For people living in residential buildings and apartment blocks with elevators, the issue of managing the elevator cabin equipped with access control is often a hot topic. Here’s a typical situation:
We go to the grocery store.
In a hurry.
And in the rush, we forget our access chip.
Upon returning, carrying bags, we check our pockets and realize the problem. The access chip is at home.
Still, we get lucky and manage to enter the building, but the next obstacle is the elevator cabin.
We call the elevator hoping a neighbor will activate it so we can ride up.
This time we’re not lucky and we wait. We wait for a long time. And wait. And curse our forgetfulness for not bringing the access chip.
It’s always good to have a backup plan.
Because of such or similar problematic scenarios, at VAiOS we developed a solution that can:
- serve as a duplicate method for opening/activating the elevator cabin,
- and as a complete replacement method for managing elevator cabins.
Virtual Button for Elevator Cabin Control
This is a new additional way to control the elevator in your block or residential building. By integrating this button, you can allow the movement of the elevator in the same way as by using the access control reader for the elevator.
To clarify the functionalities of the virtual elevator button in detail, let’s recall the possibilities and conveniences of the standard, well-known access control systems up to now.
Also, let’s look at the types and respective limitations and differences in the offered systems.
Types of Access Control Systems and Elevator Usage
VAiOS systems for limiting access to the use of the elevator cabin are mainly of two types:
- system with a unified database
- system with a database with modeling capability.
The system working with a unified database uses devices with more limited capabilities, which can manage both elevators and doors with controlled access.
When we want to have full functionalities, a system with database modeling capability is required. In other words, software that allows us to operate the system for each card (chip) regarding each functionality separately.
How the Elevator Access Control System Works
If the possibility of traveling from the elevator cabin is restricted, then the reader device (for chips/cards) is placed near the panel with the floor buttons. The controller then loads a database of chips/cards issued to users. The controller is designed to control access to the elevator by reading identification codes. When the access chip/card is brought close to the reader, the controller compares it with its database. If no match is found, the floor buttons remain inactive. If a match is found, the system automatically unlocks all floors or those associated with that chip/card (depending on the hardware configuration).
If you want to learn more about access control readers, you can read this article.
The elevator access control system consists of an access control reader for the elevator door, an elevator controller, and special software for elevator management. The access control software sets the rules for people and the times during which they have access to certain areas. The general control software can manage not only elevator access but also all doors in the building.
How Does the Virtual Elevator Button Work?
The virtual control button is an analog of the chip check-in for activating elevator commands, but it is done through a mobile application that you can download for free for all mobile phone OS.
Characteristics of Elevator Access Control Systems
- The elevator access control and movement management system improves security;
- Systems with elevator management software allow individual assignment and restriction of resident access. This helps the building manager collect dues;
- The system has an autonomous emergency power supply, which ensures its operation along with the elevator during a power failure.
The internet required for the system is provided with contactless access via a device type “cookie,” which adds autonomy to the system from this side as well.
- Elevator access control is available both through an internet browser and a mobile application. This further facilitates working with the system without limiting control via a chip. The controls work in parallel and independently of each other.
The virtual elevator control button provides another way to manage the security of your home or office.
Main Advantages, Benefits, and Functions of Elevator Access Control
- Individual floor access control for regular visitors and VIPs;
- Control of peak load times;
- Disabling the elevator for residents who owe utility and communal services fees;
- Ensuring priority for uninterrupted movement to the floor;
- Restricting elevator calls from certain floors;
- Storing, collecting, processing, and visually displaying incoming information;
- Maintaining a database of subscribers and chips/cards;
- Restricting access rights by the number and/or time of use of chips/cards;
- Automatic and manual locking of keys;
- Travel usage statistics report for the period;
- Ensures security for residents of multi-family buildings;
- Remote calling of the elevator cabin to the desired floor;
- Can be used to expand an existing access control system.