Access Control Software

Access Control Software is a security management platform that allows organizations to control who can access specific doors or areas and when. Modern systems we support – including LenelS2, OpenPath, Galaxy Control Systems, and Alarm.com for Business – provide centralized control over doors across one or multiple locations. They enable administrators to define who is allowed where and at what times, monitor entry events in real-time, and integrate with other security systems for a unified safety solution. Below we explore the core features of access control software, advanced capabilities for high-security needs, and the powerful integrations these platforms offer.

Core Features and Capabilities

• Role-Based Access Levels & Groups: Access control software lets you assign custom access levels to users or groups based on their role. This means each person or department only enters approved doors and areas, often tied to work shifts or time-of-day restrictions. For example, an IT employee’s badge can unlock the server room but not the executive suite, and only during business hours.

• Credential Issuance & Management: Administrators can easily issue and manage credentials – from physical badges and key fobs to mobile credentials on smartphones. The software keeps a database of all cardholders and their credentials, allowing instant activation or deactivation of badges. Issuing a new employee’s badge or revoking access for a former employee is done in seconds through a centralized dashboard. Modern systems like Alarm.com and OpenPath even support smartphone-based access, eliminating the need for physical keys or cards.

• Schedules and Time-Based Rules: Access control software enables custom schedules to control when doors unlock or when certain credentials are valid. For instance, you can schedule lobby doors to remain open to the public from 9 AM to 5 PM, but locked after hours. You can also enforce that cleaning staff badges only work in the evenings, or automatically disarm alarms when the first employee badges in and re-arm when the last one leaves. These time-based rules ensure security and convenience by aligning access with business hours or individual work shifts.

• Event Monitoring and Reporting: Every door access event – whether granted or denied – is logged in real time. Security personnel can monitor live dashboards to see who is entering or if any door is propped open or forced. The software offers reporting tools to review historical access logs and audit trails for compliance. Detailed audit reports show who accessed what area and when, and can be filtered by user, door, or time range. These reports support compliance requirements and investigations, and can often be scheduled to email automatically to security managers for regular review.

Advanced Security Features

Modern access control platforms also include advanced features to address high-security scenarios and ensure the system cannot be bypassed:

• Anti-Passback Protection: To prevent credential misuse and “tailgating,” anti-passback rules ensure that once a badge is used to enter an area, it cannot be used again to enter that same area until it exits properly. In practice, the system tracks entry/exit status – if someone tries to re-enter a secured zone without badging out (for example, by handing their card to another person), access will be denied. This stops people from passing a valid card back to let in unauthorized individuals and provides an accurate count of who is inside at any time.

• Mantrap (Interlocking Doors): A mantrap is a small vestibule with two interlocked doors where only one door can open at a time. A person must enter through the first door, which must close before the second door opens, briefly trapping the person in between. This mechanism ensures only one person enters at a time and prevents tailgaters from slipping in behind an authorized person. Mantraps (also known as security vestibules or sally ports) are used in high-security areas – like data centers or labs – to verify identity and can even be configured so a guard or system must positively release the second door after confirming the entrant. In emergency situations, the system will fail safe to allow egress (doors unlock for safety), but under normal operation mantraps greatly enhance security.

• Emergency Muster Reports: In critical emergencies such as fire evacuations, access control software can assist in accounting for all personnel. Muster reporting (roll-call reports) will automatically compile a list of all individuals badged into the facility or a specified area at the time of the event. As people swipe at designated muster points (emergency assembly readers), the system updates their status from “missing” to “safe” on the muster report. Security teams and first responders can instantly see who has not yet checked in at the safe evacuation points, pinpointing anyone potentially still inside and their last known area. This feature dramatically improves emergency response and helps organizations meet safety regulations by ensuring everyone is accounted for during an evacuation.

• Lockdowns and Dual Authentication: Advanced platforms allow immediate site lockdown in case of threats, and enforce higher-security entry rules when needed. With a single command, administrators can secure all doors or a group of doors, locking down a facility to prevent entry (or exit) during a security incident. Additionally, features like the two-person rule (dual authentication) require two authorized people to jointly unlock a door – adding an extra layer of security for sensitive locations. For example, a vault may require that two different employees each swipe their card (or one swipes and the other enters a PIN) within a short time window for the door to open. Duress codes are another safeguard: if an employee is forced to open a door under threat, they can enter a special duress PIN or present a duress badge that silently alerts security or police while appearing to grant access normally. These advanced functions, along with anti-passback and mantrap configurations, are typically available in enterprise systems like LenelS2 OnGuard to meet stringent security policies.

