With today’s ever increasing security requirements, facilities need an easy, affordable way to implement access control at more openings. Many solutions offer just that, and your ability to bring this value to your customers will help set you apart from your competition.
Security professionals who install, program and service these locks must have the expertise required to do so. To ensure this, some manufacturers require training and certification to purchase and install electronic access control locks. Proper training ensures trouble-free installation, fewer return visits, and less time on site. The result is increased efficiency, and mostly importantly, satisfied customers.
One organization that has instituted this type of training requirement is ASSA ABLOY. Their divisions require security professionals to become Certified Integrators (CI) in order to sell, install and service Intelligent Openings products available from ASSA ABLOY Group brands Adams Rite, Corbin Russwin, HES, Medeco, SARGENT, and Yale. These products include IP-enabled PoE and Wi-Fi locks, Integrated Wiegand locks and Aperio™ wireless locking devices.
These technologies allow you to offer your customers the convenience of innovative electronic access control solutions. This includes remote monitoring and programming; the ability to add or delete users, configure alarms, monitor door status, and check battery condition. It also eliminates having to go to each lock to make programming changes or obtain the audit trail.
ASSA ABLOY IP-enabled locks are available wired as Power over Ethernet (PoE) or wireless using Wi-Fi network infrastructure. The open architecture Corbin Russwin and SARGENT IP-enabled locks integrate easily with existing network infrastructure and a broad range of third-party access control systems. PoE locks, the Corbin Russwin Access 700 PIP1, Corbin Russwin Access 800 IP1, SARGENT Profile Series v.S1 and the SARGENT Passport 1000 P1, can be integrated into a facility’s access control system using IEEE 802.3af PoE infrastructure. Wi-Fi locks, which include Corbin Russwin Access 700 PWI1, Corbin Russwin Access 800® WI1, SARGENT Profile Series v.S2 and the SARGENT Passport 1000 P2, connect to the system utilizing an IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi network. These PoE and Wi-Fi access control locks are available in cylindrical lock, mortise lock and exit device configurations.
ASSA ABLOY online, electromechanical locks and electric strikes are available with open-architecture products equipped with a Wiegand protocol reader. These wired products can be integrated into existing Wiegand compatible open-architecture access control systems.
Aperio is a less-wire wireless communication protocol that has been developed around open architecture standard IEEE 802.15.4. Aperio technology enables ASSA ABLOY electromechanical locks and devices (e.g., Medeco M100 Aperio eCylinders and Securitron R100 Aperio reader) to be connected into an access control system, utilizing local wireless communication between the lock and a communications hub, with wired communication between the hub and the access control panel. Aperio is available in a one lock to one hub configuration using Wiegand protocol to communicate to most access control systems, as well as, in an eight locks to one hub configuration using RS-485.
To become authorized to purchase and install the above products, a security professional must first be invited by an ASSA ABLOY representative to take the Certified Integrator program. To become for example, an IP Certified Integrator, a security professional must complete a number of courses offered through ASSA ABLOY Americas University. The curriculum includes IP Sales Cycle courses, Certified Integrator (CI) Electromechanical Solutions Installation, and CI IP-Enabled Products Systems & Software course.
ASSA ABLOY Sales Cycle courses focus on the understanding of product features, applications, model structure, and pricing. Included in the coursework are real-world exercises to prepare sales and customer service teams in the promotion and support of these products.
The CI Electromechanical Solutions Installation course covers door survey techniques, product selection review, door template usage, door modifications including door coring, ElectroLynx cable techniques, and electrified lock installation and testing.
The CI IP-Enabled Products Systems & Software course covers basic Ethernet networks, how to conduct an 802.11 wireless coverage site survey, system design, system integration, and how to configure, program and maintain an electronic access control system. These courses cover both Wi-Fi and Power over Ethernet (PoE) locks.
Jerry Levine, Locksmith Ledger Technology Editor, was invited to attend the Certified Integrator IP-Enabled Products Systems & Software course. Following are his comments on the class.
"Each participant is provided a Student Workbook for the designated course. The 26- page workbook has a course outline with goals and suggestions.
"The course begins by listing the goals that include teaching the student the skills to understand IP enabled Products, gathering the necessary information from an IT department for successful deployment. Entering information into the NCT program and utilizing the LCT program to upload the information to the locks. The final goal is to gain an understanding of the communication path and how to troubleshoot possible problems."
To provide this experience, training is provided for three ASSA ABLOY software tools: the Network Configuration Tool (NCT), the Lock Configuration Tool (LCT) and Lock Management Tool (LMT). These three Windows-based application software programs provide the basics for hands-on programming of the ASSA ABLOY IP-enabled locks. Each of these tools provides specific functionality and is used in order, beginning with NCT, then LCT and then LMT.
Important: The Lock Management Tool software program is designed specifically for training purposes and should not be used in place of a customers' access control system software. The LMT demonstrates basic IP lock programming in order to provide knowledge and experience using Wi-Fi.
The Network Configuration Tool software creates configuration files containing the network and lock parameters. These secure configuration files enable the lock (controller) to communicate. Using the NCT program, each lock is individually configured beginning with its serial number and MAC address.
The Lock Configuration Tool software allows the installer to program the network information into the lock using a supplied cable. The LCT provides the basic programming and setup with the electronic access control system. The software program verifies the identity of each lock's IP address and the connection to the host PC IP address. In addition, the LCT can reset the NVRAM in order to bring a lock back to factory default.
The Lock Management Tool software is a real-world utility that provides students with practical experience programming IP locks into an online EAC system. LMT enables students to control access on up to 25 doors equipped with Wi-Fi locks operating on wireless infrastructure. They can configure multiple user hierarchies including user groups, credentials, schedules, time zones, auto unlock periods, holidays, expiration dates and audit trails for all locks within the electronic access control system.
The LMT creates the database using the information. The information can be changed as personnel changes. Reports can be generated for most applications including providing information on access times attempted, those users given access and those denied access.
The LMT demonstrates basic IP lock programming in order to provide knowledge and experience using Wi-Fi. Completion of Sales Cycle courses and Certified Integrator IP-Enabled hands-on courses authorizes security professions to purchase, install and maintain the ASSA ABLOY IP-Enabled lock hardware.
The System Grid displays activities (transactions) as they are happening and alarm activity as they are logged into the transaction database. If for example, the Administrator clicks on a transaction, all information contained in the transaction is displayed.
"This hands-on one day course has the attendees wiring a Sargent Profile IP enabled lock connected to a laptop computer, which is loaded with the ASSA ABLOY software tools", said Jerry. "The practical portion of the IP class incorporates a floor plan whose rooms have different levels of security requirements. Information is entered into the computer and uploaded to the lock using the functions of the three software programs. The instructor explains the part each software program plays to create the electronic access control system."
Students who successful complete the training may apply for an account on the intelligentopenings.com website Partners Area before leaving the training. Once on the Web Site, students can register and take the online examine.
For more information regarding the classes available, go to www.assaabloyamericasuniversity.com
