Integrated photo-ID badging
The badging facility forms an integral part of the PLAN software, as such, Photo-ID capture and card printing can be performed from the main PLAN640 P.C. without changing applications. When necessary, a dedicated Photo-ID Workstation (which incorporates the image capture hardware and PVC Card Printer) can be used. As with the standard networked administration software, the badging system is linked to the main PLAN640 system (and therefore the common user database) via an Ethernet LAN. The centrally stored staff record data can then be incorporated into the card designs. Multiple Photo-ID workstations can be connected to the same system to allow badging of staff across a wide area.

Because the badging facility is an embedded feature of the PLAN system, creating a Badge and issuing an access control card can be streamlined into one simple procedure – carried out from a single workstation. Back to top

Multi-user networked administration
The PLAN640 application is a true multi user, multi workstation system that is extremely portable across a client network. Additional PLAN640 admin. PC‘s can be installed to provide general day to day administration facilities at a number of separate locations. These workstations can be connected to the ’main‘ system by means of an Ethernet network utilising industry standard network protocols (TCP/IP). This network connection can make use of the existing client Local/Wide Area Network and/or a dedicated security LAN.

Database privilege settings can be enabled to allow each workstation operator to administrate their own area of the system. Event display and alarm acknowledgment can be carried out at any Administration workstation and specific alarms and events can be routed to one or a number of nominated workstations.

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Virtual Control Room
Using this software option a ‘Virtual Control Room’ can be created that has the capacity to integrate Access Control, CCTV, Intercom, Paging & Alarm Monitoring systems into a common user interface. Control of the Graphics workstation (and therefore all connected subsystems) can be Touch Screen or Mouse driven. The Virtual Control Room software can display detailed colour graphics images of the site(s) - with equipment icons to indicate the current status of the actual devices connected to the system.

Customisable ’Equipment Pads‘ can also be created to allow the operator direct control of field equipment. Activation of on-screen icons will allow the operator to control external devices such as Door Overrides, CCTV Equipment, Intercoms etc. In this manner a 'Virtual' security console can be created on screen, allowing intuitive control over remotely located equipment. Zoom and Pan icons will allow the operator to navigate between maps of different areas of the site. Map display can be automated e.g. specific alarms will cause specific maps to be displayed, however, it is also possible to select from a drop down menu list or 'hot-link' from an on screen 'button' to any map stored on the system. Complex commands, involving many separate elements of the security system, can be created and then linked (using Drag and Drop) to on-screen icons. These commands will then be carried out automatically if the alarm is set. Back to top

VisiPLAN‘ visitor registration and badging
To take the pressure of busy reception staff, the VisiPLAN software can be deployed by any PLAN system user as an add-on to their existing system or as a stand-alone visitor management solution. The objective is to simplify the registration of visitors to a client site by providing a simple, automated self-registration system.

Visitors will be directed to a plinth, wall or kiosk mounted touch screen workstation where they will carry out a simple registration procedure. A badge can be printed and dispensed by the workstation, or, visitors can report to a reception desk to collect their ID card.

The VisiPLAN touch-screen visitor management software integrates the process of automated visitor badging with the access control system. Visitors who are logged ’in‘ using a touch screen terminal can appear on roll call listings if an evacuation occurs during the period of their visit. ID cards can be printed onto self-adhesive labels, PVC cards or special perforated paper cards and can incorporate safety and fire evacuation instructions. As part of the ’WinPLAN‘ suite of software applications, at all times, the software integrates seamlessly with the PLAN system cardholder database. Back to top

Asset tagging and surveillance facility
The PLAN system features and advanced level of Asset protection utilising a dedicated version of the xPLAN400 panel - developed specifically for this purpose. This solution benefits significantly over competitive systems which do not have the advantage of an embedded asset controller which allows the local verification of Assets with any of their allocated owners (up to 16 owners per asset) instantaneously with no PC or central control involvement.

Effective Asset tracking requires a reading technology which is capable of detecting multiple cards, on the move, at long range. PLAN system users can elect to use long range readers throughout their organisation, or only at building exit points.

By adding uniquely coded asset tags to high value (or mission critical) equipment, the PLAN System can be used to track these assets as they move around and between protected buildings. 'Asset Matching' is a technique which allows tagged equipment to be ’owned‘ by selected Staff and verified dynamically as both Asset and Owner pass through the detection zone.

