One of the most difficult security challenges for facility managers is how to protect large-scale outdoor sporting or entertainment venues, writes Spencer Marshall, pictured – Regional Sales Manager Northern Europe – HID Global.
Upwards of 100,000 fans plus thousands of catering and hospitality staff, hundreds of security officers, medical teams and media crews may flood the site.
Organisers depend on access control systems to help protect people and equipment across their sites. In many cases, they also must weave in existing surveillance gear, as well as other electronic security and building management. There are many requirements for access control systems at outdoor venues, but one of the biggest selection factors is the flexibility of systems to prevent and then appropriately manage incidents. Integrating the entire system in network can be crucial. Take for example the combination of video with access control – when the security system enables all of the various sub-systems, from video management and access control to video analytics and intrusion devices, to be managed through a single user interface, situational awareness is enhanced because all information can be immediately correlated.
A networked access controller enables these capabilities. Such a system connects everything on an IP-based access system network and permits the addition of new technologies. Networked access control systems also bring intelligence to each door for streamlined system monitoring, management and reporting via standard web browsers. Venue operators not only have visibility when doors are forced open, but also gain key remote-management, report-generation and auditing. The move to true open architecture IP-based intelligent controllers enables users to invest in hardware not linked to proprietary software, simplifying future infrastructure. All elements of a new system should be selected on the basis of their ability to support a variety of software in an open architecture.
With an access system based on an open architecture platform, organisations can switch to any system provider supporting that platform. They can purchase a system-agnostic controller product, with non-proprietary access control software, and later change that software to meet evolving requirements without a forklift upgrade. They can also retain the site’s RS-485 cable during the upgrade to reduce costs, given the amount of re-cabling otherwise required for a large and heavily constructed site. And they can adapt to virtually any card-reader configuration required.
Maximum flexibility also requires that there be options to fill the gap between traditional mechanical locks with no intelligence, and doors with full, IP-networked intelligence. It should be possible to adapt solutions for facility expansion or changes to virtually any card-reader configuration that future needs may require. This could mean controlling a couple of doors with dozens to hundreds of card holders, or managing hundreds of doors across the venue and its associated campus facilities.
Other features include the ability for the network controller to download all interim events into cache in the event that the system goes off-line. This ensures that no data is lost, and that doors will operate as they normally do. Also, the controller should be capable of activating a digital dialler or cellular modem in the event of longer network failure, and to continue operating with or without the selected host. Facility managers face difficult challenges protecting fans and staff at large stadiums and other outdoor arenas and facilities. Networked access control based on open-standards represents a future-proof investment, combining security with improved visibility and remote management and reporting.
