Issue link: https://securitytechnologyexecutive.epubxp.com/i/282968
28 SECURITY TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE • February/March 2014 www.SecurityInfoWatch.com HEALTHCARE SECURITY: ACCESS CONTROL access control software provides a simple way to centrally manage user authorization and door status within a facility. Using Technology to Increase Control A hospital, by nature, needs to balance an open and inviting atmosphere with a sophisticated level of security. Ensuring the safety of patients and staff and protecting of patient records rank high on every organization's list of priorities. Using the right technology can make this bal- ance easier to maintain. Increasing the number of electronic access controlled openings cannot only help in day-to-day operations, but also aide in the event of an emergency. During new construction or major remodeling, hospitals can plan for and implement hardwired electronic locks and readers that are connected to the network for easy centralized management. When managed from a central location, resulting lockdowns are fast and effective. As an alternative to hardwired locks, a wireless electronic locking system, extremely popular in hospitals during retrofits, provides flexibility and simplicity of installation with the same enhanced security and lockdown capabilities of a hardwired system. Wireless access control system installa- tion is fast and easy with minimal disruption to patient care areas and can easily be integrated with other electronic hardware for an integrated life safety and security solution. One lockdown issue with some wireless tech- nologies, such as WiFi, has been the potential for communications delay from the head-end system. With many wireless solutions, access control deci- sions are downloaded by the host into the lock only 5-6 times per day. Access control decisions are managed within the locks (as is the case with traditional offline locks) to minimize commu- nication from the lock to the host and conserve batteries. However, such limited (not real-time) connectivity with the host limits the locks' ability to receive urgent commands from the host. There can also be issues with legacy 900 MHz wireless technology platforms. Oftentimes, a com- mand to immediately lock down could be ignored by the lock for up to 10 minutes or more. However, with newer modular wireless locks using 900MHz, a patent-pending "wake up on radio" feature works in parallel with the 10-minute heartbeat. Without waking up the entire lock or reducing battery life, it listens for complementary commands every one to 10 seconds and then responds. Control Access Smartly As part of the overall security and emergency planning, using advanced design strategies, inno- vative hardware and careful management of per- sonal access, healthcare facilities can better con- trol the access its inhabitants have in and around the building as well as protect its assets. By emphasizing planning, practice, education and the latest in security hardware, lockdown times can be drastically cut, even in large hospi- tals. A reduction in lockdown time signifies an improvement in emergency preparedness. It also assures that perimeter access and intra-facility access has been optimized for both performance and security. When there is an influx of patients or others, it is imperative to control where they have access. Hospitals must protect patient privacy, both their rooms and their records. ❚ A nn G eissler T imme is A lle g ion's Healthcare Marketing Manager. She can be contacted at ann.timme@alle- gion.com. During new construction or major remodeling, hospitals can plan for and implement hardwired electronic locks and read- ers that are connected to the network for easy centralized management. When managed from a central location, resulting lockdowns are fast and effective. STE_24-29_0314 Timme AccessCntrl.indd 28 3/14/14 11:13 AM