Uniquely, the PLAN-400ax, 4-port, Asset Matching controller provides high speed, dynamic processing, of both Asset and Personnel Tags for system managers who want to give teeth to their passive (paper based) Asset Tracking Systems.

In operation, whenever an asset is detected, the system interrogates a 21/2 second ’cache‘ memory to establish whether an authorised carrier for this asset has been seen at the reader. At this point, regardless of the search results, the controller raises an ’asset detected‘ warning at the panel and at the PLAN-640 main P.C. If an owner for this asset has been seen at this reader within the 21/2 seconds, then an asset verified status will be sent to the PC and the Asset Detected indication will be cleared. If no owner has matched the asset after the time delay, then an Asset Alarm will be indicated at the Panel and reported to the PC.

The asset detected signal can be used to prime third party equipment for an alarm, (by panning cameras into place) or to discreetly alert nearby staff to the fact that an asset is in the detection zone. If the situation develops into a full Asset Alarm, the output can be used to close doors, sound an alert or enable video monitoring/recording of the incident.

Because of the dedicated mode of operation for these panels, up to 48 Tags within the detection area can be processed simultaneously.

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T&A ’WinShifts‘ processing
The Staff database listing option features a range of reporting tools which are designed to aide the administration and management of the system. The PLAN editor allows all database information to be listed in a flexible format, the software also allows the creation of more complex reports, such as a Dormant Card list or a soon to expire report. Quantified Time and Attendance listings can also be generated using the WinShifts option.

Click to download pdf date sheet for this product [V]

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Roll Call listing (inc. automatic printing)
In the event of an emergency, the roll call facility can generate a list of every card holder still inside the building. Listings can be sorted by Name, Card No., or any other user defined fields. For ease of distribution to a number of muster/assembly locations, the listings can be set to include a page break between each ’group‘. A Roll call can be automatically started on an external trigger event (such as a Fire Alarm) and directed to a dedicated printer.

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Auditable password protection for software features
Using the Password Editor, each operator is given a unique User ID and Password which will identify him/her to the system when logging on. The system is capable of identifying an unlimited number of different operators each of whom will have his/her own ’user’ record. Each record will identify to what level the user is authorised & will only allow editing in pre-selected areas of the software.

As well as restricting access to various sections of the software, the sophistication of the PLAN640 password authority structure will allow a supervisor to configure the authority of a lower level operator to editing operations that can not affect certain ’privileged‘ doors.

For maximum integrity, each operator, regardless of their level of authority, is able to change their own password on an ad-hoc basis. A dedicated 'button' is used for this to eliminate the need to give ’limit' access to the actual password editor where additional information may be seen.

Using the Audit Trail viewer, it is possible to view an analysis of system operator functions. Information included in the listing are... the identity of the operator, times ’logged on‘, menu functions selected and editing actions carried out. The Audit trail facility allows an operator to produce a listing which can be limited to a selected date range or specific user (selected from a drop-down list). All of the information is available for preview ’on-screen‘, sorted according to requirements before the list is printed.

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Real-time event and alarm monitoring
The WinPLAN640 Event Monitor Screen comprises a full screen display of all events as they occur. In addition to the scrolling display of card reads and textual alarm information, the event monitor screen features a thumbnail viewer for the display of cardholder images as cards are read. Alarms can be presented Graphically using the Virtual Control Room software add-on (See Virtual Control Room for more information)

Alarms can be set to be automatically acknowledged or to prompt for a user response. The operator has the facility to enter free text information indicating the nature of the alarm, or, to make a selection from a drop-list of pre-defined alarm cause messages. For the busiest sites, an event mask facility is provided to filter the messages that are reported in real time to only those of specific interest to the operators e.g. Alarm data and Card Read exceptions. Events that are masked from real-time view, will still be recorded on disk and listed in subsequent History reports.

Alarm information can be displayed both as a colour coded text message on the PLAN640 event monitor screen (as described above) and Graphically on the ’Virtual‘ Control Room Graphics Alarm Display.

Standard features of the system will allow certain alarms to cause the desired CCTV camera to display on a selected monitor (subject to the compatibility of the CCTV system and the presence of a camera in the vicinity of the alarm).

Each new occurrence of an alarm will cause the PLAN-640 to go into alarm. Alarms can be displayed in a scrolling window so that off screen alarms may be accessed.

Click here for further details of the integrated alarm monitoring capabilities of the xPLAN400 local control unit.

