Unified solutions

Peter Currie

John Allen

Enhancing security through unified video surveillance and access control

Introducing AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry to meet growing requirements for video surveillance and access control in one unified solution.

By Peter Currie and John Allen, Axis Communications, Northern Europe

The physical security of premises, assets and people is of vital importance. Network video cameras are a key part of any modern security provision, with advances in edge processing and analytical capabilities resulting in a solution that can not only improve security but also drive business optimisation. Access control continues to evolve too, with the COVID-19 pandemic presenting new challenges and making it more important than ever to be able to monitor and control exactly who is entering or leaving a building or site. The move to a more frictionless, touch-free mode of operation has enabled a safer customer experience which avoids the touching of shared services, but still maintains high levels of security. be a winning formula, providing comprehensive cover for businesses of all sizes across many industries and sectors. While individual security solutions offer high levels of protection, it is the ability to manage them effectively which unlocks real efficiencies and multiple benefits for an organisation. Businesses should not need to compromise on any aspect of security, so implementing an effective solution that will allow full management of their entire system brings complete peace of mind.

In response to customer feedback, Axis has launched AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry. This latest edition to the management software unites video surveillance and access control, two of the most critical areas of security, into a unified solution which unlocks additional value. The advantages of a unified approach When considering a security solution that will enable today’s businesses to face their challenges, AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry allows for a unified system, in which the whole is certainly greater than the sum of its parts. It’s important for every business to have access to the highest quality video surveillance technology, combined with the best software for monitoring and management.

While individual technologies can deliver related benefits that can be combined when they are integrated, this can be cumbersome, often involving multiple vendors with the logistical and financial headaches that accompany such an approach.

Axis’ unified method, using a single platform, offers an easy to use interface with benefits of security, operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Providing such comprehensive end-toend solutions built on open platforms not only encourages greater partner collaboration, but also ensures that every element is validated to work together, operating in accordance with the highest principles of cybersecurity.

Securing entrance and exit points Axis constantly strives to meet new customer demand, enlarging its IP product portfolio to include audio, radar technology and body worn cameras; all important components in an overarching, comprehensive security solution for protecting premises, assets and people.

Axis video management software serves as the hub to control and effectively manage multiple devices, and as it continues to evolve, will increasingly become the command centre through which multiple Axis solutions, together with those from trusted partners, can be unified for an overarching and comprehensive security provision.

With three-fold benefits around the live monitoring of access points, assistance in allowing access and post-incident investigation, AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry offers a range of options to suit all businesses and sectors, allowing coverage of small or large numbers of entrance and exit points. The management of cardholders and groups is straightforward, as is the simple creation of access rules, such as schedules, locations and credentials.

Beyond this, the system includes door and zone configurations, multi-factor authentication and customisable card formats. Old style cards are now substituted for PVC-free alternatives, in line with the Axis commitment to greener and more sustainable methods and practices.

Video verification and incident response Verification using video surveillance allows operators to check that any individual attempting to enter premises matches the credentials held on the system. In addition, for less busy entrances or out of normal working hours, it’s possible to trigger video recording and the playing of pre-recorded audio alerts and alarms. These can be activated in response to specific predetermined events, such as the length of time that a door is open. In addition, the solution makes it simple to add new users, or remove those who are no longer authorised for access, with a dedicated dashboard allowing users to confirm lock status and assist entry by permitting an operator to control doors.

Access points to buildings can, unfortunately, become flash points for incidents. Whether it’s someone attempting a forced entry or an employee becoming frustrated with credentials not working or being rejected, the video recording of access points is valuable in investigating incidents after they have taken place.

AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry allows operators to search, find and review video of anyone entering a building, or being denied access; the combination of video and access control logs making it straightforward to investigate an incident, with functionality for simply and quickly packing and exporting video data for the attention of relevant authorities.

A comprehensive end-to-end security solution An entire end-to-end solution comprising of many security technologies can be effectively monitored and configured to work together through a single vendorsupported system. Such a solution can support the growth of a company’s security provision as both the business and the technology grow. A trusted partnership with a single provider increases reliability, as the entire system can be treated as one dedicated solution, unified and customised to meet a customer’s needs.

AXIS Camera Station is constantly growing to support changing business and security requirements, while simultaneously evolving to meet the next generation of threats and cybersecurity regulations. It is a powerful package that provides high levels of security to protect and support modern organisations across many industries and sectors. A truly unified approach is now central to Axis’ vision of innovating for a smarter, safer world. About AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry This out-of-the-box ready solution is included as standard in AXIS Camera Station video management software whether pre-loaded onto Axis network video recorders (AXIS S11 and AXIS S22) or as a software only install. There is no activation fee and the licensing model takes the simple format of one license per device. Full installation also requires AXIS A1601 Network Door Controller with connected card readers.

AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry is optimized for up to 128 doors and up to 10,000 cardholders with support for multiple credentials. The user-friendly web-based interface makes it simple to add or remove users with easy drag and drop operation, and to set up users based on specific criteria such as user location and schedule, so operators can easily control who has access to which access points and at what time.

By synchronizing all databases with AXIS A1601 Network Door Controller, all access control decisions are made locally on the edge. The solution is designed with cybersecurity in mind and provides encrypted communication to ensure data is protected.

Finally, support for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) provides additional peace of mind, guaranteeing continuous service even during a power failure.

Test the Beta version of AXIS Secure Entry with a free trial: www.axis.com/products/axiscamera-station/free-download

Read more about AXIS Camera Station: www.axis.com/products/ axis-camera-station/