Door Held Open Alert

What is a Door Held Open Alert?

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A door held open alert is a security system that sends a warning when a door is left open for longer than a programmed time, even if it was opened legitimately. It is a component of access control systems designed to prevent security risks, such as unauthorized entry or the risk of intrusion in sensitive areas like server rooms, by notifying designated personnel. Integrating with a video system to capture an image or video clip of the event.

Even if your employees use the correct credentials to gain access to restricted areas, holding or propping the door open can create a security risk. This is why Door Held Open Alerts were created. This feature is part of an advanced physical access control system.

With this feature, when a door is held open longer than a preset time, an alert will be sent to either a designated responsible party or a monitoring center which will alert a list of contacts.

With integration into a video surveillance system, a Door Held Open Alert can also automatically send an image or video clip from the security cameras nearest the door that caused the alert.  It combines a physical access control sensor with cameras, so if someone props a door open, an alert is sent to security personnel, and the system automatically records the incident for later review. 

How it works

·        Sensing the door state: A sensor, often a magnetic contact sensor, is used to detect when the door is open or closed.

·        Timing the duration: The system is programmed with a specific "held open" time. When the door is opened, the timer starts.

·        Triggering the alert: If the door remains open past the preset time limit, the system triggers an alert.

·        Sending the notification: The alert can be a siren, a chime, a light, or a notification sent to a security team or a monitoring center.

·        Integrated security: For enhanced security, the alert can also trigger the capture of a video clip from a nearby camera to provide a visual record of the event.

·        Integration with video: When the alarm is triggered, the connected video surveillance system automatically records or takes a snapshot from the camera nearest the door.

·        Notification: The alert, along with the associated video evidence, is sent to a security monitoring center, a designated responsible party, or a list of contacts.

What happens when an alert is triggered

·        An alert is sent to a designated party, such as security personnel or a monitoring center.

·        The alert can be a visual cue, an audible alarm, or a notification sent to a smartphone.

·        The system can be configured to automatically send a video clip from nearby cameras along with the alert.

·        The alert can be reset once the door is properly closed.

Why it is important

·        Prevents unauthorized access: It stops people from propping a door open after they've used their credential to enter a secure area.

·        Enhances security: It helps monitor critical areas like server rooms or security offices to prevent intrusion.

·        Can be integrated with other systems: It can be combined with video surveillance for a more comprehensive security response. 

Why it's used

·        Preventing security breaches: It stops people from propping doors open for unauthorized access, which is a common security risk.

·        Monitoring critical areas: It is particularly useful for securing sensitive areas like server rooms, labs, or restricted zones, where unauthorized access is a major concern.

·        Providing evidence: The video recording serves as evidence for security investigations.

·        Automating security: It automates the process of monitoring and responding to a potential security issue, reducing the need for constant manual surveillance. 

Door Open Too Long Alarm

A "door open too long alarm" is a system that alerts you if a door is left ajar for a set period, and it can be implemented with simple magnetic sensors for home use or more advanced systems for commercial applications. These alarms can be wireless, battery-powered, or wired, and some offer features like app notifications, different alarm modes, and adjustable time delays. 

Types of door open too long alarms:

·        Simple magnetic sensors: These are often battery-powered and easy to install with adhesive. They trigger an alarm when the two magnetic parts of the sensor are separated for too long. 

·        Wired alarms: These are typically used for commercial and industrial applications and are connected to a power source and control panel. 

·        Smart/Wi-Fi alarms: These connect to your home network and can send real-time alerts to your smartphone via an app. Some are hub-less and compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Features and functions:

·        Adjustable time delay: Many alarms allow you to set how long the door must be open before the alarm triggers, with some adjustable from seconds to minutes. 

·        Multiple alarm modes: Some systems have different settings, such as a simple alarm that stops when the door closes, a doorbell mode, or a door closing reminder. 

·        App and remote notifications: Smart alarms can provide instant alerts to your phone, which is useful for monitoring doors remotely. 

·        High-decibel sirens: Many alarms include a loud siren to deter intruders or to get the attention of people in the building. 

