The Advantages of Integrated Access Control

There is a lot of talk in the security industry these days about integrated access control. While its well understood what access control is all about, what exactly is integrated access control, and what are the advantages of integration? We asked RFI Technical Sales Manager Greg Young to explain.

Integrator: Greg, what exactly does the integrated in integrated access control mean?

Greg Young (GY): It means that the days when access control was a distinct, standalone application are over. Access control is now directly connected with other systems such as video, visitor management, ID badging and other security and safety systems.

Integrator: Can you give an example of how this integration works?

GY: One of the most common integration touchpoints is access control and video. For instance, if a protected area is entered the access control system can automatically trigger a video camera and notify onsite or remote personnel to monitor the situation in real time.

Integrator: Does this capability also have an impact on reporting?

GY: Yes. Integrating access control with video surveillance means that a security manager can have a single, unified report that includes alarms and other events along with videos. This can greatly reduce the amount of time spent on investigations, reducing threats more quickly and lowering costs.

Integrator: Is there more to this than integration with other systems?

GY: Absolutely. Another very important aspect is integration with human resources databases. The HR database is usually the basis for identity management in an organization. This database can now be downloaded to the access control system. This means that the records are consistent between the two systems and the propensity for error is greatly reduced. And when an employee is terminated or reassigned, the access control system can be automatically updated by the HR system, reducing the risk that a terminated employee will still have access.

Integrator: It sounds like this capability could also translate to significant cost savings.

GY: No question about it. For instance, if the access control system relies on the maintenance of a non-integrated database, how much time does a database administrator have to spend keeping it current? If this employee is paid $30,000 a year and half that time is spent on access control database maintenance, $15,000 could be saved through integration. Multiply that by the number of standalone access control systems in the organization, and the payback period from that standpoint alone can be very short.

Integrator: What impact does this kind of integration capability have on organizations with facilities around the world?

GY: Its huge. Now instead of having to individually manage access control systems in each global facility separately, they can all be managed from a centralized location. This improves accuracy while lowering costs at the same time.

Integrator: Does integrating access control with other internal databases have any impact on compliance issues, like Sarbanes-Oxley?

GY: Yes it does. Having an integrated access control system can demonstrate that an organization has enhanced physical control over areas that contain sensitive data. They can show who has access or who could potentially access these areas. This can be important for auditing purposes and shows the organization is serious about due diligence and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.