When we planned a step forward by including control panels in our
product line two years ago, a string of other considerations followed. This was
unlike merely adding a new reader with improved features to our product line, even
though on the surface business still runs as usual.
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| FingerTec Ingressus Controller |
Control panels or controllers in an access control system are not like rain
that drops onto a pond, stirs a ripple on its surface and settles thereafter. The
controller as a major core component for the advanced access control system just
wouldn’t align to fit into our existing business system, it’s like having a
different stream of water that runs across the pond, a separate pathway is
needed to contain the stream.
When controllers were introduced, it forked the access control system into
two topologies; it has added a centralization option to previously distributed
systems; and it provided an increase in professional concerns.
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| Centralized IP Access Control Topology |
Access control system also have become increasingly complex since the
introduction of TCP/IP communications, and a great deal of people in the
industry who remember the good old days of the proprietary RS485 communication
system are now somewhat frightened because the TCP/IP network needs of each
security system element must be planned beforehand in conjunction with the
needs of all the others, especially when often associated with business
information technology systems. We are lucky because we are from the IT
background, and always welcome and embrace the new era, yet we still have to address
the following shortcomings.
Firstly, the features provided by the simple access control module in
our TCMS V2 software were limited because our main concentration was in time
attendance. Secondly, in the access control segment itself we needed to shift focus
from securing individual doors to securing entire premises. Thirdly, it would
be a new learning process for some of our resellers to market the advanced
access control system.
Our R&D team spent two long good years to come out with our very own
comprehensive access control software, Ingress to tackle the first obstacle. For the second concern, we integrated video
monitoring system via Milestones, developed epicamera.com cloud surveillance
and apps on remote access as well as addressed the issues on alarm, sensor and
etc.
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| Advanced Access Control System |
And for the third hurdle, we just launch www.fingertec.com/accesscontrol, a sub-portal that includes
all key topics regarding physical access control as a resource center for our
resellers and customers. We have a few hundred resellers in around 170 countries;
quite many of them are still fresh and eager in the controller/access control
business. To think about access control as a holistic security system, they
have to upgrade their knowledge, and this portal helps in both marketing and
supports.
We surely understand the importance of the continual research and
development for Ingressus controllers and Ingress software; and more system
integrations to turnstiles, visitor management, lift control, and patrol
system; and content enrichment of our web portal. No problem. It’s in our
pipeline, and we love new challenges.
We came in a little late, but given some time, we have the confidence that
we can play catch-up and stand tall with the lot of the market leaders.
Selling standalone access control readers confine us to a small world
but with controllers, the world is our playground and we could have the keys to
unlock more doors and opportunities.
And www.epicamera.com is just one of them.
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