Many organisations have discovered that simple errors in managing door access systems can lead to significant security risks, often negating the strong IT security defences that may have been deployed. For example, continued buildings access by ex-employees can pose a significant information security threat, as can unwarranted access to server rooms.

One solution, devised by Surrey-based IT company, Dot Origin, involves using a single system to manage staff records both for controlling door access and enabling access to computer networks. The EdgeConnector system relies on the existing user database (known as Active Directory) that is deployed in most organisations to control workstation logon, email and server access. EdgeConnector adds a direct, real-time TCP / IP Ethernet link to each door to enable users to ‘swipe’ their card to gain access.

EdgeConnector turns doors into a managed resource within the IT department, while leaving the day-to-day operations in the hands of existing front desk or security staff. By removing the unnecessary replication of data between multiple systems, and providing the ability to automate the allocation of access rights through group policy or identity management software, further operational savings can also be obtained.

NHS Professionals, a division of the UK’s National Health Service, contacted Dot Origin to discuss the available options for installing an integrated door access system that could continue to support the business’ security needs to coincide with an office move to new premises.

NHS Professionals relies on a sophisticated IT infrastructure to manage its business, and were looking for a solution that fully integrates with their Microsoft servers, and that did not cause unnecessary replication of user data or management workload when adding and removing staff members. They also wanted something that was easy to install and maintain, and that met current standards including TCP / IP compatibility, that would work in a virtualised server environment, and that would be compatible with their existing door access and photo identity cards.

With a total of seven doors to manage, Dot Origin’s EdgeConnector solution was an ideal fit. Using the latest Power-over-Ethernet door controllers from HID, along with readers capable of reading multiple HID card types, the system hardware was installed quickly and easily by an existing contractor, while the NHSP IT department took on the task of installing and configuring the EdgeConnector software, and linking it with their existing Microsoft Active Directory domain servers and user databases.

Craig Fleming, Lead Technical Architect at NHS Professionals, said, “The EdgeConnector solution was a perfect fit for our requirements. It was easy to install and we were up and running with a fully online, secure, door access solution within hours of the controllers and locks being fitted to the doors. As soon as we moved offices, we were able to use our existing user directory structures to apply and modify our physical access rules to suit our business.”

“Since then we have received several significant updates to the software, some at our specific request, and have recently implemented a set of timed access schedules to further improve our security. The flexibility of the EdgeConnector solution, along with Dot Origin’s approach to this market has given us great versatility in this area,” he added.