Webhook Integration with Visitor Management Platforms

Webhooks provide a universal method for integrating with other systems for entry and removal of users such as Visitor Management.

The Webhooks are a part of the UserAPI and therefore the UserAPI service must be subscribed. Once configured, external systems can trigger incoming webhooks to Connect ONE to add a new user with system code including additional parameters such as activation and expiration dates. Another webhook may be triggered to deactivate a user.

The integration was tested to be supported with Honeywell Sine Visitor Management. Webhook configuration is setup on the Utilities->API Integrations page.

Recent Usability Improvements

Customer Management Portal

• QR Barcode Credentials: A new credential import option has been added to support QR codes. When a QR code credential is selected from Connect ONE the user can receive their QR code via email or SMS directly from Connect ONE. This makes QR codes a great option for visitors or other temporary uses since they can be emailed to the individual prior to their arrival. QR code readers onsite can scan the QR code, either printed or on-phone, for gaining access to the facility.
  
• Mobile Badge Scan Use Case: A recent use case was presented to us for a Community Bus Service. Rather than install control panels inside the bus, the driver can use the Connect ONE App on their phone to verify if the person is approved to use the bus service. When the driver scans their badge, either the person's printed badge or mobile badge (also via the Connect ONE App), it will show that person's badge within the driver's Connect ONE App verifying their status and validity to use the bus service.
• Monitor Improvements: All Monitor screens have been re-vamped for a easier to understand grouping, cleaner appearance, and quick access to toolbar functions, such as Lockdown & Task Activation, regardless of scroll position.

Dealer Administrative Portal & System Updates

• Permalink to SmartTest Dashboard: A new option exists to copy a permalink to the Device->SmartTest Dashboard. The link can be stored in your CRM application and allows for a technician onsite fast and easy access to the SmartTest dashboard for testing the system. Clicking the link from your CRM will direct the technician directly to the dashboard without needing to find the customer/device in Connect ONE. More Here
• Cycle Output Timing: A new Device->General option exists for Elk M1 & Access Expander Systems to allow a programmable time setting when the Cycle Output option is triggered. Previously the setting was set to 1 second however now it can be set to whatever timing is required.
• Cleanup Users (Purge): The cleanup users method has been expanded so you can do a user purge, including system codes, in one place. Simply select a user profile then press cleanup users from the Dealer Site->Customer->Users page and it will remove the users and their codes. You can press Check to count how many users will be affected prior to pressing Start.
  
• Farpointe Conekt Bluetooth Mobile Credential Integration: The integration allows for a seamless method to enroll these credentials in Connect ONE. When you order Farpointe Conekt Mobile Credentials from your vendor, you will be supplied a spreadsheet which will be imported into Connect ONE. When creating the System Code for the user they select from a list of available credentials, the code number automatically populates to the panel and Connect ONE sends the user an email/SMS with instructions of how to use the credential with an app download link and QR code to load the credential into the app. More Here
• Hanwha Wisenet Integration: A new integration is now available for Hanwha Wisenet NVR's. The supported features are: Live & Playback Viewing, Video Verification, Sending Intrusion/Access Events to NVR, and Receiving Analytical/Health related Events from the NVR. The integration also supports the Hanwha Wisenet Sync Cloud for easy and secure connectivity to the NVR. More Here
• TIP: Check the Configuration page for the Device as it includes recommended programming for the particular product and firmware version.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Method for single sign-on with a create/update user operation initiated from an external identity provider (IdP).

Many organizations are using Identity Providers (IdP) to centralize their user directory database across multiple applications. Now your customer will be able to integrate with Identity Providers using SAML 2.0. This allows for users to be created and updated automatically from the external single sign-on process.

This integration was developed for and verified with Okta however since it is based upon SAML 2.0 it should work for other Identity Providers such as Microsoft Azure AD.

Single Sign-On configuration is setup on the Utilities->Single Sign-On page.

