand the difference between an Access Control System and a Keyless Entry System. Opinions may vary, but, let’s give it a shot. Don’t over think this concept. When you think about true Access Control, consider the word “control”. When thinking about Keyless Entry, while it accomplishes many of the same common items, Keyless Entry is typically used for small 1-2 door applications, where you just want to get the hard keys out of the employees’ hands and allow entry in to certain employees into your facility. Some common applications where Keyless Entry Systems are used are; restaurants, shopping malls, multiple use business facilities, small businesses, some educational facilities, etc.

Let’s see, what are some advantages to true Access Control versus Keyless Entry?

Access Control usually means having a door position indicator and request to exit device, such as a motion sensor, push button, card reader, crash bar or another indicator to let us know someone is leaving the controlled area. Keyless Entry typically just is concerned with who get’s in a controlled area. Not typically worried about a door being left open too long, propped open, door alarms, etc.

Access Control provides multiple levels of card holder control permissions, information and reporting capabilities. Keyless Entry Systems don’t concern themselves with all these levels of security and functionality.

I don’t want to get too deep into this, but want to give you some items to consider when upgrading or installing your first “Access” door entry system. Both types of systems are viable and you should consider what your true needs are when making these decisions. A security industry professional, such asFearing’s, has the ability to help you make good decisions while determining your ultimate goals. So, whether you are looking to do 1-2 doors, 20 doors or 500 doors, there are some good solutions available to you. Make sure you seek an industry professional to further increase your knowledge of best practices.

There are some other factors to consider when determining the best way to have your system installed:

Does your local fire department have some restrictions on access control systems?
Does your company have existing policies that will determine best methods?
Would integrating your door entry system with your video surveillance system provide a benefit to your company?
Integrating an alarm system with your door entry system? Highly recommended to reduce false alarms.
Does your company have multiple locations that could benefit from a global solution?
It is highly recommended to include the IT professionals in your organization involved with this solution and how it will be integrated, controlled and accessed.
Consider using an Electronic Visitor Management Software solution integrated with your access control solution and get rid of those hard copy sign in forms!
Consider controlling rooms such as IT closets, drug storage rooms, critical file storage rooms and more.
Are there elevators in your building that should be controlled?
Is a proximity reader sufficient, or should you consider some dual authentication systems, such as adding biometrics, like fingerprint or retinal technology or maybe use an entry code technology? This way it’s not just what you have on your body, but also what you know.
Is a centrally managed system make the most sense for your business? Let someone else manage your system, provide badges, run reports, manage your database.

I hope this has given you some food for thought when it comes to evaluating your existing system or before you install a system to help you GET RID OF THE KEYS!!

Crime is up in the western and southern part of the San Fernando Valley

06/19/2011 14:41:00

Look at Los Angeles Times L.A. Crime Map. Violent crime is up in Woodland Hills and property crime is up in West Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, Winnetka, Encino and other areas. Here is a link for more detail:

http://projects.latimes.com/mapping-la/crime/

Alarm Company Reviews

05/31/2011 02:32:00

Click on the link to see Alarm System Reviews, and hopefully you will be able to do so before choosing an alarm company.

http://www.alarmsystemreviews.com/unbiased-adt-alarm-reviews.html

L.A. Times Crime Map Update May 29, 2011

05/29/2011 13:22:00

All crime is up significantly in Chatsworth, violent crime is up significantly in Granad Hills and Mission Hills and property crime is up significantly in Reseda, check out the L.A. area on the L.A.Times Crime Map: http://projects.latimes.com/mapping-la/crime/

New Sign / Decal Graphics

05/22/2011 22:47:00

Write your post here.

Vacation-Time Home Security

05/22/2011 10:29:00

Vacation-time home security THE PROVINCE MAY 21, 2011

There is more to home security when leaving on vacation than simply locking the front door.The experts at Weiser locks and security suggest homeowners follow the following top 10 ways to make their property safe during the upcoming summer holidays.- Leave a car parked in the driveway to give the appearance someone is home.- Keep your home well lit. Good exterior lighting around your perimeter creates a psychological barrier. Consider buying a timer or a motion detector.- Got deadbolts? Most burglaries are the result of forced entry. Make sure all exterior doors have deadbolts with at least a one-inch throw bolt.- Give your neighbour a key to check in. Better yet, install a SmartCode and provide them with a temporary code.- Consider getting a house sitter, especially if you have a pet.- An overgrown lawn is a sure giveaway that your home is vacant. Ask a neighbour or house sitter to mow the lawn so your home can blend in with the crowd.- Unplug all electrical outlets before you leave to avoid the risk of starting a fire.- Backyard secure? Consider installing a fence and planting fast-growing bushes as an extra barrier around your home.- Help the police help you! Make sure you keep your street address visible. House numbers should be reflective and visible from the street.- Resist broadcasting news about your vacation through social media networks. When the public know you're away, you become an easy target for burglary.© Copyright (c) The Province

IP (Internet Protocal) vesus Analog CCTV Cameras

04/24/2011 00:33:00

by Tim Troxel

IP and offers very few benefits over analog and in most cases is more expensive and offer lower performance compared to analog cameras and DVR's.

