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Saflec access control system

Saflec System's flagship access control program called SACS, developed entirely in South Africa, supports small sites of up to 12 doors using the SACS Standard Edition software (included in the price of the access controllers) and larger sites using the newly developed SACS Corporate Edition. The SACS system is primarily an offline system, which means that all access control decisions are made at the controller so a PC is not necessary for day-to-day operation. The controller has full battery backup so that access will continue as normal at the doors even when the power goes down. Even though the design of the package is offline, it is also possible to have many of the online capabilities and site-specific customisations required in today's market.

SACS Corporate Edition software provides useful tools for larger sites including tag holder list filtering and quick searches. Other useful management tools include:

* On-the-fly configuration, the technology whereby the hardware configuration is created in a continuous flow with a minimum of time waste.

* Multiple site based permissions with central management.

* Graphical access event display with a large graphical control library - each device with its own automatic state display.

* Advanced event and action controls.

* Simple event based alarm management with more advanced functions planned for future release.

* Reader monitoring functions with filtered views and optional photograph displays.

* The most recent access transactions for an individual are displayed on the Tag Holder properties page without having to run reports.

* Flexible event model for integration with CCTV matrixes or anything with a public access protocol supporting RS232 or TCP/IP.

* An extension interface is provided for PC-based access control overrides or advanced device control.

* Easy firmware upgrades for future feature additions.

* Flexible time and attendance export program for integration with third-party software.

Personnel data administration (PDA) is a user-friendly package designed for tag holder information capture with security or reception desk operators in mind. The easily customised wizard-based system is also able to print cards with captured photographs, barcodes and formatted text to any standard card printer.

The Corporate Edition also supports Sagem fingerprint readers through tight integration with the CWBio software from Clockwatch Distribution. All take-on of fingerprints is done within the SACS program, so that users are presented with a constant interface, and only need to be trained on one system.

Hardware layout and design is made easy by using Saflec System's TCP/IP and memory expansion boards, Fibre-optic converters, RS232 to RS485 converters and remote I/O units. Third-party devices such as radio modems have also been successfully used which greatly simplifies cabling across larger sites. Due to the flexible connectivity options it is possible to run several sites independently of each other over a TCP/IP WAN with all transactions being stored on a central database for easy management.

All hardware and software is developed and manufactured in South Africa, ensuring an excellent back-up support structure on all equipment, and decreasing foreign exchange related pricing concerns.

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