Locking System Lets University Monitor Doors With Its Existing Third-Party Access Control Panels and Software
FORESTVILLE, CONN. - November
30, 2004 - IR Security & Safety Electronic Control Systems today announced
that California State University-Sacramento (CSU-S) is upgrading to Schlage
VIP (Value Integration Platform) locking systems, which let users monitor
door openings with their own existing, third party access control panels and
software. The VIP open architecture platform seamlessly connects the specially
designed door lock to a panel interface board (PIB) that connects to any present
access control panel.
Sacramento State is upgrading from offline, standalone Schlage Computer-Managed
(CM) offline locking systems to the new VIP locks, which are hardwired and
integrate smoothly into its existing Hirsch Electronics access control panels
and software. With the VIP locks, there is no need for separate components
or multiple manufacturers' products. Users access the VIP lock with either
magnetic stripe or HID proximity cards.
"Our main concern was labor-saving costs because you have to physically
visit each site to change lock configuration with the standalone locks,"
reports Lead Locksmith Steve Smith. "It's very labor intensive when you
get a lot of doors. We just don't have the labor to do that so we're migrating
upwards to hardwired systems."
With VIP locks, credential data and door status information required by the
access control panel, such as door position or request-to-exit status, are
passed via RS-485 communication from the lock to the panel via the PIB (Panel
Interface Board) provided with the locks. The access control panel maintains
control of the lock status and status indication on the VIP locks as it does
with present electric strike or electromagnetic locking systems. All monitoring
is captured at the remote monitoring station.
The university currently has several hundred offline locks installed on campus,
but intends to eventually replace them all with VIP locks. The first VIP upgrades
have been installed mainly on computer labs that are open to students 24 hours
a day, seven days a week.
"With the VIP locks, we can control them all from one central location,"
Smith continues. "The labor savings in the long run will make it a smart
and economical way to go."
Alarms Unlimited of Sacramento is performing the upgrade.
"I am very enthusiastic about the VIP locks," says Alarms Unlimited
of Sacramento owner Dave Bernard. "The locks work great and feedback
from the end users has also been very positive. They like the ability to manage
the locks from one location. Changes to the system now happen immediately."
About IR Security & Safety's Electronic Access Control Division
Since 1969, IR Security & Safety Electronic Control Systems has provided
premium electronic access control solutions, including electromagnetic locks,
monitoring consoles, electromechanical locks and strikes, electrical and electronic
exit devices, power supplies and controllers to security professionals and
their customers. Leading brands such as Recognition Systems, Schlage and Von
Duprin comprise IR Security and Safety Electronic Control Systems, which serves
an international clientele from its headquarters in Forestville, Conn. Phone
is 866-322-1237. The IR website is www.irco.com.
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