PAC & GDX, the leading provider of access control and door entry solutions, has announced the availability of its new Architect range of readers. By integrating cutting edge radio frequency identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC) and Bluetooth technologies into the Architect range, PAC & GDX has made it possible for end users to use their smartphones as an access control identification tool, thereby providing the highest level of convenience, flexibility and ease of operation. In addition, PAC & GDX is so confident in the production quality of these products that it is offering a lifetime warranty on the Architect-One and Architect-A readers.
Offering unrivalled levels of modular scalability, Architect can be configured to suit every application – from a single door to a fully integrated global internet based system – and the range currently comprises two variants. The ‘Architect-A’ is a compact sized reader, while the ‘Architect-One’ is a Mullion reader, which is specially designed for installation in small spaces. Both variants are available in two options, either with RFID only or with Bluetooth™ & RFID.
‘In modern workplaces the vast majority of employees have smartphones, so utilising these devices for access control purposes makes perfect sense,’ explained Pete England, Global Product Manager for PAC & GDX. ‘Put simply, people don’t want to be carrying multiple keys and tokens around when their smartphones can do the same job. Architect is the only solution that provides secure identification modes without the constraint of having to swipe a card.’
An access control system needs to perfectly meet the requirements of the environment in which it is installed, and Architect offers five identification modes for a unique user experience. Card Mode allows a smartphone to be used as a classic badge, Slide Mode makes a user’s hand a card, and with Tap-Tap Mode a user taps their smartphone twice and a Bluetooth signal is sent to the reader to unlock. Remote Mode allows a smartphone to be used as a remote control and, last but not least, Hands-Free Mode means a user can simply walk past a reader.
In light of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) organisations must do all they can to avoid unauthorised access to personal information. When using an Architect reader, PAC & GDX ensures the process is highly secure thanks to the implementation of encrypted SQL databases and an EAL5+ crypto processor. AES 256-bit SSL encryption is also employed at server level – the same grade used by banks and hospitals – while master key databases are not stored but regenerated and authenticated after each use. This means that there is no transit of personal data when using Architect.
Designed to be used in a wide variety of environments and applications, Architect readers have a rugged design that makes them weather resistant, chemical resistant and able to self-extinguish in a fire. They are also vandal resistant to IK10, which means that they are protected against 20J of impact. This is equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 400mm above a surface.
With growing demand for access control technology that is intuitive, flexible and secure, products also need to be environmentally friendly. This was an important factor for PAC & GDX when deciding to launch the Architect range and so the entire unit is recyclable, as no resin is used. Furthermore, the use of smartphones as credentials reduces the need for physical tokens, which reduces inventory, as well as logistic and transport costs. This is not at the expense of style though and bespoke fascia designs are available to complement an organisation’s corporate profile.
‘PAC & GDX is driven by constant innovation and the desire to push the boundaries of what’s possible with access control,’ concluded Pete England. ‘Smartphones offer new possibilities and it is estimated that over 20 per cent of people within organisations will be using them for access control by 2022. It’s why we have launched the Architect range, which combines convenience, flexibility, operational ease and efficiency, high levels of security, modular scalability and a vandal-proof design. Anyone with a traditional physical based token and reader system that wants to embrace newer technologies now has the perfect solution within reach.’
Credit: Pete England – Global Product Manager
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