·        Indicator lights: Some commercial systems may include a visual indicator, such as a flashing red LED strobe, in addition to an audible buzzer. 

Applications:

·        Home security: Prevents doors from being left open for extended periods, which can be useful for security, child safety, or keeping pets from sneaking out. 

·        Commercial security: Monitors critical areas like server rooms, conference rooms, or storage areas, and can be integrated with card reader systems. 

·        Industrial settings: Wired alarms are often used for industrial doors and are designed to withstand harsh environments. 

·        Refrigerator alarms: Small, battery-powered alarms with a short delay can be used to remind you to close the refrigerator door.

How to choose an alarm:

·        The environment: A simple magnetic sensor might be enough for a home, while a wired or commercial system may be better for a business. 

·        Connectivity: Choose between a simple standalone alarm or a smart alarm that connects to Wi-Fi and sends app notifications. 

·        Features: Decide if you need adjustable delays, multiple modes, or a specific decibel level. 

Purpose of Door Alarm Monitoring

Most businesses and organizations use some form of card access control system to control entry into their buildings and other facilities. These systems allow authorized employees to conveniently enter through secured doors without needing to use a key.

In addition to controlling access, most card access control systems also provide a door alarm monitoring feature. The purpose of door alarm monitoring is to detect improper use of the card access controlled door. Two types of door monitoring are commonly provided:

"Door-Forced-Open" Monitoring

In the event that any card reader door is opened from outside without the use of a valid access card, the system will cause a "Door-Forced-Open" (DFO) condition to occur. For example, if an intruder were to pry the door open from the outside, this would cause a DFO condition to occur.

"Door-Open-Too-Long" Monitoring

In the event that any card reader door is propped or held open, the system will cause a "Door-Open-Too-Long" (OTL) condition to occur. For example, if an employee were to wedge a door open, this would cause a OTL condition to occur.

In most cases, the access control system is designed so that a security monitoring center is notified whenever a DFO or OTL condition occurs, allowing an appropriate security response to be made. In some cases this may involve dispatching a security officer to the door to investigate; in other cases, an employee working near the door may be called and asked to see what is going on at the door. If the facility has a video surveillance system, the monitoring center may also use a video camera to observe activity at the door.

The Problem

Unfortunately, the door alarm monitoring feature is a major source of of grief at many facilities. The problem: false DFO alarms. In most cases, these false alarms occur even though employees have done nothing wrong; they simply used the access controlled door in normal manner, yet the system triggered a false DFO alarm. In larger facilities, this can occur hundreds or even thousands of times per day. These alarms can flood the security monitoring center, overwhelming the monitoring staff.

Eventually, monitoring staff may become complacent about DFO alarms, or choose to ignore them completely. At some facilities, false DFO alarms can be such a problem that management becomes frustrated, and chooses to permanently disable the door alarm monitoring feature. Neither of these responses is appropriate as they decrease the overall level of security at the facility and turn the access control system into just an electronic locking system.

Is There a Solution?

Many end-users (and even security systems integrators) have come to accept the false DFO problem as unsolvable. These people have given up on trying to find a solution and consider false DFO alarms to be a fact of life when using a access control system.

Is there a solution? Yes! While false DFO alarms can never be entirely eliminated, Silva Consultants believes that they can be reduced by 95% or more through effective system design.

At facilities that already have systems installed, modifications can be made to existing equipment that will eliminate most false DFO alarms. Fixing false DFO problems on existing systems requires work, but can be done with some knowledge of basic design principles and a little patience.

How Door Monitoring Works

Before discussing specific solutions to the false DFO problem, it is helpful to understand how the door monitoring feature works on the typical access control system.

The typical access controlled door has the following devices:

·        Card reader on outside (non-secured) side of door. Common types of card readers include proximity readers, smartcard readers, and magnetic stripe readers.

·        Request-to-exit (REX) / Egress Switch device on inside (secured) side of door. Common types of REX devices include REX motion detectors, REX switches in lock hardware, and manual REX buttons.

·        Electric lock hardware. Common types of electric lock hardware include electric strikes, electric locks, and electromagnetic locks.