Integration with Other Systems

One of the greatest strengths of today’s access control software is its ability to integrate with other building and security systems for enhanced functionality and automation:

• Video Management System (VMS) Integration: Access control events can be linked with video surveillance for comprehensive situational awareness. For example, when a door is opened or a badge is used, the software can pull up the corresponding camera feed so security staff can visually verify the person entering. Our supported platforms offer seamless integration with CCTV and NVR systems – you can jump straight from an access event in the log to the recorded video of that event. Additionally, alarms like forced door or unauthorized entry attempts can trigger video recording or alerts in the Video Management System. This tight coupling of access control with video provides real-time verification and evidence capture for every entry.

• Intrusion & Alarm System Integration: Access control often works hand-in-hand with intrusion alarm systems. The software can arm or disarm alarm panels based on access events or schedules (for instance, automatically disarming the alarm when the first authorized person badges in each morning). Conversely, if an alarm is triggered (glass break, motion detector, panic button, etc.), the access control system can initiate responses like locking certain doors or triggering an evacuation. Because the platforms we offer unify access control with intrusion detection (as seen in Alarm.com’s all-in-one business security solution), operators manage doors, alarms, and even environmental sensors through one interface, and events between systems are correlated for a quicker, coordinated response.

• Fire Alarm & Life Safety Integration: Access control systems are designed to comply with life safety codes by integrating with fire alarm panels. In the event of a fire alarm, doors equipped with electronic locks will fail safe to unlock for emergency egress. This can be achieved via direct hardware relays or through software triggers from the fire system. For example, when a fire alarm activates, the access control system can receive that signal and automatically unlock all exit doors and disable secure entry until the alarm is cleared. This integration ensures people can evacuate without obstruction and is a critical requirement in any access-controlled building (often mandated by NFPA codes). The system can also log the alarm event and who exited through which doors during the emergency for after-action reports.

• IoT Devices & Building Automation: Modern access control platforms increasingly interface with IoT sensors and building management systems to create a smarter, more responsive environment. The software can integrate with HVAC, lighting, or other building controls – for instance, automatically adjusting thermostat settings or turning lights on when certain areas are occupied. Access events can act as triggers for IoT devices (e.g. badge swipe by cleaning staff could turn on lighting in that zone). Additionally, our enterprise solutions like Galaxy and LenelS2 support elevator control integration, so you can restrict which floors a badge holder can access on an elevator panel. When a user badges at the elevator, the system will enable only the floors they are authorized for. This kind of building automation integration improves security (by extending access rules to elevators, gates, turnstiles, etc.) and streamlines operations through a unified platform. From monitoring environmental sensors to integrating visitor management systems, access control software serves as a central hub that coordinates with a wide range of other technologies in your facility.

Leading Access Control Platforms We Support

We specialize in deploying and supporting industry-leading access control solutions. Each platform we offer has unique strengths, and we help clients choose the best fit for their needs:

• LenelS2: LenelS2 (OnGuard and NetBox systems) is an enterprise-class access control platform known for its scalability and rich feature set. It provides complete situational awareness by unifying access control with video surveillance, alarm monitoring, and more. LenelS2 systems support virtually all the advanced features in the industry – from anti-passback and mantraps to global lockdown, two-factor authentication, and integration with HR databases. They are ideal for large organizations and high-security environments that require customizable, integrated security management. With LenelS2, businesses can manage thousands of doors and hundreds of thousands of cardholders, with reliable on-premises control and extensive third-party integrations (identity management, visitor systems, etc.).

