Initially, a customer needed credential-based security for a single front door, but this customer knew that relocating and expanding the operation was imminent. The Schlage CM Series of standalone units and the iButton credential presented the features this customer wanted. To begin with, it was scalable and standalone. It did not require any network wiring. The unit essentially bolted onto the door, and the company’s IT department easily mastered the LockLink Express software.
Additionally, the iButtons were a convenient and extremely robust credential solution. This high tech company was familiar with the Dallas chip design, and heartily endorsed it.
Later the company moved into larger quarters, occupying half of an existing multistory brick building. A variety of doors and architectural features in the structure provided challenges to secure. Fortunately, access control was pretty easy since we started by relocating the CM lock from the old location to the new location, then built upon that foundation and the existing LockLink Express user database with additional doors.
Some of the doors were perfectly suited for CM standalones, but as we described in a January 2005 Locksmith Ledger article, the front door of the premises was not suitable for a CM standalone, so we went with a different locking arrangement, a CT-1000 controller, managed under the same database, same programming steps, same credentials; just locking hardware custom tailored for a somewhat weathered storefront.
The success of this installation and the client’s satisfaction was even more apparent when they called us back last month after they had taken over the rest of the building, and told us to do our stuff on their newly annexed exterior door.
This door was actually a pair of steel doors which had been adorned with a plethora of electric hardware, all of which had passed over into the non-functional category. It was all junk, improperly installed, and not worth reviving.
We went with a similar setup as we did on the first door. We used an exit device with electrically actuated Fail-Secure lever trim, and a CT-1000 controller.
We put the CT-1000 controller into a Locknetics power supply enclosure. This configuration is available from Locknetics, or the power supply and the CT-1000 can be obtained as separate enclosures, if that better suits your installation.
The CT-1000 is as tough as nails, and easy to deploy and easy to service as well.
Let’s be honest; stuff will happen, and shortly after we completed our installation, we were called back because there was a glitch in the CT-1000’s operation. We blamed the electricians, but who really knows? Sure it’s a locked cabinet, but the client requested to have possession of the key.
The point is that we were able to get an advanced warranty replacement from Locknetics cheerful and efficient Customer Service Department with a single phone call. No problem.
Details on the CM System
Locknetics on Board is a standalone system, controlled by LockLink software that manages multiple access points, users and credentials. Computer-managed products include Schlage CM door locks, Von Duprin CM Exit Trim, Locknetics access controllers and credential readers and Recognitions Systems CM biometric HandReaders.
CM locks from Schlage are computer managed, standalone locking systems that are designed for robust, flexible access control in both retrofit and new construction installations. Schlage CM standalone locks provide many of the features of an online access control system, but without the heavy investment associated with networked systems.
Schlage CM locks are available in cylindrical, mortise latch, mortise AutoBolt® and even unit lock designs and powered by four standard “AA” alkaline batteries. The four “AA” batteries, on average, provide greater than two years of battery-life, virtually eliminating maintenance issues. CM locks utilize standard ANSI cylindrical door preps with minor modifications. Installation is simple and quick. The locks are also available with a hardwired option for high use or extremely cold climates.
The modular CM locking systems manage up to 1,000 users and also provide audit trails for the last 1,000 events at each door where a CM lock is installed. Users have many of the benefits of an online system without the expense of installing network and power wiring
The LockLink 7.0 Software application lets users seamlessly manage both offline and online access control solutions available from IR Security & Safety.
LockLink and LockLink Express provide easy addition and deletion of users, determine which users can have access to specific doors at specific times throughout the day, and download recorded audit events of who has been through the door and when.
The system operator can easily control both users and access points based on time of day, day of week, credential needed and/or period of time.
IR Security & Safety advises that low security openings in an existing structure are best equipped with offline, battery-powered locksets as an appropriate access control solution. High security, perimeter, or high traffic openings are best equipped with online, hard-wired access control solutions, and LockLink 7.0 supports both.
