Cipher locks for tracking access

teancum144

I ran across a question that implies that, as a relatively inexpensive upgrade to a hardware key lock, a cipher lock can track people who access a secure room. Has anyone heard of or seen in practice a cipher key lock that can track access? If so, how does the reporting typically work?

mjb2424

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe what you're referring to is something along these lines:
Kaba Access Control - Simplex Mechanical Pushbutton Locks (PBL)

The idea would be that everyone has their own PIN, and an access time and an identifier are recorded.

My employer uses this type of lock.

cyberguypr

Are you sure those are the ones your employer uses? The mechanical units normally use s a single code, so tracking would be mostly useless if available. In my experience the electronic models are the ones that provide individual pin, schedules, event logs, etc. The Kaba E-Plex line sounds more like what the OP describes.

You'll need software and some sort of communication with the lock. More details here:E-Plex Wireless System Overview

mjb2424

Oops, sorry, I didn't actually look at the product specs! Ours actually uses unique codes for each individual.

TechGuru80

I have heard of sensors in some environments on the inside to indicate if people are tailgating as well. You could get a lock with a two factor authentication too. Scan a key card and put in a code. The first link shown here has garbage ones because if one person gets the code you have lost and cannot track access.

cyberguypr

I just came back from the ASIS conference and saw all kinds of physical security devices. They had all sorts of locks, card readers, biometric scanners, etc. One of the coolest devices was what I call the Minority Report door. It is frosted glass. On the top it has a face recognition system. Upon validating you it converts the glass to clear and opens the door. I was able to catch a short video although it missed the initial state of the door.

20130925 101608 - YouTube

Pretty nifty.

Darril

Not sure of an inexpensive upgrade, but I've seen many systems that use a Command Access Card (CAC) or Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card similar to a generic smart card that have proximity electronics within them. Wave the card in front of the proximity reader and it reads the user's information, verifies they are authorized, and opens the door. These are often tied into a back end database to log the access. The logs are typically only reviewed when there are problems or investigations, such as a break-in or theft over a weekend.

samurai86

I have to agree with Darril. If there is tracking involved then there is likely different types of logging going on. The data would be sent back to a server that controls the card readers, and is able to maintain the events that have occurred.

At least that is all that I have ever worked with. If anyone else has a different setup, it would be good to know.

Edwin24

Most of the company now offering the lock that have security cameras and alarm in it.which help you to monitor the room security and you can get the monitoring facility and also get alert when someone try to open that door without keys.