Access control systems have come a long way in the last ten years. The improvement of random access memory has allowed control panels to keep tons of information on board (so active or dial up connections to control servers are not necessary for every check). The convergence of digital video systems, ID management, personnel databases, and other features has greatly expanded your options. Smart Cards and biometric access integration has made it much more secure and access control companies have finally realized how important a smooth graphic user interface (GUI) is.In fact, as I was working on security for a concept and research "smart house" recently I actually suggested that they use a security access control system as their central automation and control nerve center. There are other "building automation" packages out there, but with a little creativity you can kill 10 birds with one stone using access control systems.
But - some-thing's been missing. And I'm sure once everyone gets back from ISC West it will be all the rage.
How about, configuring standard roles and privilege information - writing them into the locking devices - and using smart cards with the information stored on board to authenticate? Yeah - that's right - you wouldn't even have to wire the door to a control panel. That means you can easily add that one or two door location to your system without putting an expensive control panel on site. That means you can retrofit dorms with hundreds of doors without running new wire through historic buildings. That means - we've got a breakthrough ladies and gentleman.
I just wish it was my idea!
