CONSIDERING UPGRADING TO MOBILE ACCESS?
Download the following site survey document before reading:
HERE’S WHERE TO START
Whether you’re upgrading from an old frequency, considering a move to a more secure platform, or moving to Mobile Access you’ll need to start with a complete understanding of your current system. A thorough site survey can generate the kind of understanding that will help you move ahead confidently.
A full site survey helps you identify the type and status of each component in your current Physical Access Control System (PACS) architecture as well as other important factors.
Whether you have one system in one building or many systems over hundreds of facilities the main considerations in a complete site survey include:
- The physical infrastructure of the technology
- Building construction around readers and other components
- Technical Infrastructure
- Current card credential technology
Knowing where are will help you understand what steps to take next: determine which hardware and software to choose and ultimately the site survey will be a useful budgeting tool.
Assessing Current State PACS Architecture
Access Control Site Audit
Begin with identifying the manufacturers and part numbers of each Access Control System component currently in use at every site. Things like the panel, the reader, the power supply, and even the cabling.
Installation Types / Reader Locations
You’ll also want to identify the mounting configurations and environments that are used throughout all sites. It is extremely important to provide as much detail as possible to ensure your new system fulfills all performance expectations. It is recommended that the type of reader is named for all reader locations; for instance: Magnetic Stripe (Legacy Technology), Low Frequency 125 kHz (Legacy Technology), High-Frequency 13.56MHz (Current standard), or Ultra High Frequency.
It’s important to reference the type of use, as well as noting housings, interior or exterior installation, and how the readers are installed. Also, describing the physical infrastructure is as important as identifying the technical infrastructure. Identifying the mounting surface may seem overly detailed but some technology doesn’t work well with some building materials. So, it’s important to note if the construction is drywall, brick or stucco. They all can affect the performance of various components. Knowing in advance allows you to adjust before costs are incurred.
Existing Physical Card Specifications
You’ll also want to identify each of the following:
Part Number for Current Physical Cards. (Can be found on the card box label, packing slip, and Order Acknowledgement). The nomenclature of the Part Number is similar to 2102LGMNNM
Card Technologies are included in Current Physical Cards. (Can be found on the card box label, packing slip, and Order Acknowledgement). Typical technologies would be iCLASS, HID Prox, MIFARE, etc…
Programming Format included in current Physical Cards. (Can be found on the card box label, packing slip, and Order Acknowledgement). The nomenclature of the Format is similar to H10301
Programming Data: Site Code included in current Physical Cards. (Can be found on the card box label, packing slip, and Order Acknowledgement). The Site Code is usually 1-5 digits. This is not required if the end-user uses a Corporate 1000 Format
Programming Data: Last Card Number used in current Physical Cards. (Can be found on the card box label of the last card box, packing slip, and Order Acknowledgement). This is not required if the end-user uses a Corporate 1000 Format.
Card Marking is used on current Physical Cards. (Can be found on the card box label of the card box, packing slip, and Order Acknowledgement). The options are Matching or Non-Matching.
Card Marking Offset used on current Physical Cards. (Only applicable if Non-Matching). A common offset might be Card Marking is 10000 greater than Card Number.
Also, describe any other details about the Card Marking such as prefixes or suffixes.
Elite Key Reference is used on current Physical Cards. The nomenclature of the Elite Reference is similar to ICE 0235. (Note: if the card marking on the physical card ends with “-E”, the card is using Elite. If not, Elite is not used.)
Once you have a complete site survey you can have an accurate basis to move forward and develop what you want your future PACS architecture to look like.
For a helpful guide to a thorough site survey download the following site survey template:
Talk to us about HID Access Control if you’re thinking of upgrading your current Physical Access Control System architecture. We can help you develop a plan for a safer, more secure, and more efficient workplace with advanced physical access technology.
