Developing And Implementing An Emergency Lockdown Plan

Secondly, lockdowns have everything to do with the wireless technology being deployed. This issue is major with wireless access control. Usually, with WiFi, access control decisions are downloaded by the host into the lock 5-6 times per day versus 5-6 times per hour with 900 MHz solutions, a 10-minute heartbeat.

Access control decisions may also be managed within the locks (as is the case with offline locks) to minimize communication from the lock to the host and conserve batteries. However, such limited (non-online) connectivity with the host limits the locks’ ability to receive urgent commands from the host. For instance, even with a 900 MHz platform, a direction to immediately lock down could be ignored for 10-plus minutes.

However, with new modular locks (AD-Series), a “wake up on radio” feature works in parallel with the 10-minute heartbeat. Without waking up the entire lock, it listens for complementary commands every one to ten seconds and responds. Thus, ten seconds is the longest it will take to initiate lockdown.

E-Plex® Wireless Lockdown

Because emergency response plans being a top priority for many, Kaba Access Control has incorporated multiple lockdown options in its E-Plex® Wireless Access Control System.

From the Dashboard, users can centrally manage lock commands such as remote unlock, passage, and emergency lockdown. The system’s lockdown choices suit virtually any site and include global, door group, or single door lockdown. In addition, lockdown can be executed right at a door, providing instantaneous and convenient security.

According to Rick Shuford, CRL and Kaba’s product trainer, “We designed the E-Plex Wireless System with emergency commands to help organizations deal with readiness and response in the event of a threat or crisis. Kaba’s System Lockdown provides security directors, facility managers, and staff the flexibility to address immediate needs when they occur on campus.”

In addition, the E-Plex Wireless System requires no wires, conduit runs, access panels, or trenching/drilling. Entire properties, including remote buildings, can be joined to the E-Plex Wireless System without installation hassles and extensive costs.