Retrofitting a Door to Proximity/Magnetic Stripe Access Takes 4 Quick Steps

FORESTVILLE, CONN. –  IR Security & Safety’s Electronic Access Control Division (EACD) today announced the availability of its new Schlage VIP (Value Integration Platform) locks, which let users monitor door openings with their own existing, third party access control panels and software. The VIP open architecture platform seamlessly connects the specially designed door lock to a panel interface board (PIB) that connects to any present access control panel. There is no need for separate components or multiple manufacturers’ products. Users access the VIP lock with either magnetic stripe or HID proximity cards.

As a result, credential data and door status information required by the access control panel, such as door position or request-to-exit status, are passed via RS-485 communication from the lock to the panel via the PIB provided with the locks. The access control panel maintains control of the lock status and status indication on the VIP locks as it does with present electric strike or electromagnetic locking systems. All monitoring is captured at the remote monitoring station.

“VIP locks extend the present access control system to mechanical door hardware while improving and maintaining the aesthetic appearance of door openings,” emphasizes IR Security & Safety Marketing Manager Marilyn Collins. “Wiring from one location greatly reduces installation time, cost and complexity. Whereas a typical access control system involves 13 steps, including ‘prepping’ the door for the electrical strike, running the wire for the strike, installing the strike to, another nine steps later, ultimately connecting all components to the panel. A VIP lock requires only four quick steps.”

According to Collins, to install a VIP lock is a simple matter of “prepping” the door for the VIP lock and power transfer or hinge, running a single 4-conductor wire from the hinge to the PIB, installing the VIP lock and connecting the PIB to the access control panel.“No longer do dealers, users or builders have to commit to a closed proprietary system, which limits their choices for supply, support and service,” Collins adds. “Future budgets can concentrate on expanding or enhancing the access control system rather than replacing it.”

VIP locks are available in cylindrical or mortise models, as well as exit trim with either magnetic card readers or HID proximity reader versions. Locks can be ordered with a variety of architectural finishes and lever styles to match existing aesthetics.