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Sorry Les, can't help with access control.

Jim,

Thanks for the look!!

Have a good week!!

Les

Nope.

I used some Corby and IEI early on, but towards the end I was using Napco P9600 and X255 for most of my access control work. Mostly X255.

I did install a couple Silent Knight access 2000 controls, but later changed them both out for X255 controls. There is just something to be said for a PC based control interface for the customer to manage users. Almost like really big guy access systems, but not quite as expensive. My only big gripe about the Napco systems was it seemed like I had to replace the network interface modules every few years. I tried them both with and without their protection module. It was often enough that the customers would notice it was a failure item.

Thanks Bob,

The current customer has been using a HUBMAX II with just a keypad for card entry. Every time he would enter a card he would use the backdoor push button to enter programming and when through the procedure that stopped working. He had no idea what the card numbers were or how to delete.

I figured out the process and had him enter a Master Code for proper usage. He now says that it takes a good 10 seconds to get a new card to read in the system. I think (because of age) that there are some parts that are starting to fail.

When I mentioned that having a PC connected to a new system he cringed like he was very uncomfortable with that thought!!!

The MiniMax 3 will work as the old but can also have a network interface that can use software. One of the challenges is that the system is out-dated and is to work on WIN98, 2000 & XP, maybe WIN7 maybe WIN10.

That is where I am stumped!!! Which is why I am reaching out to try and find someone with some hands-on knowledge. Not going to be easy!!!

Later,

Les

A demo may be in order. See what it looks like on your laptop first if you can. Some of the old software was actually harder to use than at the unit requiring both PC based data entry and manual reading/programming at the unit. Some is easy allowing you to enter names, alarm codes, and cards without getting up from your desk.

Displaying activity reports with names, dates, times, and locations is pretty useful to certain levels of management. Others will just complain that they really should delete all codes/cards and start over. Of course there is the benefit that if they need to terminate somebody they can turn off their card from their desk, and make them come in the front retail/public entrance if/when they arrive.

Not knowing the nature of the business I don't know what flow will be best, but I've been onsite when somebody found out they were terminated. Reception escorted them to the manager's office, and security escorted them to their former office to retrieve their personal items.

I've also seen places incorporate access control that really had no use for it. I think they just wanted to "look" high tech, but really would have been better suited to just issue a few old fashion brass keys, and a quick change lock cylinder system instead. In fact I've seen large organizations with hundreds of buildings on 20 different campuses managed that way very well. One person loses the key to their office and they swap the cylinder and issue them a new key. A custodian loses a master key and entire campus is rekeyed in a day. If they are not going to have activity logging and real access management there is no point in spending the money. Of course neither really does much if somebody doesn't take the responsibility to manage it.

I can't count the times I was told, "Joe Schblotnik is the personnel manager. He will be managing the system," and when I met with Joe everything I tried to teach was met with scrunchy face. Downright verbal protest when I mention any kind of record keeping.

It sounds like the guy you are dealing with may be like Mr Schblotnik. If you want him to change you need to show him its both better AND EASIER in the long run. You also better be right. If its not easier and you convince him to change your best hope is for him to *** leave the position and for a more tech savvy and gungho manager to take his place.

*** I started to say "leave the company," but that's not always the case. One medium to large international ag research company I dealt with would rotate people through their office manager position every couple years. Some were sharp and quick, and others were just hard asses. I think it was part of their ongoing training for senior managers. I had the fun of training a new person how to manage their system every couple years. An existing system with multiple buildings and a couple thousand users on site.

I get it Bob!!! I usually start out the training with the following statement. "Please keep in mind, 'I' can't learn it for you!!!"

As for "Mr Schblotnik" I can't put that label on him as yet. This system is at a Senior Living Facility to allow residents and Staff to open the Main Entrance Door between 5pm and 8am.

Presently I have found the software and have loaded onto my WIN-XP Laptop. I can open it but without a system to connect to, I am limited as to what I can or can't do. And YES!! it is going to take a bit to get use to the software procedures for operation.

Presently waiting for answers to me recent email to him.

It is always the hidden challenges that will get you in sore spot!!

Later,

Les