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Guard-tour processing
A standard feature of the PLAN640 software, the Guard-tour facility allows the creation of unique routes, or  "tours". Each tour is defined with as many ’way-points‘ as necessary. All of the way-points must be visited within the minimum and maximum times specified. A real-time exception will be reported if a guard takes too long to reach a way-point, or visits a point out of sequence.

Alarm points and card readers can be set up as way points... this means that PIR‘s and door contacts which will be activated on the route of the tour can be used, as well as card readers.

For additional security, tours can be activated by a tour scheduler which can be set up to randomly select from groups of similar tours at the set times.

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PLAN400 series Hardware...

PLAN400 field control unit
At the heart of every PLAN system, is one, or a number of networked xPLAN400 control units. To maintain the highest level of system fault tolerance, each advanced xPLAN400 is a complete, fully functional, integrated access control and alarm monitoring system in its own right. This means that the system can continue functioning at 100% capability even when disconnected from the Central Control System, e.g. when "off line", the system continues to allow only valid cardholders through their selected doors & at their authorised times, it will also store card and alarm events in memory until communications are restored at which time, the xPLAN400 will inform the main PC of all access control decisions made while off-line.

The xPLAN400 is compatible with standard Proximity and Mag-stripe cards, as well as contactless I-CLASS and Mifare smart cards (see reader options for more information). Back to top

Integrated Alarm Monitoring
Each xPLAN400 features 16 extended alarm inputs for monitoring third party equipment and standard alarm input devices (such as door contacts and PIR‘s). These circuits are supervised with an end of line resistor to prevent tampering or bypass attempts. Using the local alarm capabilities of the xPLAN400 combined with the advanced alarm handling and managements features of the PLAN640 software the PLAN system can form the basis of a centralised alarm monitoring system for large single buildings or wide area estates.

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PLAN400 local controller communications
The PLAN system offers the installer a high degree of flexibility in wiring. Client LAN/WAN infrastructure can be utilised, as well as PSTN, Digitally encrypted radio or direct cabled star and daisy chain topologies. All of these can be mixed in a single installation.

TCP/IP (LAN):- An ultra low bandwidth LAN/WAN communication between PLAN400’s can be achieved using the PLAN400DSC module. This device will create a secure, discrete real-time connection between control panels where cabling is considered inappropriate or too expensive e.g. over long distances or between sites. The system utilises industry standard TCP/IP protocols. Click here for more information regarding the PLAN640 multi-user networked software application options.

PSTN Dial-up connection:- The PLAN PSTN solution utilises a combination of a standard PSTN modem and telephone line with an advanced remote site modem controller (RSMC). A PLAN RSMC unit will be installed at either end of a dial-up link.

The remote RSMC will continuously poll the local PLAN400’s for Events and Alarms. The unit can be configured to call the Main site on selected alarms, communications failures and/or when the buffer reaches a specified limit. The home site RSMC will automatically connect to the remote site when new cards are added.

Because the system continuously monitors the state of all of the xPLAN400 panels located in the remote building - the RSMC effectively bridges the gap in performance between real time links such as LAN/WAN, RF or leased line modem and is appropriate wherever none of the above are achievable or cost effective.

For added security, transmit and receive password security options can be enabled to prevent unauthorised access to the system.

Digital short range PLAN400 radio link:- As part of our continuing effort to offer a full range of communications options for the PLAN system, we are pleased to announce the availability of our digitally encrypted short range wireless data link for PLAN400 networked controller communications links. Using the latest digital radio technology, the RFSC1 transceiver kit will allow real time communication between locations up to 300m apart across free space and between 30 and 70m within buildings. Contact sales for more information about the options available.

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RPC - redundant path communications module
In high availability mode, the PLAN400 controller network can feature a sophisticated redundant path communications (RPC) option. With RPC modules fitted into each controller multiple network cable faults can be tolerated without any loss of xPLAN400 communication. In the event of a cable break or short circuit, the system will automatically negotiate a healthy return path back to the central control system.

Furthermore, the system will display a message on the PLAN640 event monitor screen which will indicate where the cable fault has occurred. An attending engineer will proceed directly to the panels connected to the faulty cable, where the system will provide additional diagnostic information such as whether the fault is an open or short circuit. Despite the fault, the system will maintain full communications functionality whilst the problem is investigated and repaired.