·        Door position switch. The most common type of door position switch is the magnetic contact switch.

All of the devices at the door are connected to the access control system, usually through some type of intelligent control panel which may be located at the door, or in a nearby electrical closet.

Here is how the access control system door monitoring feature works:

Entering through the door from the outside:

When a user presents his or her card at the card reader, the reader sends a signal to the access control system. If the card is valid, the access control systems sends a signal back to the electric lock hardware, causing the door to unlock. As the user opens the door, the door position switch sends a signal to the access control system, but because a valid card has just been used at the reader, the access control system does not cause a DFO alarm to occur.

Exiting through the door from the inside:

When a user approaches the door to exit, he or she activates the REX device. In the case of a REX motion detector, this occurs when the user steps into the detector's coverage area. In the case of a REX switch inside of hardware, this occurs when the user turns the door handle or presses the exit bar. When using a manual REX button, this occurs when the user presses the button to leave. As the user opens the door, the door position switch sends a signal to the access control system, but because a REX device was just activated, the access control system does not cause a DFO alarm to occur.

If an access controlled door is opened without either the use of a valid access card or the activation of a REX device, a door-forced-open (DFO) alarm will occur. This occurs because the access control system has received a signal from the door position switch telling it that the door has been opened, and without having received a previous signal from either the card reader or REX device, it assumes that the door is being forced open.

So, in summary, if a door is opened without using either the card reader or activating a REX device, a DFO alarm will occur.

Common Causes of False DFO Alarms

The following are some common causes of false DFO alarms:

Improper REX Motion Detector Coverage

REX motion detectors need to detect people just as they are ready to open the door. Too often, REX motion detectors are placed where they detect people approaching the door rather than at the door itself. This is sometimes done with good intentions ("I will detect them long before they get to the door") but can create a "blind spot" in front of the door itself. (See Figure #1 below).

Users can pass through the detector's coverage area and pause before opening the door, often long enough to allow the REX detector to reset. The user then opens the door, causing a DFO alarm to occur.

The solution: Carefully test each REX motion detector to determine its coverage area. Ideally, motion detectors should be pointed at the door knob or handle and provide detection before a person can open the door (See Figure #2 below). Relocate and/or readjust detector to provide positive coverage at the door and to avoid unwanted coverage elsewhere.

Improper REX Motion Detector Settings

Different brands of access control systems process door position switch and REX device inputs differently. Some systems require that the REX input signal be reset after each opening and closing of the door. Often, the time delay settings on REX motion detectors are set for too long a period. This allows the door to be closed and then reopened again before the detector has had a chance to reset. This causes a DFO alarm to occur when the door is opened the second time.

The solution: Learn specifically how your access control system processes door position switch and REX input signals. Adjust the settings on your REX detectors so that they provide a signal of an appropriate duration. On many systems, the REX detector should be adjusted to reset as quickly as possible after each activation, so that the system receives a series of pulses rather than a continuous activation.

Improper Lock Hardware Function

When a door is controlled by an access control system, the lock hardware on that door should not allow it to be left in the unlocked position manually. Lock hardware that allows this can be be a source of DFO alarms when users open the door manually from the outside without using their access card.

The solution: Examine all doors and replace any lock hardware that allows a door to be left in a manually unlocked state. If a door must be left open during certain times of the day, this should be done through programming of the access control system - not by manual operation of the lock.

Door Doesn't Latch Properly

Doors that don't close and latch properly are a major source of DFO alarms. These occur when a user is able to pull a door open from the outside without using a card, or when a gust of wind blows the door open. Failure of a door to properly close and latch can be caused by many things, including defective doors and frames, defective door lock hardware, defective door closer, improper HVAC system air balancing, and obstructions at the doorway.

The solution: Carefully inspect all doors to make sure that they close and lock perfectly. Doors that must be "given a shove" to close won't work well with a card access control system. Identify sources of problems and take corrective action. Check doors at various times throughout the day and year as certain problems (such as air balancing issues) may only happen at certain times.

