What are the features of anti-passback in access control systems?

1. Works through access cards
2. Prevents misuse of an access control system
3. Improves security against infiltration
4. Used as a form of recording attendance
5. Multiple modes of anti-passback
6. Commonly used in key entry points
7. Applicable in many industries

Helping out others is common courtesy. Oftentimes, we find ourselves offering to hold a door open for our neighbors, or lending our access cards to a colleague who has forgotten theirs. However, in today’s society, security is of utmost importance. Letting these issues slide makes it difficult for buildings to maintain safety measures within their premises.

Luckily, many solutions from ELID feature anti-passback in their access control systems. Read on to learn what anti-passback is, and how adding this feature can help in managing your security.

Works Through Access Cards

The anti-passback feature works through your access control systems. It requires the use of access cards, and two access readers to work successfully. The anti-passback feature is activated at every use of an access card on the entrance (or “in”) reader. Once this is done, it requires the same access card to be used at the exit (or “out”) reader before the user can pass through the entrance (in) access reader again.

Prevents Misuse of an Access Control System

Simply put, the use of anti-passback prevents consecutive entries to one access cardholder. The main purpose of doing so is to prevent the misuse of one’s access card. The card can only be used to allow one person to enter and becomes unusable at that same entryway until certain conditions are achieved. This stops multiple people from accessing highly secured zones through illegitimate means.

Improves Security Against Infiltration

A system with an anti-passback feature logs every entry and takes notes of the user’s credentials. This will not allow a card with the same credentials from entering the area until there is a record of the user exiting the area by swiping or tapping the corresponding reader.

Depending on the configurations, the attempt to access a restricted area multiple times can log the user credentials, raise an alarm, and even completely block access for the user. Access can be restored once the user legitimately exits the restricted area, or can be reset based on time of day. This feature strongly discourages not only the misuse of access cards but also any infiltration attempts. As a result, the security and privacy of your building become much more robust.

Used as a Form of Recording Attendance

Anti-passback can also be used as a means for recording the attendance and movement of users. As mentioned earlier, security systems using this measure record which users enter and exit a specific area. It gives a clear trace of who was present in a zone and at what time, and even how often they accessed the zone. This is especially useful for areas under high security, such as parking areas and office workspaces.

Multiple Modes of Anti-Passback

There are several modes of anti-passback — the most common are called soft, hard, timed, and global. Each variant has different alarm and configuration settings.

In a timed anti-passback setup, a user who was caught violating the access control system is blocked out for a set period. In soft anti-passback, the user is still allowed through, but the access control systems operator is notified of their violation. In hard anti-passback, violators are completely locked out, and an alarm system can also be triggered.

A global anti-passback is a bit more complicated. This mode defines a zone that has two or more readers physically wired to different controllers. If anyone reader in that same area receives a user violation, it will prevent that user from accessing any other entryways or exits within the same area.

Commonly Used in Key Entry Points

An anti-passback security feature is often used for key entry points on a property. It is commonly found at parking gates, where the “in” reader is located at the entry gate and the “out” reader at the exit gate.

The user swipes their card to access their parking, and they can enter and exit as many times as they want, so long as they follow the correct enter and exit sequence. This is also used at employee entrances and exits in a building. Access cards are used by personnel to “card-in” when they enter the building and “card-out” upon leaving the premises.

Applicable in Many Industries

This security feature can be useful in many industries, particularly those who need to keep track of their guests and employees or need to heighten security around sensitive or valuable assets.

• Hospitals — can be used to protect patients, staff, and medical supplies from harm or theft. This feature ensures only authorized users can enter certain areas of the medical facility.
• Fitness Facilities — prevents gym members from sharing credentials to let in non-members, or skipping membership fees.
• Parking Lots & Multi-Story — ensures accurate parking space counting, and prevents unauthorized vehicles from entering restricted areas.
• Holiday Facilities & Parks — ensure that only guests and employees can access the facility. Prevents non-paying persons from using the facility free of charge.
• Offices — improves security for employees, and stops tailgating or sneaking into the premises. Provides precise time-in and time-out information for employee attendance.
• Schools & Universities — gives warnings for security breaches, improves safety for students and faculty, and gives an accurate attendance record.
• Laboratories — provides detailed laboratory access records and prevents unwanted removal of equipment and supplies.

