Dealers, integrators and resellers aren’t just talking about integrating access control with video—they are doing it.

Card transactions, associated video and badging photos need to be viewed simultaneously, eliminating the need to access multiple systems or flip to alternate screens. Software applications can include integrated digital video management, visitor management and alarm monitoring. Hardware offerings can include standalone computer-managed locks as well as networked hardwired and wireless devices so that the customer has the right solution for every different type of environment.

Finding the solutions

To assure compatibility, the system must operate in multiple server environments, including Windows NT, 2000, 2003 and XP, and be OBDC and MDAC compliant. Its controllers need to provide multiple communications options and make decisions at the local level in case communication with the host is lost. All industry standard credential technologies must be supported as well as an unlimited number of card holders and devices. The system must also provide a seamless migration path so that end-users can upgrade their system as their security requirements expand, while being able to leave their existing databases and hardware intact.

There are multiple criteria when looking at the video side as well. The system should be able to associate video with both online and offline lock transactions and provide video Web-based remote capabilities. Video events should be searchable by various criteria including day, time, camera and alarm type, while providing instant access to stored video. Captured video must be able to be sent in various formats using mobile phones, PDAs and/or PCs to alert security personnel quickly.

Mobile video in vehicles should be compatible with various networks including cellular, wireless and mesh or LAN/WAN and provide simultaneous video recording and playback on all channels. The system should provide remote PTZ camera control and event driven recording, including pre- and post-alarm and video motion detection.

In the Richland (Calif.) School District, which includes three high schools, three middle schools and nine elementary schools, authorized individuals who enter a building outside of school hours must use a proximity card to unlock the door, then enter a security code inside the building within 60 seconds to disable an alarm. At the same time, the event gets recorded via digital video.