When it comes to retrofitting an existing building to add access control to a door, time and cost are two of the first considerations. Today, however, reopening businesses in a manner that is safe for employees, visitors, and contractors is a top priority. Fortunately, adding door control to improve health and safety does not require running new wires throughout an entire structure. Wireless technology can be the answer to cost reduction, installation time reduction, and quickly getting back to work in a safe and secure workplace or institution.
While the components required at the door require wiring for power, longer runs of data cables to the central control system or to the wired IT network can often be avoided. Typically, a door will require a request to exit sensor (REX) and access card credential reader or keypad on one or both sides of the door depending on the security and accountability levels required. Additionally, a powered door lock system is installed inside or on the surface of the door. Data from the access control system can be sent through a wireless network device to the door, triggering a release of the door lock for authorized users or keeping the door locked if the credential is invalid.
Security of the data being sent wirelessly is critical as well. Using IT-friendly encryption and data security measures is paramount to keeping the facility and data secure. Data is fully encrypted using AES-128 communication (IEEE 802.15.4) to ensure secure, real-time authentication and alerting.
These secure, real-time wireless communications enable doors to be locked that historically have not been. For example, when a school is considering a reopening following the pandemic, teacher conference rooms or other common use areas may need to be cleaned between occupancy. Adding wireless access control to the door will enable school administrators to keep everyone out of a room until the room has been properly cleaned. This can be accomplished with schedules in the access control system or manually as the custodial department reports that the room is ready for the next use.
Healthcare facilities may now demand higher levels of movement restriction within their main campus or at offsite offices. This can keep patients or visitors from wandering into restricted areas which, prior to the pandemic, may have been perfectly fine to walk through. Additionally, rooms containing high-demand personal protective equipment or high-demand medication may require increased security measures. Deploying a wireless solution can enable administrators to deploy a door control solution quickly and efficiently while keeping implementation costs low, creating an new and affordable level of safety and security.
For 50 years, Pro-Tec Design has been consulting, designing, installing, and maintaining security solutions for well-known companies, cities, school districts, and healthcare organizations. We protect people, data, and assets, ensuring business continuity.