Security Sales & Integration May 2022 - 47

able. Among those, freedom of choice, seamless
experience, cost and availability top the list.
As mentioned above, if a campus chooses
to implement a proprietary system, they are
locked into the downstream devices and technology
that the single manufacturer supports.
However, the interoperable solution puts the
power into the hands of the campus, as they
are not tied to working with a single manufacturer
or the companies affiliated with it. Each
campus has a unique set of needs and circumstances.
Having the freedom to build an ecosystem
that aligns best to those creates a better
overall experience.
Building the system using open technologies
increases the possibilities for creating a modern
seamless access experience for the residents, staff
and faculty. The more touchpoints in a student's
routine that can be accessed with the same credential,
the better. Creating such an experience
requires integrations of various devices. And the
ability to construct the ideal solution becomes
easier if the campus has limitless options offered
by a variety of manufacturers.
Long-term financial dependence should be
a consideration when selecting an access control
solution. As the system grows and evolves,
so does the number of integrations. Open, interoperable
systems reduce the leverage a manufacturer
has to dictate costs.
Lastly, in times when the supply chain is
strained, implementing an open system frees
the campus up for incorporating technologies
and devices across multiple manufacturers and
distributors. Because of this freedom, they will
be able to better buffer and withstand availability
and delivery setbacks.
Degrees of Device Compatibility
A lot of technologies out there today are said to
be interoperable. With that said, there are varying
degrees of propriety. Consider whether or
not cards and credentials can be sourced from
one manufacturer or multiple manufacturers.
Even if these credentials can be sourced by multiple
distributors, that doesn't necessarily mean
they can be sourced by multiple manufacturers.
A single manufacturer controls pricing, capacity
and deliverability. Sourcing technology that
works with multiple manufacturers gives the
campus freedom and leverage.
Another thing to consider when assessing
interoperability is the number of technology
partners using the specified or desired
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MAY 2022 Security Sales & Integration 47
technology. Does it integrate with just a few
partners, hundreds or thousands? These are
the downstream devices that an integrator
will have at their disposal when building the
broader ecosystem.
Read the fine print. Integrators should carefully
evaluate statements indicating interoperability
so they fully understand the campus card options.
A credential is not interoperable if it only works
within one manufacturer's reader and locks portfolio.
A fully interoperable solution works across
multiple manufacturers' product lines.
Solutions Stay Secure
At the core of any access control system lies security.
Regardless of convenience, or number
of potential integrations, keeping people and
places safe and secure is the foundation. An
open system does not mean it lacks security or
that it is less safe than a proprietary solution.
Rather quite the contrary.
While the data structure and key diversification
methodologies are widely known, the data
and secure information remain protected using
Building an access control
system using open
technologies increases the
possibilities for creating a
modern seamless access
experience for the residents,
staff and faculty.
COURTESY OF ALLEGION
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