IMPORTANT TIP: SMS Messaging Enhancements

We understand Connect ONE's email deliverability is a core function and we have several considerations in place to ensure your customers' notifications are received. We have a dedicated IP pool exclusive for email, we have proper SPF records, DKIM signatures, and DMARC records. We do not send anything via the IP pool except Connect ONE generated notifications. We also actively monitor for blacklisting and are not listed. Our complaint rate is 0%. Yet with all this we still experience random bounced messages from the cellular carrier's email->text gateway service method, i.e. Ph#@carrier.net, alternatively SMS messaging is a reliable method for your customers to receive notifications.

Connect ONE offers an enhanced SMS messaging service that provides reliable delivery as a true SMS message since it doesn't utilize the carrier email to text option. The expanded SMS service is subscribed on the customer level, please see the Connect ONE price guide for package information, the price guide is available on the Home tab of the Dealer Administration Portal. The carrier email to text option will continue to be included in the base service level at no additional charge.

This is a great option for critical messages which require reliable delivery and will continue without management changes if the customer changes cellular carriers since only their phone number is specified for delivery.

Tip: Customer Add-On Modules

Add-on modules are super easy to setup for your customer - requiring little to no configuration - build more RMR!

• Asset Management
  • The Asset Management Module provides streamlined methods to track assets, such as keys, equipment, electronics, tools, inventory, etc., to locations and/or users including the generation of custom user authorization templates upon issuing and/or returning.
• Badge Printing (InstantCard)
  • The InstantCard module works with the InstantCard Badge Service to push user photo and details to a badge template for physical badge printing.
• Case Management
  • The Case Management Module provides streamlined methods to track critical event responses, incidents, and repairs at one or multiple locations. Ideal for building and property management companies, multifamily and multi-tenant users or national accounts with numerous locations.
• Emergency Messaging Hub
  • The Emergency Messaging Hub provides a unified feed of emergency messages from multiple systems for an associated site. It works by receiving Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) messages from Mass Notification and other Emergency Response platforms and by translating device native events to the CAP format. All CAP messages are published to the hub for all external services to consume in a single atom feed.
• GeoView System Mapping (MVP Award Winner 2019)
  • The GeoView System Mapping Module maps real-time status and control of systems to Google Maps. Easily drag/place markers for: System Health, Arm/Disarm Status & Control (Multi-Area), Zones & Sensors (including Environmental & Weather Sensors), Doors & Outputs, Cameras (also Live View within Map). Also, upload interior floorplans and overlay them on top of the satellite image.
• Safe Passage (MVP Award Winner 2021)
  • The Safe Passage module provides a framework for a one-time/periodic self-approval process. If required and not completed, upon access by the individual, violation events are generated so a manager can ensure the user is safe to be at the site regarding health and/or hazard concerns. Documentation is stored with the user account showing they have answered the proper questions and approved any company terms such as an NDA.
• Weather Monitoring
  • The Weather Monitoring Module monitors National Weather Service alerts instantly and six weather metrics updated every 30-60 minutes: 1. Temperature, 2. Relative Humidity, 3. Current Condition, 4. Wind Speed, 5. Barometric Pressure, 6. Dew Point. Each of the metrics can be programmed with a low and high threshold limit which can deliver notifications and interact with other devices onsite such as the alarm/access systems and thermostats. Historical reporting is also possible for each metric which can show readings recorded over a time period.
  
  

Give Us the Challenge...

We love hearing from our Dealers with requests from their customers to help solve challenges.

Please contact us and give us the challenge, we may be able to design something for you, and together we can watch your company reach the potential you always knew was possible.

Send us your feedback

Stay Up-to-Date

We will continue to include the enhancements in this newsletter.

We also post the enhancements to our "Company" page and "Group" page on LinkedIn, as well as to the "Feature Blog" tab on our website.
Please contact us for your invitation to join the "Group" on LinkedIn.

Also, be sure to review the Home tab on the Connect ONE Dealer Site as this will contain many helpful Sales Sheets and Technical Guides.

We encourage you to visit these sites to stay up-to-date.

Working hard to Simplify all your System Integrations,
The Staff at Connected Technologies.

 For more information regarding Connected Technologies™ or Connect ONE®, please visit www.SimplifywithConnectONE.com or call (866) 976-3520.

Connected Technologies, LLC., Monument, CO  80132-1266