The convergence of traditional Access Control Systems with modern IT connectivity is here. Many of our San Diego clients are moving away from access control controllers adopted over the past 30 years, opting instead for a more modern approach with office key fobs setup and readers.
Ubiquiti access control systems are trending hard. They deliver on the traditional key fobs but also double up on modern techniques via the user’s phone as an alternative way to gain door access. We receive calls all the time requesting assistance with configuration and deployment but is Ubiquiti right for you? Perhaps, a little discovery is required to get that answer.
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Is This a Communal Residential Property?
Think about large/sprawling HOA properties that contain pools, gyms, front lobbies, rear door access, special event areas, MDF closets, etc. Imagine the need to manage between 5 to 10 doors scattered across these locations. This situation requires a much more legacy compatible access control system to avoid spiraling implementation costs.
Just cabling, terminations, teardown of old equipment, and basic materials alone can easily cost $10,000 or $20,000; and that doesn’t include access control devices, configuration, and training. Pools especially complicate access controls.
It’s one thing to worry about doors propped open at an office; it’s another thing to worry about when that happens with pool gates. Residential properties tend to be more expensive to implement, configure, and maintain for multiple reasons.
The easy solution is to scrap your Ubiquiti Access Control systems obsession and go for a much more financially sensible solution that does not require the replacement of all your traditional wiring and hardware infrastructure.
Is This a Business Suite?
Office key fobs setup for business access control systems is typically less complex, with less cabling needed. Take your average 2500 sq’ office or maybe a large warehouse but it retains minimal door access.
Regardless of the cable management meandering through ceiling tiles in an office and dry walls or cable raceways at a modern warehouse, the determined MDF during discovery ultimately houses a half rack in some central location. Enclosed in the half rack are all the ethernet drops (connected to a patch panel) from each location in the facility.
Cabling for a basic five to 15 user setup with terminations back to the MDF closet costs roughly $1,000 to $3,000, depending on whether you want additional infrastructure like network drops for each user location, access points, or multiple secure doors.
With that said, these types of environments are much better suited for Ubiquiti access control systems compared to say like legacy, already built residential community that already contains traditional Access Control system
Cablers vs. IT Professionals
Let’s face it, no one can be great at everything. The same applies to IT professionals. A good IT pro should have a preferred cabling specialist, just like a general practitioner refers to a specialist when needed.
Legitimate IT professionals care deeply about clean and reliable cabling jobs. That said, it’s tough to find someone skilled both in cabling and IT configuration/project management. We are one of the fortunate few can perform both a professional cabling job and configure the network infrastructure.
Most cablers want to get in and get out. The traditional access control market still relies on clunky old systems until they learn TCP/IP and modern IoT setups for cameras, phones, key readers, in other words, everything moving to IP, based communication.
IT Management of the system can be challenging; and usually the property manager outsources and overpays for traditional Access Control support assistance. We usually secure long-term agreements to monitor and maintain the access control system deployed for key reader door access once the HOA realizes it’s in the wrong hands.
But What About the Cabling?
Replacing traditional wired access control systems is expensive. The price skyrockets at larger townhouse or apartment complexes due to walkways, parking structures, and multiple buildings, making installation of Ubiquiti access control systems or other IP, based systems nearly impossible in some cases.
Traditional Controller Replacement
Thankfully, modern platforms exist, not just Ubiquiti, that handle access control functions and replace the head controller without the need for full rewiring, check out our blog about Extend the Life of Your Access Control Infrastructure.
Office Key Fobs Setup and Access Control System Replacement Summary
Bottom line, every situation is unique. Assess your needs with a qualified access control replacement specialist to make the best informed decision for your organization.
