Propuskator - Cloud ACS development

Challenge

Most popular access control systems in Ukraine were developed 20-30 years ago and don’t satisfy modern administrator and user requirements. They have a sophisticated interface that requires prior knowledge or specialized assistance.

Besides this, such ACS allow users only to open access points via keys, key fobs, or tags – such systems don’t allow using a mobile app for electric lock control instead of a key. The conventional controllers are also fairly bulky, so we wanted to develop a compact embedded IoT controller.

Our client contacted us requesting the building an access control system. The key challenge was to develop an automated process for obtaining access permissions on the controller that could be customized based on a range of parameters. To do this, we needed to create a special script format to save the controller’s limited resources. The goal was to enable the access control system that works offline, so the controller could run without a server connection in case of an Internet outage or other technical issues.

In this overview, we share our experience through a building access control system case study that illustrates our approach to this project.

Solution

The solution was to develop a cloud-based access control system (cloud-based ACS) that could also be installed on a local server and to provide end-users with a mobile application.

Additionally, it was decided to develop a line of ACS controllers for regulating electric lock control, gate drives, and barriers that operate on the IoT principle. The controllers can be used as part of the Propuskator ACS’s technical infrastructure or as standalone smart devices managed via mobile application.

We chose microservices architecture for this access control system development project, which also makes ACS remote support more efficient and scalable. This approach gave us a reliable cloud solution with extended flexibility.

Key features

The delivered solution — Propuskator — has the following functionality:

• Numerous control options: from card to smartphone;
• Installation on both public and private cloud servers;
• Compact and multifunctional controller;
• Managing access rights and time rules in a few clicks – no need for an ACS setup specialist;
• Installation on both public and private cloud servers

Results

The client received the development of a multifunctional cloud security access control system with a user-friendly interface. The team managed to develop a controller that combines multiple access control options into a single solution.

Propuskator for automating gates, barriers, doors, and wickets. Modern methods for controlling access to home, office, or enterprise.