Paxton’s longstanding access control system, Net2, received its latest software update. The highly anticipated new feature, Checkpoint Control, supports COVID-secure sites. This additional functionality helps Net2 users protect employees and visitors by monitoring and approving people as they enter buildings.
Checkpoint Control functionality follows on from Paxton’s successful introduction of Net2 Occupancy Management and integration with thermal scanning hardware. Both were released for Net2 in July 2020. These features work together simply and seamlessly to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 around populated buildings.
“Net2 Checkpoint Control allows a site to assign temporary access levels to one or more users that will remain in place until they have either been manually validated or badged through a specific door,” says Jeremy Allison, Paxton U.S. senior product manager. “This allows Net2 system administrators to ensure all staff and visitors pass through a designated checkpoint at a frequency that can be configured to suit the business requirements. It also offers the flexibility to split staff between multiple checkpoints to help maintain social distancing and not overrun an area.”
Checkpoint Control works in just two simple steps:
- Specific doors or areas of a building are designated as checkpoints, such as the main entrance or reception. End users are given access to that checkpoint using their normal access token, with the limited access point managed via the access permissions feature within the Net2 software.
- Access can be verified manually in person or by using technology to support automated validation. The automated process works by identifying a person via their access credentials, which can then be followed by a thermal scan to further increase protection against the spread of COVID. After identity and, where relevant, an individual’s health and well-being have been approved, the checkpoint will validate and grant further building access.
Net2 v6.05 also includes new functionality to enhance the Net2 Occupancy Management feature. New virtual traffic lights can be used on screens to indicate occupancy levels without integrated traffic-light hardware. This further supports social distancing by informing the end user of whether the current occupancy of the area they’re about to enter is safe for them to do so, working alongside Checkpoint Control to reduce bottlenecks and overcrowding.
Occupancy Management override is also included in this new update. Should there be an emergency, this functionality allows selected people to enter an area that’s at capacity, such as a first responder or senior manager.
Checkpoint Control and the new additions to Occupancy Management functionality are available exclusively with Net2 Pro software. For more information, check out the Net2 Access Control Software page on Paxton’s website. Paxton also has a video at https://youtu.be/zdFsaWOmFno.
