News Articles

May 11, 2016

The Connected Cloud -- May 2016 [Show All]

 

THE Connected CLOUD

News, Feature Updates, Webinars, Events & Resources

May 2016
 

3rd Party Integration with Open UserAPI

Dealers were asking for one-point data entry for users with memberships such as fitness centers and storage facilities so they could automatically populate the access control database without re-entering data. Connect ONE® by Connected Technologies, LLC delivered, with the Access Expander’s Open Application Programming Interface (API). 

Now dealers can integrate their Connect ONE systems with third-party facilities management software via the API, opening the door of opportunity to customers and markets such as multi-tenant, multipurpose rooms, gated communities or rental properties. It can also be deployed for time and attendance to automatically populate and update the intrusion and access control database based on employment changes. 

Serving the dealer niche market

“We developed this capability based on calls from dealers who wanted to know if they could interface with storage facility management software so renters only needed to be added once and their profile would automatically populate into Connect ONE,” said Mike Simon, managing partner, Connected Technologies. “A new member can be assigned access without having to re-enter their information into Connect ONE, saving on double entries. Likewise, when their membership has expired their access can automatically deactivate without human intervention,” he said.

Simon added that manufacturers typically develop their hardware and software offerings for the masses, not niche markets.  “We service these niche markets and want dealers to know they can come to us with suggestions that can make their value proposition stronger and their business more profitable,” he said.

The open API capability also gives dealers another potential referral source – these same business software customers might also require additional access control or may know of a peer business which could similarly benefit.

 
 
 

User In/Out & Exception Activity Dashboards

A User In/Out Activity Dashboard has been added. Available on any Monitor page, Options->View User In/Out. This will automatically update with user in/out activity for the last 24 hours in near real-time. This dashboard may be kept open to watch where people currently are within the customer's facilities.

An Exception Activity Dashboard has been added. Available on any Monitor page, Options->View Exceptions. This will automatically update with door/output & zone exception activity in near real-time. Exception activity includes unlocked doors, and zones in a non-normal status including high/low temperature or humidity. This dashboard may be kept open to watch current statuses within the customer's facilities.
 
 


Bosch Skeds Support

Bosch Skeds are now supported in the B8512G and B9512G control panels. Customers can now edit existing skeds programmed in the control panel to modify the time/date, days of the week, and holiday execution of the schedule. Skeds appear on the Schedules tab of the Customer Site.
 
 


Code/Card Activation Date

Creating a new code/card in advance has never been easier since now you can set an activation date on a system code/card. This effectively allows you to have a user's information added ahead of their arrival without granting them permission to soon before its necessary.

The Activation Date feature is available on all system control panels including ELK, Bosch, and DMP. ELK M1 systems with the Connect ONE Access Expander and DMP XR systems also have the benefit of including an Expiration Date. On those systems you can specify an automatic activation and expiration, saving on the time it would take to enter and remove the User. Access Expander systems also may utilize the new Open UserAPI service which also supports the Activation Date feature.

This feature was requested by a dealer which is utilizing their central station for managed access control of a home owners association for entry through gates and common areas. They receive requests for entering new users with an expected arrival and departure date. Now the central station operator can enter the information at anytime prior to the arrival date without having to worry about allowing access to soon before they arrive and likewise can enter the automatic expiration date at the same time.

Other uses may include general HR for new employee start dates, any facility with memberships start/end dates, or lease/rental instances where use of the facility is staged among multiple users.
 
 


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. The postings to these sites are immediate as they are completed.
Please contact us for your invitation to join the "Group" in LinkedIn.

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


Quote of the Month

"Willingness to change is a strength, even if it means plunging part of the company into total confusion for a while."
Jack Welch

 

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 toll-free (866) 976-3520.

Connected Technologies, llc., 6110 Lou Street, Crystal Lake, IL  60014