Users are Using Brass Key Instead of Access Card

Most access controlled doors are equipped with lock cylinders that allow the door to be opened using a key in the event that the access control system fails. This works fine if keys are used strictly during emergencies, but causes chronic DFO alarms if users routinely use their key rather than a card to open the door. This not only creates false alarms, but also defeats the accountability provided by the access control systems audit trail feature.

The solution: Brass keys should be used on card reader controlled doors only in the event of an emergency. All lock cylinders on card reader controlled doors should be keyed to a special "emergency key" that is not routinely carried by employees, but instead handed out only during emergencies. If necessary, a break-glass box containing emergency keys can be providing in an area where it is accessible by authorized employees during a true emergency. The emergency key should not be part of the facilities master key system.

Users Forget to Use Manual REX Button

At facilities which use manual REX buttons, users sometimes forget to press the button on their way out, causing a DFO alarm.

The solution: Manual REX buttons are counterintuitive and not very user-friendly. In our opinion, they should only be used as a last resort or as a backup to another REX device. Consider replacing existing manual REX buttons with REX motion detectors or REX switches in the door lock hardware.

Users are Taping or Jamming the Latch Open

Users of the door sometimes tape or otherwise jam open the door latch so they can re-enter the door without using an access card. In some cases, this is because the person needs to go in and out of the door frequently and doesn't want to have to use their access card each time. In other cases, the person has gained access to the inside of the door but doesn't have a card (or access privileges) that would allow them to re-enter. Each time the door is opened from the outside without the use of a card, it causes a DFO alarm to occur.

The solution: Provide ongoing security awareness training to all users of the system. Make sure that users have been assigned appropriate access privileges so that they can do their jobs. If doors must be left unlocked during certain times of the day, educate users on the right way of doing this (through programming of the access control system) versus the wrong way of doing this (taping the latch open). If necessary, provide signage at each door that reminds users of the proper procedures. Take disciplinary action against users who continue to violate policies despite repeated warnings.

Door is Not Interfaced with Automatic Door Opener

When a card reader door is also equipped with an automatic door opener, there is a potential for DFO alarms to occur when the opener opens the door before a REX device is activated. There are two ways in which this can occur:

·        The inside door opener actuator button is located beyond the range of the REX motion detector at the door. When the user presses the actuator button, it opens the door, but since the user has not yet activated the REX detector, it causes a DFO alarm. (See Figure #3 below)

 ·        The door opener's motion detector has a greater range than the REX motion detector. When a user approaches the door, he activates the door opener's detector prior to activating the REX detector, causing a DFO alarm. (See Figure #4 below)

The solution: Provide an interface between automatic door opener devices and the access control system. Outputs from door opener actuator buttons and door opener motion detectors should be connected as REX inputs to the access control system. This can be done by using devices that have double-pole switch contacts (one pole for the opener and one pole for the access control system), or by providing an external relay that provides double-pole contacts.

Tips for Solving False DFO Alarm Problems

·        Troubleshooting of DFO alarms should be done carefully and methodically. At most facilities, you will find that 20% of your doors will be responsible for 80% of your DFO alarms. Run a report that shows all DFO alarms for a 24 hour period to identify those doors with the most problems. Begin attacking the problem by fixing the doors with the most false alarms first, then move on to the other doors.

·        The most reliable type of REX device is a REX switch built into the lock hardware. This switch provides a positive indication when someone is exiting and is the least prone to problems. When installing hardware on a new door, this should be your first choice when the option is available. Also consider retrofitting existing hardware with REX switches, especially at doors that have been particularly troublesome in terms of false alarms.

·        Sometimes, more than one REX device will be required at a door. For example, obstructions may prevent a single REX detector from detecting people approaching the door from different directions. Adding a second REX detector may be able to solve this.

·        If you are pulling your hair out trying to solve false alarm problems at a particular door, consider temporarily installing a camera and video recorder specifically for the purposes of troubleshooting. This camera should be pointed at the inside of the door and allow you to observe activity coming and going. For improved diagnostics, provide indicator lights visible by the camera connected to the door position switch and REX device. These lights should illuminate when each device is activated, allowing you to observe the sequence of events as people pass through the door.

