Schneider Electric, a provider of energy management and automation solutions, announced enhancements to its AccessXpert security management system at ASIS 2016. The new enhancements allow facility mangers to seamlessly integrate their security and building management systems for the first time via the BACnet communications protocol to drive information sharing that leads to better building efficiency.
AccessXpert security management system
AccessXpert uses secure, cloud-based technologies to provide building owners, managers, and security personnel with anywhere, anytime mobile access to video surveillance, intrusion detection, access control, alarm management and other systems. By using open standards to merge security with Schneider Electric’s SmartStruxure building management system (BMS), AccessXpert delivers new levels of building integration to enable clearer decisions, faster responses, and maximum facility efficiency.
“While BACnet interoperability doesn’t usually cross most security professionals’ minds, the opportunities it presents to the security industry are significant,” said Jim Sandelin, Senior Vice President, EcoBuilding, Schneider Electric North America Operation. “Traditional security and building automation integrations have severe limitations and often require custom builds that are costly to develop and maintain. Integrating access control and BMS on the BACnet protocol reinforces our rich history of supporting open standards and delivering true building integration and automation so our customers can fully leverage the potential of their buildings.”
Advantages of BACnet integration
"While BACnet interoperability doesn’t usually cross most security professionals’ minds, the opportunities it presents to the security industry are significant" |
With the new BACnet integration, organisations can share encrypted information between their building management and security systems to gain efficiencies and manage emergency situations. In the event of a fire, facility managers can initiate an alarm from the BMS that automatically transmits an emergency message to evacuate the building. Conversely, security systems can alert the BMS about building occupancy so lighting, HVAC, and other building systems can be turned on when needed, which drives energy and cost savings.
Schneider Electric will showcase AccessXpert at booth #2300 during ASIS 2016, which runs from September 12-15 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida. AccessXpert is currently available in the U.S. and Canada.
