Access Control news round-up

MorphoTrak enables access for rail freight personnel
MorphoTrak has partnered with Identity One to deliver a time & attendance and biometric access control system to a North American freight railroad company. More than 250 Outdoor MorphoAccess 520 (OMA 520) biometric readers were deployed across the continental United States over a six-month period. This solution includes custom web-based enrollment at more than 70 locations and integration into existing human resource and payroll systems. Ruggedized with an IP65 weatherproof rating, the OMA 520 is well suited for the railroad industry. For particularly harsh, cold conditions it can be supplied with a built-in heater for extreme low temperatures. The new system brings the company improved security, as well as streamlined human resource and access control processes. From a single enrollment, an employee’s secured biometric record is distributed for access control, time & attendance and compliance applications.

IP security and wireless locking link up
Salto Systems and Genetec have entered a partnership to bring open access control and wireless locking for integrated IP-based security systems. Through this partnership, Genetec and Salto say they will offer a streamlined integration between Genetec Synergis, the IP access control solution, and the Salto wireless technology. Synergis will allow end users to consolidate their new or existing wired and wireless access control systems into one, and centralize monitoring and reporting. Customers will also be able to manage a single cardholder and credential database without having to work with separate wireless system or duplicate credentials. These and other benefits will enable users to optimize their operations and reduce their expenditures for years to come. The partnership is also expected to help users to easily bridge the gap between IP access control and wireless locking solutions, expand the reach of existing access control systems, and reduce the installation costs typically associated with wired solutions for doors where wireless technology makes more sense.

Realtime joins with Fujitsu for biometric access
An integrated solution for advanced biometric protection in SAP using Fujitsu’s PalmSecure vein imaging technology has been announced by Realtime North America. Additionally, Realtime announced that Fujitsu Frontech North America will distribute the bundled solution via its global network of channel partners. It combines Fujitsu PalmSecure biometric palm vein scanning sensors with SAP-certified bio- Lock security and monitoring software from realtime. The bioLock security system now is able to authenticate SAP user activities using palm vein scans captured with Fujitsu Palm- Secure sensors. Biometric authentication can be applied at log-on, or at more detailed SAP transactions in finance, HR, sales, customer service and more. The solution can be implemented on PCs or tablets, but also at endpoints such as employee self-service kiosks and retail POS terminals. The PalmSecure sensor does not come into contact with the user’s skin, so it is readily accepted, hygienic, non-intrusive and unrestricted by external factors such as skin types and conditions.

Caen RFID unveils key fob UHF reader
Caen RFID has announced the qIDmini (Model R1170I) reader, a Bluetooth ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID interrogator in the form of a key fob measuring 3.9 inches by 2.1 inches by 0.8 inch (99 millimeters by 54 millimeters by 20 millimeters). The pocket-size reader, compliant with the EPC Gen 2 and ISO 18000-6C standards, can be used for a variety of applications including point of sale, mobile field sales, access control, inventory management, and service and maintenance. When paired to a smartphone or a tablet, the company reports, the qIDmini is a cost-effective alternative to more expensive handheld devices. As part of the company’s easy2read family of products, the qIDmini has an integrated antenna suited for shortto medium-range applications; the typical read range is up to 90 centimeters (35 inches). The Bluetooth communication interface makes it suitable as a UHF RFID add-on for any Bluetooth-enabled host, such as a PC, a smartphone, a PDA or a tablet, the company reports. The reader is compatible with the Microsoft Windows XP/7 and Windows CE/Mobile, Android , and Apple iPhone and iPad platforms. It can operate both in wired mode (using a USB cable) or in wireless mode (through the Bluetooth interface). The interrogator can also operate in batch mode, allowing the storage of EPC codes into the internal memory when the communication link (USB or Bluetooth) is unavailable. In addition to an LCD display and a buzzer, the company says, the reader comes with a vibrator suited for signaling within noisy environments in which the buzzer cannot be heard, or in quiet environment such as libraries or hospitals.

Security access management for Oman power plant
A gas and oil-fired power plant in Oman has chosen the AC2000 security management and networked access control platform from CEM Systems. The company’s AC2000 security management system has been installed in the Sur Independent Power Plant (IPP), Oman. The system was installed by CEM Approved Reseller Majees Technical Services. The gas and oil-fired Sur Independent Power Plant (IPP) will be the largest power plant in Oman, representing approximately 30% of Oman’s installed power capacity when it is complete in 2014. The $1.6bn project owned by Phoenix Power Company SAOC will provide much needed power to meet the growing demand for electricity by employing state of the art technology and introducing high efficiency conversion technology. CEM’s AC2000 is a powerful and reliable access control and security management system used to protect sites where security is of paramount importance. AC2000 provides Sur with a suite of essential client, browser based applications.