If you have questions about the false DFO alarm problem, or need help in reducing DFO alarms at your facility, please contact us.

Sliding Gates vs Swinging Gates

Sliding Gates vs Swinging Gates 

Gates add value and security to your property. They’re also your main control for access to who goes in and out and serve as a point of entry to your home, business, and land.

The first electric gates were invented in 1881, and the benefits of the automated gates have also evolved, catering the needs of each generation of homeowners and business owners to increase the security and the convenience of opening and closing an entry point structure. Automatic gate systems use electric motors to open and close gates through the use of a transmitter.

When it comes to perimeter defences, the first thing that will likely jump to mind is the image of a security gate, and rightly so. Security gates are often the first line of defence for many businesses when it comes to keeping intruders away, establishing a strong perimeter, and sending out a message to criminals.

However, when planning defences for a site, or considering upgrading your existing measures, it’s important to think carefully about your needs and your site capabilities. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular options of gates and how they compare.

Swinging Gates

Swinging Gates are an excellent option for many businesses. As the name suggests they swing open and shut in a wide arc. Often priced cheaper than sliding gates, they typically don’t include motors or electronics. Swinging gates don’t require concrete work or steel beams, they are low maintenance and make little noise during operation. This means that they are well-suited to isolated or rural sites, or large expansive sites where access to the grid is more limited.

If considering swinging gates as a solution for your site, you should think carefully about the available space on your premises. Swinging gates need enough space to open internally and externally in a wide arc and so might not be suitable for some sites where space is at a premium. They might also be less suited if you have particular needs for high-tech upgrades such as access control equipment or other electronic support.

Sliding Gates

If you are looking for gates at a site where space is less readily available then sliding gates may be a more sensible solution. Rather than opening and closing in an arc, sliding gates slide in and out along a track or trackless cantilever system, which both employ less of a footprint.

Sliding gates are often seen in more commercially-led settings, entrances, and residential driveways. They can be employed on rough ground and even on sloping ground if required. They are a good choice if you operate in a setting that has high-wind speeds and other unpredictable weather factors.

Unlike swing gates, sliding gates can be upgraded with access control equipment such as electronic keys, cards, fingerprint biometric readers and intercoms. These additions will always make a site more secure, however, they do come with added costs.

Confuse as to what type of gate to choose? You might wanna consider these insights.

The main advantages of sliding gates are:
• They aren’t affected by wind
• They don’t take up space on your driveway when opening and closing
• The gate can slide from the left or the right, depending on where you have space
• If you don’t have the space required, there are other types of sliding gates, such as telescopic sliding gates or bi-parting sliding gates, that take up less space.

The advantages of double swing gates:
• A double swing gate takes up less area when in operation
• They are less affected by wind
• As the weight is distributed between two gates, there is less stress on the swing gate motor, posts, and hinges.

The advantages of single swing gates:
• There are only one gate and one set of hardware to automate it, so you’re up for less installation and maintenance (assuming you purchase quality parts, as the load on all parts will be greater).

General swing gate fitting information:

• With swing gates, there are two options as to where to install the hinge. You can install the swing gate opener on the sides of your posts parallel to each other facing inwards, or on the side that faces into your property. If you do the latter, the fixings are hidden by the posts and the swing gates take up less space. 
• If your driveway slopes up from the road and there’s no room for a sliding gate, you can install a swing gate that opens outward. Just make sure it doesn’t interfere with public spaces.

Get in touch

Arranging effective perimeter security is not something that you should go at alone. No matter the size or nature of your business, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess the security requirements of your organisation. For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here or Email us on ssaintegrate@gmail.com

Access Control Commissioning Checklist

Access Control Commissioning Checklist 

All customers are not knowledgeable to understand Access control system. When we are getting order it’s our responsibility to commissioned in proper way. In India maximum system integrator do not follow their own check list and as a result after few month call logging is started. Some call forward to OEM and System Integrator with customer’s blame on products are not good. But no one drilldown about commissioning report. Ultimately system integrator don’t know commissioning also a part of BOQ, yes they put importance only installation. I hope this checklist helps end users, integrators and consultants verify that access control installation and commissioning is complete. Take print edit as per your projects and fill all point. After that attached this with handover documents.