• OpenPath (Avigilon Alta): OpenPath is a modern, cloud-based access control solution that offers ease of use and flexibility for businesses of all sizes. It is renowned for its mobile-first approach, allowing users to unlock doors with a smartphone app or even a hands-free “Wave to Unlock” gesture. OpenPath’s cloud platform provides a single dashboard to manage multiple sites, with real-time updates and instant provisioning of credentials. Key features include remote administration, a powerful rules engine for custom access policies, occupancy counting, and capacity alerts (to prevent overcrowding in areas). It also has built-in remote lockdown capabilities for emergencies and offers integrations with directory services like G Suite/Okta for streamlined user management. OpenPath seamlessly integrates with security cameras and monitoring services – for example, it can feed door events to a video monitoring center for live verification and incident response. Overall, OpenPath delivers a next-generation access experience with cloud convenience, automatic software updates, and deep integration into the smart workplace ecosystem.

• Galaxy Control Systems: Galaxy’s System Galaxy is a robust on-premises access control and security management system trusted in government, commercial, and industrial installations. It supports all core access control functions (secure door control, badge printing, access levels, schedules, etc.) and is highly regarded for its integration capabilities. System Galaxy can unify sub-systems including ID badging, CCTV integration, elevator control, key management, time and attendance tracking, intrusion detection, and facility management on one platform. This means your access control isn’t in a silo – it works in concert with video surveillance, alarm sensors, and building automation. Galaxy’s software is known for its reliability and flexibility, offering solutions from small single-site systems to large enterprise deployments across multiple sites (connected via LAN/WAN). It also caters to specialized requirements like government standards (FIPS, TWIC card support) and comes with comprehensive reporting and a range of hardware interface options. If you need a proven, integration-friendly access control system with an emphasis on centralized control of many security facets (doors, cameras, elevators, alarms), Galaxy is an excellent choice.

• Alarm.com for Business: Alarm.com for Business brings the power of Alarm.com’s widely-used security platform into commercial settings, combining intrusion detection, video surveillance, and access control in a single cloud-managed solution. This platform is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses or distributed enterprises that want professional-grade security with minimal IT complexity. Alarm.com’s access control is fully cloud-based and managed through an intuitive web portal or mobile app, alongside your alarm system and cameras. It offers simplified user management – you can add or remove an employee’s access in seconds, and that change instantly applies to all sites. Features like mobile credentials, remote door unlock/lock from the app, and automatic lock schedules are built-in. Alarm.com also excels at automation rules: for example, you can program doors to automatically disarm the alarm when a valid card is swiped at opening time, and re-arm when the store manager badges out at closing. It integrates tightly with Alarm.com cameras, so you can tap an entry alert notification and immediately view the live video or recorded clip of that event. With an all-in-one cloud platform, Alarm.com for Business reduces the need for separate systems – it’s a convenient, scalable option, especially if you’re already using Alarm.com for security or energy management. It brings enterprise-like capabilities (multi-site oversight, real-time alerts, IoT integrations for thermostats and lights) in a user-friendly package that’s accessible from anywhere.

• DSX Access Systems: DSX is a trusted name in enterprise-class access control known for its highly customizable architecture, reliable hardware, and resilient network infrastructure. DSX systems support multi-site configurations, centralized or distributed database management, and integrations with third-party platforms for video, alarms, and building automation. Their WinDSX and DSX Mobile Command software offer real-time monitoring, badge management, threat-level control, and advanced lockdown capabilities — all tailored to meet complex policy enforcement. DSX’s flexibility and deep feature set make it an ideal choice for organizations with high compliance requirements and multi-layered security protocols. We design, install, and maintain DSX-based systems with full integration into our SecNet™ ecosystem when required.

Each of these platforms brings a balance of robust security and user-friendly management, and our team is experienced in deploying all four. Whether you need the vast integration and custom capability of an enterprise system like LenelS2 or Galaxy, or the flexibility and simplicity of a cloud solution like OpenPath or Alarm.com, we will tailor an access control solution that fits your organization’s needs. By leveraging advanced access control software, you gain not only door security, but a powerful tool to protect your people, assets, and facilities through intelligent automation and integration.

FAQs

What is access control?

Access control software manages who can enter or use resources within a system.

How does it work?

It verifies user identities and grants or restricts access based on predefined rules.

What are common features?

Typical features include user authentication, role-based permissions, audit logs, and real-time monitoring.

Is it secure?

Yes, it uses encryption and strict protocols to protect sensitive data.

Who uses this software?

Businesses, schools, and organizations needing controlled access rely on it.

Can it integrate with other systems?

Yes, it often connects with HR, security cameras, and building management systems.

Access Control

Understanding how software manages security and entry permissions effectively