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Post-pandemic access control features

Paxton launched COVID-specific features as a result of the pandemic for its Net2 and Paxton10 security systems. These features were well received at the time and continue to have real-world uses that can benefit building managers internationally.

Paxton introduced occupancy management and checkpoint control for its Net2 access control system in 2020. Both features support the managing of people flow around a building to reduce the risk of viral spread in a populated area.

Occupancy management allows facility managers to limit the number of people in a selected area; by either barring access or sending a notification to the building manager when a space nears full capacity. Checkpoint control can help users remain in a place before being granted access through a checkpoint. The features can integrate with thermal scanning hardware to identify whether an individual has a high temperature.

Steve Rowlands, Paxton’s divisional director of product management, explains: “These features are still useful now that social restrictions are behind us. Occupancy management can integrate with triggers and actions for an automated experience. Using the features together, the system can automatically trigger an action when the occupancy level reaches a set number – for example, to turn off an appliance such as lights or air conditioning when the occupancy level reaches zero in a designated area.

“Checkpoint control allows site managers to verify a visitor’s or employee’s identity before granting access. This is an efficient feature to restrict access at a reception area or building entrance. This can help ensure safety of the people and assets at a building.”

Paxton Key

The Paxton Key app for Paxton10 is another product that was useful during the pandemic. It allows site managers to send visitors access permissions to a building virtually, within seconds. The users can use their smartphones or smartwatches as electronic tokens, which Paxton refers to as smart credentials. This means that in-person contact is not necessary, and it can limit the number of touchpoints when navigating a site.

Rowlands says: “Paxton Key is a feature of Paxton10 and suits the needs of building managers and users in a modern environment. The free Bluetooth smart credentials in Paxton10 can replace electronic tokens or traditional keys, which can help keep germs at bay and save costs if the site expands or needs to change locks.”

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