It covers the following sections:

• Door Hardware Checks
• Reader Checks
• Controller Checks
• Fire Alarm Loop Confirmation
• Backup Power Compliance
• RTE and 'Free Egress' Confirmation
• Door Timing Checks
• Turnstiles or Gate/Door Operator Checks
• Credential Enrolment
• Credential Issuance
• Database Migration
• Management Software User Creation
• Access Levels and Schedules
• Access Event Notifications
• Door Held Open / Forced Open Troubleshooting
• Anti-Passback Troubleshooting
• Mapping and Custom Reporting Creation
• Viewing Clients Installation 
• Integration with VMS and Other Systems
• Workstation Setup
• Network Setup
• Cable Verification

We recommend each person using this customize the list for their own needs / situations. There is no 'one size fits all' checklist but this list is meant to serve as a starting point to make it easier and quicker to build your own.

Door Locks and Hardware

This section covers commissioning of doors and opening locks, strikes, or other electro-mechanical hardware, including mounting and physical considerations.

Physical Operation, For every controlled opening:

• Check all lock / hardware fasteners or mounts are secure and without play, slack, or gaps exceeding tolerances on installation instructions.
• Ensure operation of lock is free of binding, grinding, or interference for door or frame features or other components.
• Close and open door, or operate several cycles, the opening to ensure that no binding or warping is affecting operation. 
• If Exit Devices are used, confirm appropriate 'Push to Exit' signage is displayed.
• If Door Closers or Operators are used, confirm electronic access devices do not interfere with operation.
• Confirm secure installation and function of Door Position Switches/ Contacts/ DPS.
• Weatherproof and lightly apply grease per specification to mechanical hardware like hinges
• Ensure any cabling or system wiring is hidden, tucked behind raceway or frames, and is not being pinched or cut by features like hinges.
• Confirm that accessibility clearances are satisfied and any additional access control devices comply with codes.
• If standalone, battery powered locks are used, confirm remaining battery life is strong and document commission date of batteries for future reference.

Door Controller Install Checks

• Confirm that all terminated wiring at controller is secured and terminated without short for each device.
• If kept in a metal enclosure, ensure panel tamper contacts and panel locks are used.  Gather panel keys for central, secure management.
• If controllers are located at the door, confirm they are installed on the secure/locked side of the opening and located behind a tamper-resistant or semi-obscured location, such as above tiles at the door.
• For wireless locks, confirm that all hubs or repeaters are clearly labeled as companions to the separate system readers or controllers.

Free Egress and Fire Alarm Loop Check

• Confirm that upon fire alarm activation, all door maglocks release and are not powered.
• Confirm that upon fire alarm activation, all emergency exit doors and openings can be freely opened and are not locked for any reason.
• Confirm that during normal operating conditions, all 'Request To Exit' devices are located in code compliant arrangements and function properly.
• Check that any delayed egress openings have specifically been approved by the AHJ, and delays do not exceed 15 seconds, unless specifically excepted by AHJ.
• Confirm that all Pushbutton style RTE switches are properly labeled and displayed per local code requirements, and directly interrupt power to locks and not controller, unless specifically excepted by AHJ.

Credential Reader Checks

• Confirm that reader device is securely anchored without gaps to the wall, frame, post, or bollard.  Seal or install trim guards where needed.
• Confirm 'normal operation' status lights are displayed per intended behavior. (On/Off/Red/Green/Blue, etc.)
• Confirm audible beep or siren registers when credential is read.
• Check that reader tamper device is connected and configured.
• If contactless type reader, present test card to confirm read range meets spec.  
• If biometric type reader, confirm unit positioning will not be interfered with by environmental features (ie: sun movement, HVAC downdrafts, etc)
• Confirm that accessibility clearances are satisfied and any additional access control devices comply with codes.

