Advanced Integration for Access Control Systems

Access control systems provide a great benefit to both small and large facilities, and to a wide range of security needs, from retail to corrections. In smaller, commercial applications (like retail or corporate), the interest in security is usually as simple as controlling access to a few rooms based on a user’s permissions. All access control systems provide this level of control. However, in facilities that require more rigorous security, like a detention facility, security can be much more complex. In these facilities, administrators want to get more out of their access control system than simple door control. The MTI Embedded Controller Access Control System is unique in that it provides scalable, flexible control that extends beyond basic door control. In this article, I’d like to highlight three advanced integration ideas that showcase these capabilities.

Let There Be Light

Because the MTI Embedded Controller is a hybrid device – providing both PLC and Access Controller functionalities – the MTI Access Control System can control much more than just the doors in a facility. For one, the same I/O termination boards that are used to control the doors can also control utility circuits up to 6 amps per termination. Additionally, the MTI control system can interface with BacNet/IP devices to provide further control of utility devices.

So, imagine the possibilities with this level of control. If a user accesses a door, the system could immediately turn on the lights for that location. Or, perhaps the user is accessing an armory, and based on his user credentials, you want to be able to unlock certain firearm lockers. This is a real possibility with the MTI system.

Seeing Is Believing

Another relevant integration option is to integrate access control systems with video surveillance systems. The MTI system implements OnVIF Profile S for tight integration with IP-based video surveillance systems. So, in the case where an attempt to access an area is denied, the MTI Control System can be configured to immediately alert the control room operator and also pull up the video feed for the camera associated with that area. In a similar way, further integration activate the camera feed when anyone accesses a door. This is helpful where there is an evidence or property room, for example.

Automated Security Escalation

Facility protocols may dictate the need to lock down certain areas and prevent card access to those areas in the case of specific security events. The MTI system can be configured to raise the “threat level” based on field or user inputs. For example, the control room operator may have the option to press a button on the screen and disable all satellite control rooms. The administrator may want to extend that lock down to the access control system, disabling the doors for the areas associated with the satellite control rooms. With the MTI system, this can easily be configured.

Inputs from the field may dictate a lockdown situation for access control systems. A facility administrator might want to disable a control center based on an invalid card read. Or, the administrator may want to disable a set of card readers based on a duress alarm. The MTI system can be programmed to do these types of actions as well.

Conclusion

As stated earlier, because of the hybrid nature of the MTI Embedded Controller, providing for both logic programming and access control settings, the possibilities and complex, custom security control from our access control systems is a reality. To find out more about how you can integrate the MTI access control system into your facility’s security apparatus, contact our sales department at 800-392-8292.

January 18, 2019

Nathan Skipper