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Reader options
The PLAN system is compatible with most types of card reader. This means that the end user is free to choose the most appropriate technology for their application. This flexibility is retained even after the system is installed and, should the need arise, card readers can be changed at any time as requirements change. A key benefit for customers, is that, in most cases, the PLAN system can be rolled out across a clients estate making use of existing cards already in circulation. So what are the options? Technologies supported range from Mag-stripe, Wiegand Swipe and Proximity through the more sophisticated Biometric and Contactless Smart Card solutions. Our unique Asset Matching solution utilises the latest in long range RFID tagging. The most commonly used reader options are described in more detail below:-

The ThinLine II Proximity Card Reader provides performance and reliability with a low-profile appearance

A new addition to the product range in 2002, the Prox80 reader is an 80 mm square reader designed to mount directly to European and Asian size single-gang electrical back boxes. With a three-piece, weatherproof potted enclosure and long pigtail (2.7 m), the Prox80 is easily installed and provides up to 140mm of read range.

For slightly longer read range applications, the ProxPro reader is supplied in and architecturally attractive enclosure that mounts to a standard single-gang electric box. The ProxPro with Keypad provides the same features as the ProxPro reader, with a fully integrated keypad for Card plus code usage.

The MaxiProx¨ Reader is ideal for installations incorporating parking control and longer read range applications. The MaxiProx reader packages all the electronics in one rugged, attractive and easy-to-install housing. Use with the ProxPass active vehicle tag for parking control.

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About HID Corporation

We are pleased to partner our products with those of HID corporation.  HID readers and cards offer the widest range of solutions for access control... this flexibility complements the performance of the PLAN system allowing us to offer end users the solutions they need.

As interest in IT secure authentication and other smart chip applications increases, HID's credential remains the platform of choice to carry multiple applications.   The largest manufacturer of contactless access control readers and cards for the security industry, HID has shipped over 125 million credentials to customers worldwide.  For more information on HID, visit www.HIDCorp.com.  HID is an ASSA ABLOY Group company.

  Contactless Smart Card options
iCLASS:- Up until the end of 2002, the use of a true smart-card in a contactless access control project would have compromised the security system design (due to a lack of reader options which met all requirements) or perhaps required the card to carry an additional embedded surface chip that could meet the needs of advanced smart card applications. Now, thanks to the arrival of iCLASS, there is a fully fledged contactless smart card that is supported by a full range of readers aimed specifically at the combined needs of security system designers and smart-card application developers.

The iCLASS reader family features a range of elegantly styled read-only and read-write options including a mullion mounting option which measures only 44mm in width and a unit designed for fixing straight onto an UK/EU single gang back box. All of the readers feature the distinctive three colour light bar for visual feed back to the cardholder as well as selectable distinct tone sequences to indicate status conditions.

To compliment the reader options, the iCLASS credential will be available in all of the standard packages including a variety of card variations as well as self-adhesive tags and key fobs.

Mifare:- The PLAN system is compatible with most Mifare serial number or sector programmed reading technologies.

Contact Smart cards:- If your smart card application demands an embedded smart chip, we can provide "the best of both worlds" with a fully integrated dual function card that carries the smart card IC within a standard Proximity or even contactless smart card.

VR Series Vandal Resistant card readers The P103VR series card readers have been designed to meet the needs of HID Prox, iCLASS and Mifare users who have a requirement for an external use vandal resistant card reader. The reader features a two-part, stainless steel, surface fixing construction which is simple to install with a convenient pigtail for connection to the host controller. Feedback to the cardholder is achieved by means of an optional  Bi-colour LED although this can be disabled if necessary.  A beeper option can also be provided to enable both audible and visual confirmation. Click here to download the VR series Prox 125Khz data sheet... Click here to download the VR series iCLASS data sheet...

VR series Prox 125Khz           VR series iCLASS

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Long range hands free and Asset detection
For applications that require long range reading (such as asset or personnel tracking) the Standard P103-CR1 Census reader can simultaneously interrogate multiple user tags at up to 1.2 metres from the door. This range can be increased using external aerial loops (fitted around door frames or slot cut into the floor or road) to over 3.0 metres.

Biometric options For absolute confidence that the authorised card holder is the person presenting the card to the reader the PLAN system is compatible with a wide range of Biometric authentication devices... Finger Print and Palm reading are the most common and authentication can be carried out based on a template stored within the reader, or, written to the card. Contact sales on +44 (0)1322 370777 for the most up-to-date advice on this fast moving sector of the security industry. Back to top