In addition to managing the variety of offline and online products available from IR Security & Safety, LockLink 7.0 also manages a variety of credentials including hand geometry (biometric), HID proximity, magnetic stripe card and iButton. Access level may be tailored to credential-only, credential with PIN, or PIN only. With CM locking systems, these different credential types can be used within the facility. The best or most cost effective/convenient type of front-end solution can be selected for each opening without adding complexity to the system.
With a laptop or PDA, the administrator can download programming information within seconds from LockLink or LockLink Express to the opening.
With its client/server architecture, LockLink 7.0 lets various workstations across a facility to participate in the management and administration of the system.
CM Features
- Can maintain up to 1,000 users per locks
- Stores the last 1,000 events at each lock
- Credentials can be programmed to perform a variety of functions:
- Momentary access
- Maintained or “toggled” access
- Pass thru or “VIP” access
- One-time use for visitors, or contract maintenance workers
CM Time Functionality Features:
- Time Zones limit the hours and days a user can access assigned doors, preventing unauthorized or unwanted personnel in a facility or area at off-hours.
- Override Periods restrict access during periods such as holidays, shutdowns or vacations.
- Auto Unlocking and Relocking allows weekly repeating, automatic locking and unlocking of access doors.
- First Person In requires that an authorized credential be presented prior to an auto unlock, so a facility does not open during inclement weather, etc., with no one present.
- Time Activation and Deactivation means credentials can be programmed to start and stop working by date and time.
CM Installation/Physical Security Features
- Electronics on secure side of door
- Credential reader and keypad models available with linked access – credential + PIN – for higher security applications
- Emergency key override with optional audit trail
- Auto-card update feature on magnetic stripe card reader models – disables lost or stolen card when the reissued card is presented at the lock
Locknetics CT1000 and CT500 Universal Controllers
Provide access control solutions for doors secured with electrified locking devices such as electrified trim, electric strikes and electromagnetic locks. These controllers are managed by LockLink® and LockLink® Express software, so the same software that programs CT1000 and CT500 Universal controllers can also manage door and perimeter access trim locking systems. This allows management of multiple opening types and facilities under one system.
Universal controllers are standalone, hardwired access controllers that can operate on 12/24 VAC/VDC. HID proximity, magnetic stripe cards, iButtons and PIN codes with linked access (prox + PIN, mag + PIN, iButton + PIN) are supported by the controller.
Again, since no network wiring is required, installation is quick and easy
CT1000 units provide 1000 user and 1000 audit trail events with SmarTime™ capability. CT500 units provide 500 user capability with audit trail event tracking. Universal controllers can be programmed and audited by the offline interface ports on the various reader and keypad models available from Locknetics.
CT 1000 Features
- CT1000 can maintain up to 1000 cardholders and store the last 1000 audit events at each opening
- CT500 can maintain up to 500 cardholders, and store the last 500 audit events at each opening
- Credentials can be programmed to perform a variety of functions:
- Momentary access
- Maintained or “toggled” access
- Pass thru or “VIP” access
- One-time use for visitors, or contract maintenance workers
Time Functionality – CT1000 only
- Time Zones limit the hours and days a user can access assigned doors, preventing unauthorized or unwanted personnel in a facility or area at off-hours.
- Override Periods restrict access during periods such as holidays, shutdowns or vacations.
- Auto Unlocking and Relocking allows weekly repeating, automatic locking and unlocking of access doors.
- First Person In requires that an authorized credential be presented prior to an auto unlock, so a facility does not open during inclement weather, etc., with no one present.
- Time Activation and Deactivation means credentials can be programmed to start and stop working by date and time.
- Credential reader and keypad models available which provide linked access – credential + PIN – for higher security applications.
- Auto-card update feature on magnetic stripe card reader models – disables lost or stolen card when the reissued card is presented at the lock.
Software
LockLink Express is an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use access control management software that serves the needs of the smaller access control system. LockLink Express is recommended for facilities with under 500 users and/or 1,000 access points. As a member of the LockLink family of software, LockLink Express is easily upgradable.
LockLink access control management software is designed for the medium to larger access control system. LockLink can manage a campus or a facility with virtually unlimited users and unlimited access points.