Key Takeaway

Choosing to implement anti-passback in your access control systems is a brilliant idea to make your facilities more secure, safe, and private for everyone who uses it. Though the concept may seem confusing at first, it’s quite a simple yet effective security measure. It’s easy enough to integrate into existing technology and systems — many products nowadays come with an anti-passback feature already installed.

ELID’s Matrix V Systems is a great example of how a robust access control system can use it. This system includes a global anti-passback feature that can fulfill any building’s security needs. If you’re interested in learning more about this product, send us a message today!

What are some features of the Maple access control system?

1. Comprehensive access control
2. Detailed real-time reporting
3. Multiple platform availability
4. Encryption protected and easy to use

Having access control is a highly effective choice for the security of the company. It keeps you informed of the activity within the building and it enhances security, as only selected people have access to the company based on their responsibilities. However, a full-fledged access control system is often out of reach for smaller businesses. MAPLE is a cloud-based access control system made for small businesses.

The features of the MAPLE access control system enable smaller companies to authorize and monitor the entry and exit of employees to the premises. Check them out below.

Comprehensive Access Control

As with any access control system, MAPLE performs its responsibilities in authorizing entry and exit, overseeing door status, and analyzing the movement within the company premises. The user will log in to Maple Core through a web browser. This is where the main control of the system happens.

MAPLE uses a card database with controllers to manage employee profiles. The system also utilizes timers and time zones to automatically regulate access to specific areas in certain time ranges. This way even holidays can be programmed in the system to easily restrict entry during that day.

The user can easily check the status of any door, seeing if it’s locked, closed, or open. Of course, you can always send specific orders and parameters for any door in the system. You may keep it locked or unlocked at all times, or unlock it for a short time then lock it after. You can also implement any other specifics you would like to lay down. Because of its detail-oriented design, you would have better control over company access.

Each transaction is recorded in a log that you can always check. These reports are fully detailed, showing the time and date, card number, employee name, transaction type, and others.
The system also has an employee tracking feature, where attendance records can be found. You may also assign daily schedules to employees using the duty roster function.

Detailed Real-Time Reporting

MAPLE also lets you have a real-time reporting experience. All transactions are immediately reported and available for access. You will promptly receive any abnormal events that may happen.

Using the same system, you can track the attendance of your employees through door transactions. Since you have the necessary information, you can easily track what time they arrived, what time they left, and where they went within the premises.

Maple View can be accessed through your web browser. It shows the map of your premises with the status of each door shown accordingly. From here, you may also remotely control the access to each door through this view. The card database is shown in a more visual manner instead of looking like tabulated data. All the relevant information is available here and it provides an intuitive assessment.

Maple View gives you a better visualization of the system’s features. Its use is recommended for those who prefer a more visual interface.

Multiple Platform Availability

MAPLE access control system is available on both web browsers, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, and on mobile. The eMirage app for Android shows you the same map from Maple view. This means that you can monitor and control door status remotely, or on compatible mobile devices.

You will also receive notifications for abnormal events directly to your phone, keeping you updated even when on the go. The card database is also accessible from the app, and you may still manage your sites too.

The eTime app, on the other hand, would automatically process attendance records. It also has a complete list of your subordinates, and you may apply for a leave through the app itself. It also has a chart view feature where you can view your attendance summary per month in a pie chart.

Encryption-Protected and Easy to Use

MAPLE is protected by advanced proprietary encryption and industrial standard SSL or Secure Sockets Layer. This ensures that communication between your devices and the cloud is secure.

It is also designed to be easy to learn and use, with particular regard to user experience. As a cloud-based system, it only needs a network and a browser to access. There is no need to install any process-heavy PC software to manage. The stand-alone access control doesn’t need an entire team to manage. Using MAPLE wouldn’t be a challenge to you, but rather it offers ample intuitiveness for faster training and utility.

Key Takeaway

The MAPLE access control system provides many advanced and practical features for your company’s access control needs. Small businesses without IT departments would be able to gain almost the same level of control as larger companies do.