Credential Enrolment

• Confirm that the only credentials to be immediately carried/used by cardholders are activated, and no batched activation of unissued/ stored credentials is done.
• Check that each user issued a credential is accurately classified and identified in the access control software.  Include Picture ID images if possible.
• If credentials are being renewed or exchanged, confirm physical possession, disposal, and deactivation of old credential in system.
• If biometric credentials are enrolled, confirm multiple digits or templates are enrolled.
• If multi-factor credentials are issued, confirm that all factors are recorded, active, and valid in the system.

Access Management Software Servers

This section covers commissioning of Management Software servers and appliances, including both hardware/network setup as well as OS and software. Some of these items may not be used depending on OS and access platform. For example, appliances typically do not require OS updates. OEM to OEM process are slight different.

Access Management Software Configuration

• Configure Unlock, Extended unlock, Door Hold Open, and Relock event periods, as appropriate.
• Configure user access schedules (e.g., 24/7, 8am-5pm, off-hours, holidays, etc.)
• Configure user access levels (e.g., Managers, Workers, Visitors, Temporaries, etc.)
• Confirm Polling Interval, or settings update push duration as prompt and as close to real-time to be accurate as recorded in system.
• Configure any Maps or floorplans used to display and manage system control points.
• Confirm successful integration and configuration of features like 'Video Verification', or integration with video surveillance, intrusion, fire alarm, and intercom systems.
• Configure alarm or event notifications (email, text, etc.)
• Download and retain copies of all door/controller configurations
• Confirm any imported databases are clean and without problems if populating access management system.
• For 'Anti-Passback' rules, ensure that users will not unwittingly or inadvertently cause alarms if they use atypical or uncontrolled openings.

Hardware/Security

• Document MAC address(es) (often more than one if using multiple network cards), or if hosted/cloud access is used, document hostnames of all remote servers.
• Assign and document IP address(es) of every networked device, endpoint, or server.
• Apply latest OS updates (unless not recommended by manufacturer);
• Create secure admin password
• Create additional users as specified
• Test UPS operation and runtime (if supplied);

Network/Security Settings

• Document Controller and other ethernet-based devices MAC address;
• Assign and document Controller and other ethernet-based device IP address
• Update firmware to latest version (or manufacturer recommended/tested if different)
• Change Controller admin password from default
• Create multiple users if required (by specification or manufacturer recommendation)
• Set NTP server and verify time and date;
• Disable unused services/close unused ports (FTP, telnet, SSH, etc.);

General Server Settings

• Confirm any requisite services or policies are free to operate and will restore automatically after reboot events.
• Change access management admin password from default
• Create operator/user logins
• If LDAP or Active Directory is used, confirm valid implementation and provisioning of service.
• Confirm and document any external database connections or dependencies by the access software.

Workstations

This list involves client workstations, including hardware, OS, and access client setup and commissioning. Some of these steps may be omitted if appliances are used. OEM to OEM process are slight different.

• Document MAC address(es) of each workstation
• Assign and document IP address(es)
• Apply latest OS updates (unless not recommended by manufacturer)
• Create secure admin password
• Create additional users as specified
• If dongles or hardware keys are required for client access, document location of key on workstation (e.g., Port Location, Key Serial Number)

Network

This section outlines commissioning of network hardware, including switches, routers, firewalls, etc. Some of these devices may not be used in all systems, or managed by the installing integrator.

• Document MAC address(es) of each device
• Assign IP address and document
• Update switch/firewall/router firmware to latest version
• Change admin password from default
• Configure VLAN(s) as required; 
• Configure QoS as required;
• Disable unused switch ports as specified
• Configure SNMP monitoring if required;
• Configure MAC filtering if required
• Download and retain configuration for each switch
• Test UPS operation and runtime for each endpoint, if supplied

Cabling

This section covers commissioning of the access control cabling system, including labeling, supports, aesthetic concerns, and testing. OEM to OEM process are slight different.

• Label all cables, patch panels, wall outlets, etc., as specified
• Ensure cables are secured to supports (J-hooks, ceiling truss, etc.)
• Conceal cables where possible/required
• Leave properly coiled and dressed service loops at Controller or Switch location and head end as required;
• Test all terminations and document results as specified
• Document cable test results as specified (if certification is required)

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