15 Apr 2004

An IT-integrated access control system

The Swedish company Solid recently launched a new system which combines the security given by a traditional access control system with the flexibility of a computer network.

You could say that solicard arx combines the best of both worlds,” says Matti Kuismin, Sales Manager at
Solid. “It retains the security and functionality at the core of traditional access control systems and adds the flexibility of a regular network. The access control system utilizes a building or property’s existing network as securely as we utilize Internet banking.”

The October 2003 launch exceeded all expectations. 130 customers visited Solid’s office. One of them was Ola Jonsson from Midroc Electro AB, which installs equipment for power, lighting, instrumentation, television, computers, broadband, security, telephony and video conferencing.

“We have been waiting for a product like this and it has come at just the right time,” remarks Ola. “As soon as all the modules are available we will be making our first installation for Gävle municipality in Sweden, which is one of our largest customers.”

An access control system controls the opening and locking of doors electronically without using mechanical keys. It is superior to other security systems for controlling a building’s doors and the people who have access to it. In SOLICARD ARX the administration of predetermined opening times and authorization for different people is carried out on line. Installations with many doors can be supervised in a secure and well structured way.

“SOLICARD ARX consists of a Java-based server platform which can control the entire system and is easy to update with future developments,” Matti says. “Our old system was based on individual terminals but now we use TCP/IP communication to ‘talk’ in the network. In other words, we are fully integrated with the computer network.”

The new system is easy and cost-effective to install, with no need for extra cabling, and allows communication, administration, upgrading and supervision via the Internet. It is built to industry standards so that other systems such as burglar alarms can ‘dock’ with it.

The product started selling in January and won second place in the security system control class, with the distinction ‘Highly Commended’, in the Detector International Awards 2003. The prize for ‘Best Access Control Product’ went to the American company Lenel Systems International for their new OnGuard product functions.