With this system, both your company’s security and attendance tracking would be in good hands. It is easy to use enough for any small office owner to manage along with their other responsibilities. To learn more about this product, feel free to check out this page or send ELID a message with your inquiries here!

How do I secure my building with a guard tour system?

1. Define your security goals
2. Maximize your security routes
3. Eliminate paper-based systems
4. Address your security guard’s needs
5. Implement a solution that integrates with your security

A Guard Tour System is a security measure used to track and log the movements of your employees under a variety of applications. These systems provide many benefits for your building — but only when set up and implemented correctly.

So how does one use this security solution? To administer your guard tour system, you should consider your building’s needs and capabilities. Take a look at this guide on how to secure your building with a guard tour system.

Define Your Security Goals

Whether you’re about to set up your security system, or trying to upgrade your current one, you need to start by defining your business’ security goals. This means scrutinizing your operations, traffic, and employees, to figure out what unique risks you’re exposed to. From there, you’ll understand what you need to protect yourself against, and what security features you need to focus on.

Are you at risk of theft? Corporate espionage? Trespassing? Do you deal with confidential materials or information? Are you a public or private space? These kinds of questions will show the gaps in your current security plan and will lead to unique patrol and documentation goals.

Maximize Your Security Routes

Now that you know your security goals, you can plan out your guard tour. As a general rule, your tour should hit every area of concern — i.e. places that are at risk of theft and similar incidents.

Your goal here is to try and maximize the patrols in these areas, while also ensuring that the path your security employees will take is effective. Avoid making them double back through areas they already passed through or take circuitous routes that consume valuable time.

Depending on your security goals, the placement of your security checkpoints will be different. For example, if your main goal is to prevent theft, then your checkpoints should be placed near your storerooms. If your goal is to protect confidential materials, then your checkpoints should include your office spaces and visitor entryways.

Using a digital guard tour system will also allow you to craft ideal patrol routes. These are highly customizable and can be programmed to generate unpredictable paths each day. This will help prevent criminals from predicting and bypassing your physical security routines.

Additionally, digital systems often use readers — such as short-range RFID — which allow for real-time guard check-ins and tracking for faster action in emergencies. This is a huge advantage in case a break-in or theft occurs.

Eliminate Paper-Based Systems

Traditionally, security personnel would have to log their activities using paper and pen, which would then be digitized and uploaded at a later time. This led to a lot of risks, such as:

• Times were not always known or accurate
• Missed or erroneous checkpoints are hard to spot
• Reports are delivered too late to take timely action
• Scheduled patrols were difficult to monitor
• Older reports were unretrievable
• Sometimes resulted in a data encoding backlog

These risks impeded effective security. Additionally, they were time-consuming since a security guard had to write short reports multiple times daily.

To avoid the risks of an analog system, make sure to choose a security system that is fully digital and allows your employees to make reports in real-time. This way, the issue of efficiency and accuracy is solved.

Address Your Security Guard’s Needs

The human factor is essential to any building’s security plans, and this means that your guard tour system should address the needs of your staff. The following are things you should factor in:

• Communication — is your staff trained in this new system? Do they understand how to use these security features, and what their new objectives are? Make sure they are updated and properly informed throughout the process of implementing your new guard tour system.
• Equipment — Are they required to carry new equipment — like RFID tags — on their patrols? Do they understand how to use the readers at their security checkpoints? Without proper training, they may fail to log their movements during their route.
• Management — How often are staff rotations, and how are they planned out? Rotations can keep your guards vigilant, but having too many puts holes in your security. Plan your rotations accordingly to strike a balance.

Using a digital, scalable guard tour system can help you in this regard. As it allows customization, you can tailor-fit your guard tour system to your current employee needs and capabilities.

Implement a Solution that Integrates with Your Security

While guard patrols are one of the most important risk management practices for your building, they are but one facet of your overall security program. In order for this system to work, your guard tour should be able to integrate with your existing protective measures.

Ideally, your CCTV deployments, alarm systems, access control, and other security tools should work hand in hand with your patrol routes. While some products and technology aren’t capable of this, all of ELID’s solutions are made with a fully integrated design.

With ELID’s products, you don’t have to worry about rehauling your entire system and building from the ground up. You simply choose the components of your guard tour system and let its intelligent software do the work.