5 myths regarding IP VS Analog

Reduce wiring
*IP does not reduce wiring compared to analog even when using POE as analog with the use of baluns can transmit both video and power over cat 5 making them just as affective as POE . Some baluns even achieve distance up to 2km for transmission and unlike IP do not require specific equipment such as POE routers and cameras.

Network Transmission
* A good DVR like Ascendents H.264 X4S standalone DVR converts analog cameras into IP addressable cameras and can record at one resolution, stream at another to and from multiple sites simultaneously. It has integrated VBR and CBR to totally manage the amount of data and bandwidth that is used by each camera individually giving analog cameras the same features as IP cameras. Simply put a good DVR acts as an IP server since only it has the ability to work autonomous of a network and be part of a larger homogeneous solution.

High Definition
* Yes High definition mega pixel cameras do offer some advantages but are extremely limited in their applications. Mega pixels cameras are limited because of their poor price to performance ratio, large file size, low signal to noise ratio, motion blur, and most are based on CMOS. CMOS cameras have inferior ability then CCD to cope with ambient lighting such as back light, bright, deep shadows contrasts, low light and IR this is also known as the real world. HDD CCTV (SDI) can now send HD video over coax

Technology s
* Analog has come a long way and now offers almost the exact same set of features as IP in that when paired with a good DVR to allow video to be transmitted over networks and record to and from multiple sites over LAN and WAN simultaneously with virtually endless expandability in modules of 4,8,16,32 and 64.The most recent advantage in IP cameras is using CCD imagers instead of CMOS because of there performance but since 3CCD are often needed to replace one CMOS it is very expensive and rarely used which is why most IP cameras are CMOS and offer poorer performance then there analog counterparts except for large wireless projects and those that have fiber optic cabling. (you can now send up to 64 analog camera over fiber optic)

Standard ONIVF PSIA
* Analog is more standard then IP and any analog camera can work on any DVR. There are NO STANDARDS FOR IP, at the moment. PSIA (Physical Security Interoperability Alliance) and ONIVF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) are not standards just because you have a NVR and a IP camera that sue ONIVF or PSIA does not mean they will work with each other any more then any H,264 camera can work with any H.264 IP camera. Every IP manufacturer and sometimes every IP model has to be added individually before it will work with a NVR platform, so ONIVF and PSIA are nothing more then marketing ploys and since there is no standard for IP it's a messy maze of corporate alliances, licensing fees and a mix of match of software writers and hardware manufactures. (much like getting programs to work with windows vista) Big companies love IP as once you buy their system you are trapped into using there platform or risk losing your initial investment. Now in a few years I do expect there to be some open standards but they simply don't exist right now, making analog or hybrid system all the more appealing.

Security
One thing that is often not mentioned when comparing analog and IP even though often cameras main purpose is security.The major flaws with IP is that it is completely dependent on a network for it to operate, if the network goes down so does your security. SD cards do not provide sufficient backup and networks have a number of failures points such as hubs, switches. A good system should be able to take full advantage of networks but never depend upon them.by Tim Troxel

Help LAFD Catch Arsonist / Burglar

04/14/2011 22:25:00

Please watch the youtube videos, there are four surveillance camera vids showing an arson and burglary suspect. See if you can identify the suspect and call the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section at (213) 485-6095.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv39d_w7y8o&feature=autoplay&list=PL8FC64A74E2E221D7&index=4&playnext=8

Canon to Introduce First IP Megapixel Cameras at ISC West

04/02/2011 15:39:00

Link to Article:

http://www.securitysales.com/Channel/IP-Video/News/2011/03/30/Canon-to-Introduce-First-IP-Megapixel-Cameras-at-ISC-West.aspx

5 quick tips for proper alarm use

03/23/2011 23:15:00

1. Your alarm is not a replacement for calling 9-1-1

1. Only use a panic or robbery button when you can't call 9-1-1. When you believe you need a police officer to respond your alarm system is not a replacement for calling 9-1-1. Pushing a panic button when you think you heard a prowler will be a much lower priority call than if you called the police directly. The panic button should be used when you can not make that call.

Know how to cancel a false alarm

2. If your alarm goes off don't leave until you've spoken to your alarm company. Make certain that anyone who has access to your alarm also knows how to cancel a false alarm, including the pass word and phone number to your alarm monitoring center.

Service your alarm

3. Have your alarm system serviced at least every 24 months. Many potential false alarms can be prevented if you have regular service on your alarm. Anytime your alarm goes off and you can not pin point the exact cause, you should contact your alarm company and discuss it with them. If they recommend a service call take them up on it.

4. Bad weather alarms

Many bad weather alarms are caused by old batteries. The alarm system battery should be replaced every 3-5 years, and sooner if there have been frequent power outages. Over time doors and windows can warp or become misaligned. Have your system tuned up BEFORE the bad weather arrives.

5. Emergency contact lists

Make certain that your emergency call lists are updated frequently and that you include cell phone numbers for the primary users. You can greatly reduce the opportunity for a false response by the police if you have your alarm company call both the site phone number and your cellular prior to dispatching the police.