The Kaba Group adapted a new segment and management structure, effective July 1, 2012. Kaba’s corporate strategy is focused on improving operational performance, increasing efficiency, and profitable growth, with an emphasis on innovation leadership in the access control sector.
Kaba Access and Data Systems (ADS) Americas, as the new group is called, combines the sales, marketing, product management and support functions of Kaba Access Control, e-Data, Kaba Mas, and Kaba’s physical access systems under one sales and marketing unit.
Through this realignment, Kaba brands, Kaba®, LA GARD, Simplex®, E-Plex® and e-Data, will be managed within the single brand strategy. The product brands comprise six product groups within the Access Control area — which offer a wide range of customer tailored security needs; cylinder and locks, access management systems, workforce management systems, physical access systems, multi-housing products, and safe and container locks.
The combination of the companies will further enhance customer-centric solutions, and provide an extensive portfolio of products and unmatched levels of service across many vertical markets, including retail, financial, healthcare, banking and government.
Standalone Biometrics
The Standalone Identity Access Management (I.AM) Kit features all the security benefits of biometric access control, only in a simple, non-networked module that supports up to two entry points via a single reader. The data management and enrollment are handled with ease right at the required fingerprint biometric reader, without any PC connection required.
Similar to Kaba's AX.S Series of products, the access control application is embedded, eliminating the installation and maintenance of software or servers. In addition, the AD102 Kit is an independent, non-networked module so there is no need for a PC.
Users are enrolled and deleted directly at the Fingerprint Key, and visitors are granted access by entering a PIN code. Users gain authenticated access in less than one second by simply placing their finger at the Fingerprint Key. Plus, the Fingerprint Key is rated for indoor and outdoor use.
According to Logan Stewart, product manager Kaba ADS Americas, "The AD102 Kit is the perfect solution for residential or commercial applications, including doors, gates, garages, warehouses, gun safes, jewelry cabinets, data rooms, remote sites, and second properties. And, even though the system is designed to accommodate smaller scale usage, the AD102 Kit can migrate to work with an AM524 or AM300 Controller and its door unit, creating a full featured web-based system."
Additional applications include schools, restaurants, banks, retail and healthcare facilities.
Just like Kaba’s online, networked systems, the applications are all embedded and require no software or servers. That makes installation easy with no certification necessary. Migration to Kaba’s full web-based solution is seamless.
And it’s not just for offices or homes but also schools, restaurants, banks, retail and healthcare facilities.
The Standalone I.AM Kit supports one required Fingerprint Key (Kaba I.AM) reader through RS485 communication.
Reader Specifications:
Credentials: Fingerprint biometric, PIN
Templates: 50-user storage capacity
Search Modes: 1-to-many identification
Fingerprint Sensor: Thin optical sensor, 500 dpi @ 8-bit per pixel, .55 x .87 in (14 x 22 mm) active area
Mechanical: IP65-listed, resin-sealed hard plastic enclosure, single-gang mount, metal mounting plate
Power input: 12 to 24 VDC (24 VDC recommended). Max.: 420 mA 12 VDC. Idle: 120 mA 12 VDC
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.5 x 2 in (115 x 65 x 51 mm)
Operating Temperature: 14 to 122 °F (-10 to 50 °C); no direct sunlight
Controller Specifications:
Reader: Fingerprint Key (Kaba I.AM), 1 maximum
Access Points: Two (via 1 supported Fingerprint Key)
Events: None (non-networked/offline module with embedded access software)
Mechanical: Metal mount plate with screw-on cover (standard). Rear, side cover access for cable connections. Mounts in standard third-party locking enclosures
Installation: Environmentally controlled areas
Power: Input: 12 to 24 VDC (24 VDC recommended). Load: 20 mA + current of connected reader 12 VDC
Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.7 x 1.5 in (120 x 120 x 40 mm) with enclosure
Packaged Weight: 1.59 lb (720 g): Standalone Identity Access Management Kit (fingerprint key and a controller)
Operating Temperature: 32 to 122 °F (0 to 50 °C)
Relative Humidity: 0 to 85%, non-condensing
Q & A: Logan Stewart
The Locksmith Ledger contacted Logan Stewart,KABA ADS Global Product Manager, to get a complete and accurate picture of this new product and there enhanced access control portfolio. Following are the Ledger’s questions and Stewart’s answers.
What items are included in the kit?
The kit consists of the AD102 controller board and the AR402 fingerprint reader. An instruction manual and quick wiring setup guide are also included.
Is the unit scalable?
The AD102 controller board can be replaced with our higher end AX.S controller boards to allow for more doors, more users, and online network capability. In fact, the majority of our existing customers who have purchased these units have upgraded to these higher-end boards after they realize the value and reliability that our biometric readers provide. The AR402 biometric reader will work with both the I.AM entry level board (i.e, AD102) and the higher end AX.S boards, so it does not need to be replaced.
Can this unit be adapted for use with a networked server based system?
If the customer wishes to upgrade to an online networked system, he or she can migrate to our AX.S controller boards. The AD102 is an entry-level, non-networked board.
Are there any optional accessories, such as a card reader?
Not for the AD102. The system can be upgraded to AX.S, which does support Wiegand cards and iClass.
Does the AX.S mark KABA's re-entry into network-based electronic access control since spinning off Millennium?
AX.S is Kaba's entry into Embedded Access Control. It is a truly embedded product that requires neither a server nor a software package. It also works seamlessly with our biometric readers without the need for a separate TCP/IP network (as most other biometric products require). The end user gets an easy-to-manage biometric system with built-in access control and automatic fingerprint propagation throughout all readers.
Is the AX.S available thru the same distribution channels as other Kaba products?
AX.S is available through a very limited number of distribution partners.
Is factory certification/training required?
Online certification is required.
Is software required?
No, software is not required, as an embedded web page resides on each controller. The administrator can access this webpage directly via the IP address of the controller. However, for large multi-site operations which require the moving of biometric templates from one site to another (ie, moving templates from controller to controller), we offer the AXIAL software package
The reader is RS-485. Since most readers are Wiegand, does that mean that the AX.S controller also accepts Wiegand? Do the controllers network over TC/IP or RS-485?
The controllers accept Wiegand or RS-485. This is configured via the door unit. The AD500 comes in two options (AD500R for RS-485 or AD500W for Wiegand). The DU can be jumper configured for Wiegand or 485. The controllers are administered via TCP/IP. However, the communication between controller and door unit is RS-485.
Is "embedded access control a new product category?
Embedded access control is a new product category for Kaba and a relatively new category for the access control industry. Many claim to offer embedded solutions; however, in reality, they require an expensive embedded server.
Our embedded controllers are embedded appliances (similar to a game console you may find in your home). Whereas an embedded server is vulnerable to maintenance fees, Windows updates, mainstream viruses, the Linux based embedded controller is not.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Kaba ADS Americas, 749 West Short St., Lexington, KY 40508. Phone: 800-849-8324. Web: www.kaba-adsamericas.com.
To read additional Locksmith Ledger articles about Kaba, visit http://tinyurl.com/kaba1113.