Key Takeaway

When planning how to secure your building with a guard tour system, keep these five considerations in mind. Proper implementation can produce the desired security upgrade — and a key aspect of that is choosing a highly effective guard tour system.

If you’re seeking a sophisticated digital solution, then we recommend using Roger’s Patrol Master 3 and Matrix V systems — two of the most customizable, scalable options on the market. Click here to learn more about how the Guard Tour System can help your building, or send us a message today for any inquiries you have.

What are some benefits of RFID in retail?

1. Efficient inventory management
2. Faster checkout system
3. Better asset tracking
4. Improved health and security systems

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) is one of modern technology’s innovations that drastically changed the way we do many things. It has a multitude of possible applications, one of the most well-known examples of which is with the tracking of cars in the expressway. Because of its flexibility of use, the benefits of RFID in retail have also had a big impact on many businesses.

Are you interested in incorporating RFID technology into your retail ventures? There are many ways you can apply it to your store. Read on to learn about what benefits it can give to your business.

Efficient Inventory Management

All good businesses have an inventory management system in place. A business should keep track of everything they have in production to be able to function. By having a good idea of your inventory, you can make estimates on how much you’ll be making, or how much you’re still behind in production. No matter what the reason, managing inventory has traditionally been done by employees.

With the introduction of RFID in retail, automated systems are in place. This includes managing inventory. Keeping track of your whole inventory is much easier when it is all automated. The RFID system will be able to count all of your items in a second. It can also retrieve other information quickly such as status, location, or others.

Applying RFID systems to your inventory management will save time and effort, and it would make inventory functions significantly more efficient. Having only employees manually keep track of the inventory is slower and more prone to mistakes. Even the best and most detail-oriented employee would still not beat the speed, efficiency, and accuracy that RFID can do when tracking the company’s inventory.

Many companies already use RFID systems which is why they always have updated information about their own inventory.

Faster Checkout System

Cash registers use barcodes to scan an item and get its information. This takes time and the cashier may need to physically scan every single item. RFID does basically the same thing, but faster.

The tracking that RFID offers would be able to scan all of the items automatically and compute the customer’s total fee. In fact, some shops are cashier-less using RFID systems. All items in the shop are tracked and connected to an RFID system.

Customers would only need to enter the shop, take what they need, and leave. RFID can detect when a customer enters the shop, and when they leave, and the store scans all the items they’ve taken and automatically charges whatever card they have connected to the store.

The customer convenience is evident, and even the requirement for enough manpower is lowered. Faster checkout systems would save time and resources for the retail store.

Better Asset Tracking

By now, it’s clear that RFID leads to top-notch tracking systems. Inventory isn’t the only department where these systems can be installed. Similarly, asset tracking would be much easier and more detailed with RFID.

The technology can track the location and status of each asset. This can prevent assets from being stolen or avoid other issues. The RFID will give you faster real-time updates about any and all of these assets.

If you wish to use RFID for asset tracking, make sure you include all assets in the system and put scanners in all recommended spots.

Improved Health and Security

Although this does not contribute directly to sales or production, it is still a significant part of retail. Health and security are not only for your customers, they are also for your employees and yourself. Investing in an RFID system for both of these would ultimately still be good for your business.

The pandemic has forced all retail stores to conduct regular disinfection of the entire store. Organized tracking would be able to remind you about cleaning schedules and inspector visits. In addition to that, you may easily keep track of the stock of health-related items such as hand soap, tissue paper, disinfectants, and many others.

Security measures using RFID would be able to restrict access to those who are not allowed inside. The system could scan a customer before entering a store and decide whether to open the doors for them or not. Keeping close track of your inventory and assets would also surely prevent theft attempts or at least let you know about it as soon as possible.

Key Takeaway

Of all the positive effects the applications it has given us, these four are the most prominent benefits of RFID in retail. It generally saves much time and effort, increasing efficiency within stores by a huge margin.

RFID would help you save and earn money at the same time like an amazing investment. After going through the benefits of RFID to your business, would you like to give them a try? Feel free to contact us here for any inquiries you might have about RFID or other security systems. We’ll help you out!