Controlsoft’s head office in the United Kingdom recently launched its new Identity Access software platform. With best-of-breed brand partners including HID (readers, credentials and Fargo card printers), Allegion (hand reader), Safran Morpho (fingerprint readers), Third Millennium (readers) and Iris ID (iris readers), Identity Access is aligned to offer quality access solutions.
Hilary Dredge, senior executive at Controlsoft, explains that the company is focused on becoming the go-to resource for quality access solutions that will capture the imagination of both integrators and end users alike. The Mobile Access Solution from HID has already been installed in a number of sites where the mobile credentials are now processed directly from Identity Access.
Controlsoft has also released a new door controller, the i-Net Intelligent Door Controller. It consists of a single board solution for interfacing one or two doors to an Identity Access system. It can also be linked to other i-Net controllers, reader expansion boards and RS-485 readers via the i-Net’s RS-485 port.
Identity Access
Controlsoft’s new software Identity Access has captured the attention of major players in the construction industry including property investment companies, consulting engineers and solution integrators where the project is being put through its paces with resounding success. Dredge says Identity Access has been written from scratch to make the installation, configuration and maintenance of access control as straightforward as possible, as well as much faster, providing end users with simple system management. The company is on a drive to certify its installers and systems integrators on the new software in readiness for the growing demand.
Identity Access runs on a Windows platform and is designed to make setting up or changing IP-based door access control simple, if not automatic. For example, when installing a new solution, the software will scan the network for all IP-based readers and controllers and add them automatically. The process can also be done manually, with an intelligent rules-based system determining what may be added or connected to what.
The administrator will only have to name the various components appropriately and enter the users’ details. Users can be entered and managed individually, or they can be assigned to groups, such as 'sales department', which all have access to the same areas.
A neat feature of the software is that IP readers (such as Morpho’s fingerprint readers) can be connected to Identity Access without a controller and managed along with the rest of the access control infrastructure. It also integrates HID’s mobile access readers and credentials seamlessly into the platform. While it may have had a slow start, Dredge notes that mobile access solutions are rapidly growing as more people realise that the technology is a reality and is currently being installed on a global basis.
The software provides real-time statistics of all readers and controllers it manages, as well as which cards have badged in and out of which doors (or which virtual ID credentials, fingerprints or PINs have been used). It allows users to set real-time alarms to notify operators of any conditions, such as a door being used after hours. An audit trail is also recorded to ensure all activity in the software is recorded to prevent operators from allowing unauthorised people in the building or issuing cards they shouldn’t.
Identity Access is downloadable for free, however, to access certain functionality you will need to purchase the professional version. The software offers a range of wizards to simplify the installation and maintenance of access solutions and allow users to customise data capture fields to their requirements.
Identity Access also allows administrators to set rules for when access should be granted or not, or to ensure that doors are always open at specific times. For example, at a repair centre, employees will have to badge in before 8 am, but after 8 am the doors can be set to open to allow customers free access.
Controlsoft is currently offering free Identity Access Certification courses and welcomes the registration of new integrators. In addition, free pre installation set-up as well as onsite support is available and if required, the company offers end user software support and training.
In the process of growing its South African office, Controlsoft is adding key personnel to assist in their business development and exposure. Recently appointed business development manager, Marilize Munroe just returned from a visit to the UK where she received one on one training from Controlsoft, as well as HID, Fargo, Safran Morpho and ASSA ABLOY.
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