Thanks to the giant technological advancements we’ve seen in recent decades, multinational corporations and small businesses alike are revamping their security and management processes with integrated solutions. Cloud access control systems like ProdataKey (PDK) often exist within a broader ecosystem, connecting with other platforms to create a seamless user experience and transform overall security. Here are five security products that are a no-brainer to integrate with your cloud access control system.
1. Video Management Systems (VMS)
Video Management Systems (VMS) are one of the most popular cloud access control integrations. Integrating VMS with access control allows system administrators to manage and monitor both platforms simultaneously under a single pane of glass.
“The user can use the VMS software to view access events and even be able to unlock and lock doors all from a single interface,”
David Jones, PDK Software Integrations Team Lead.
“All their day-to-day operations can all happen in one place.” Instead of dealing with multiple separate systems, customers enjoy a unified experience that, at the same time, improves security.
Benefits:
Simplified Management: By integrating VMS with access control, view live video feeds and footage alongside access activity logs through a unified dashboard. Automatically tag and bookmark access events for later review.
Trigger Access Events: System administrators can lock, unlock, and initiate system lockdowns from the integrated VMS software. Visually verify access events in real-time and swiftly respond to incidents.
Popular PDK + VMS Integrations
Spot AI
2. Intrusion Detection
Intrusion detection systems or burglar alarms detect unauthorized building entry. Integration links communication between the access control system and the alarm panel, delivering practical tools that make the day-to-day for users more convenient and secure. “The main goal of integrations is to add value to what the dealer is bringing to the customer,” explains Jones. Staff and other users can use their access credentials to arm and disarm the intrusion system, eliminating manual PIN entry and improving system monitoring.
Benefits:
Enhanced Monitoring: Instead of using generic or unique PINs for every user, which are challenging to manage, scanning an authorized access credential will automatically arm or disarm the intrusion system. Administrators can find detailed logs of access, disarming, and arming events to monitor activity.
Advanced Security: Integration teams can configure the system to automatically lockdown secured doors, alert security personnel, or bookmark VMS footage if the intrusion alarm is triggered to prevent further unauthorized activity.
Reduce False Alarms: Integrating access control with burg systems reduces false alarms caused by forgotten codes or not making it to the panel on time, saving critical first responders time and resources.
Popular PDK + Intrusion Integrations
Honeywell
Qolsys
3. Visitor Management Systems
Visitor Management Systems are used in various organizations ranging from senior living communities to healthcare facilities, schools, and more. They simplify registering and managing visitors, vastly reducing manual workloads and man-hours for teams. Combining visitor management with access control further automates these processes with custom badge printing, synchronized user databases, and advanced reporting. Jones points out, “Running two isolated systems means spending more time and energy on management.” Unifying the two systems can significantly reduce staffing costs for organizations.
Benefits:
Visitor Screenings: Integrated access and visitor management ensure all guests complete required check-in procedures before entry, especially critical for high-risk environments like campuses or medical centers.
Instant Guest Passes: Visitors can complete screening processes before getting to the property. After the screening, they receive their authorized guest credentials and present it upon their arrival, eliminating the need to employ check-in staff.
Business Automation: Businesses can simplify their operations by automating time and attendance, payroll, and badge printing processes.
Popular PDK + Visitor Management Integrations
4. Wireless Locksets
Wireless locksets offer a simplified and scalable solution for securing access points for any kind of facility, but especially for residential complexes. Integrating wireless locksets with cloud access systems allows administrators to configure and remotely manage all devices through the access control software. “It allows the dealer to create that package of products and services that they can present to the customer,” Jones explains. The integration also makes systems more scalable, reducing costly wire runs and ultimately delivering a more cost-effective solution to customers.
Benefits:
Remote Management: System administrators and integrators can issue and deactivate credentials, assign users to groups, monitor activity, and more, whether on-site or on-the-go, for ultimate control over their properties.
Scalability: By connecting wireless locksets and cloud access control, integration teams can reduce labor costs and avoid cabling to various entryways, including entryways, cabinets, and server racks.
Popular PDK + Wireless Lockset Integrations
5. Video Intercom Systems
Plenty of properties deploy video intercom systems at their front entryways to facilitate communication and verify the identity of vendors and guests. Multi-family residences, student housing, co-working spaces, and more can leverage integrated intercom and access control solutions to boost their ability to remotely manage access.
“Customers really want a single unified experience. The main goal of integration is to give the dealer lots of different avenues to close a sale,”
David Jones
Staff and residents can verify the identity of guests through live video streams and instantly unlock the door. Some solutions, like My Door View, even eliminate physical intercom units altogether, instead operating simply through a mobile app.
Benefits:
Simplified Property Management: Synchronized user databases between cloud access and video intercom software simplify system programming and management over thousands of tenants, creating a smarter community experience.
Digital Keys: Tenants can conveniently send verified guests or vendors temporary access credentials from anywhere in the world and verify their activity with detailed access logs.
Popular PDK + Video Intercom Integrations
To conclude, integrating cloud access control with other high-quality security platforms creates truly comprehensive solutions for customers and added value for dealers. Video management systems, burglar alarms, visitor management solutions, wireless locksets, and video intercoms each bring distinct benefits that, when combined, create end-to-end security and management solutions for any application. In today’s technology-driven world, where users expect a packaged, streamlined experience, leveraging these integrations is critical for modern organizations.
