All posts by Alex Polley

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Kantech debuts streamlined scheduling and Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Compatibility in EntraPass v7.50

The latest version of EntraPass Security Management Software launches with new features developed to streamline scheduling for EntraPass Special Edition and installation compatibility.

Now available in EntraPass Special Edition, Action Scheduler allows operators who are managing access control to create actions and tasks on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The actions are based on door and relay behaviors such as locking and unlocking doors, arming alarm systems and toggling relays. Once programmed, these actions are native to the KT-400 and KT-1 door controllers as long as the latest firmware is installed.

The use of KT-1 and KT-400 allows users to connect to EntraPass via the controller or to use the controller in standalone mode. The migration path from a standalone unit into a new connection in EntraPass is now simplified, with an easy-to-use import tool that will migrate all of the configurations.

With the exception of Database Access with EntraPass Global Edition, all EntraPass versions now support installation on Windows Server 2016 Datacenter.

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Kantech simplifies multi-door access control with KT-400’s Standalone Mode

Kantech has introduced a new standalone mode for the Kantech KT-400 four door controller, allowing smaller access control systems of up to four doors to be controlled and managed using embedded and intuitive web based software, with no EntraPass access control software required. Used in conjunction with Kantech’s ioSmart card readers and cards, these controllers provide a unique, highly secure encrypted solution for small installations.

With no dedicated software or PC hardware to purchase and maintain, the KT-400 standalone provides an economical choice for small businesses with basic access control needs, such as assigning card access and running reports. Using a web browser, customers can configure and manage their security anywhere and at any time, via a desktop computer or a mobile device.

Used in conjunction with Kantech’s ioSmart Card Readers and Cards, KT-400 standalone controllers provide highly secure encryption measures for even the smallest systems. Communications between the ioSmart card and ioSmart reader employs AES 128-bit encryption, with RS-485 secure communication in use between the ioSmart reader and the KT-400 controller.

With an easy-plug-and play set up, the system is up and running in minutes following a simple configuration wizard, which eliminates the need for training or certification of dealers and installers.

New Product Announcement

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A simplified access control solution with KT-1’s Standalone Mode

Kantech’s innovative KT-1 single door controller is now available with embedded simplified access control software for one door systems, the ideal choice for those seeking a cost-effective, easy-to-use, single-door application.

With KT-1’s Standalone Mode, using a dedicated web browser, the popular KT-1 Ethernet-ready single door controller now has the option to be controlled and managed via simple and intuitive web based software – no EntraPass software is required. This makes the KT-1 a viable option for small businesses and individuals with basic access control needs such as being able to assign card access and run reports.

“Full-fledged security management can be daunting for small businesses,” said Rajeev Dubey, Director of Distribution Access Control Product Management, Building Technologies & Solutions, Johnson Controls, “but KT-1 Standalone removes the complexity from that process by giving users a web-based system that ups the ante on security, while bypassing the investment required for computers and software.”


With no software to install, KT-1’s Standalone option broadens the horizon for dealers and installers as well. With a simplified and quick installation option, KT-1 Standalone is appealing to an installer base beyond the traditional access control installers who can forgo having to attend training to learn a new software system or receive special certification. The wizard-based platform walks installers through the process in minutes.

Users with growing access control needs can easily migrate to the next level with Kantech EntraPass or hattrix software.

New Product Announcement

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Kantech streamlines scheduling and account maintenance with EntraPass v7.40

The latest version of EntraPass Security Management Software launches with new features developed to streamline scheduling and account maintenance for operators.

Available in EntraPass Corporate and Global Editions, operators managing premise access control can add to security capabilities by creating actions and tasks on a daily, weekly or monthly basis with the new Action Scheduler under the Operation menu. The Action Scheduler is ideal for locations where meetings can happen at sporadic times such as town halls or other types of special events. The actions are based on the door and relay behaviors such as locking and unlocking doors, arming alarm systems and toggling relays. Users can customize actions completely by combining Action Scheduler with the powerful Smartlink Task option.

EntraPass can now intuitively automatically deactivate operators that have not logged in for a pre-determined amount of days, allowing for easier account maintenance with the Operator Auto-Deactivate feature.

The latest version of EntraPass integrates with American Dynamics VideoEdge version 5.1 and now supports exacqVision version 9.0.2, bringing added control for premise security and management.

In addition, administrators who also use Kantech’s hattrix, a cloud-based access control solution utilizing EntraPass security management software, can now more easily manage account service types and view and change account statuses with color coding for easy viewing.

New Product Announcement

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ioSmart Smart Card and Multi-Technology Readers for an end-to-end encrypted access control solution

ioSmart Smart Card Readers and Cards provide a cost-effective migration from proximity cards to advanced smart card technology. The ioSmart family provides enhanced security through end-to-end AES-128 encryption over RS-485 when used with Kantech’s KT-1 or newer KT-400 door controllers but can also be used with any other access controllers using Wiegand protocol.

The readers offer an optional capacitive touch backlit keypad for enhanced security, illuminated keypad brightness and adjustable color programmable LED bar giving the ioSmart card readers an ecofriendly and esthetically pleasing design. ioSmart card readers are field firmware upgradable and have BLE hardware included, making them future proof. With both Mullion and Single Gang mounting options available, ioSmart card readers will fit any indoor or outdoor application globally. The new readers and cards are also now available in several Starter and Expansion kits.

Kantech ioSmart cards come with encrypted sectors for pre-programmed card credentials to simplify installation and have sufficient sectors open for end customers to use for other applications.* [Software to program card sectors not sold/supported by Kantech]

“The ioSmart family of products is proof that end users don’t have to sacrifice usability and easy installation for higher level of security for their access control systems,” said Rajeev Dubey, Director of Distribution Product Management, Building Technologies & Solutions, Johnson Controls. “ioSmart is also a standout when it comes to esthetics enhancing the overall ambience of the facility. Apart from offering end-to-end encryption on supported Kantech products over RS-485, ioSmart readers’ ability to read several card formats over Weigand makes it an attractive option for non Kantech access control systems as well”

The RS-485 configuration connected to the Kantech controllers provides additional inputs and outputs such as door contact, Request-to-Exit and/or lock output saving considerably on wiring and labor costs. The ioSmart family supports ioSmart SSF MIFARE Plus EV1 encrypted cards in addition to MIFARE Plus ISO/IEC 14443A and 14443B card serial numbers. Other supported formats include Kantech’s ioProx (XSF) and HID Prox 125KHz (Kantech Secure Format KSF, standard 32-bit format, standard 26-bit format and Corporate 1000).

New Product Announcement

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Kantech Launches EntraPass v7.30 with ioSmart Technology

Introducing the latest version of the Kantech EntraPass Security Management Software with support for Kantech’s ioSmart Card Readers and Cards, as part of an end-to-end encrypted access control solution. EntraPass v7.30 also includes integration with HID Mobile Access® for quick and easy access to doors using a mobile phone while maintaining management of credentials through EntraPass.

Along with the newly added support for the ioSmart Smart Card Readers and Cards, EntraPass v7.30 will continue to support the ioProx Card Readers and Credentials. With the mult-technology options available on ioSmart Readers, the migration from Proximity cards to smart cards is easy with Kantech. EntraPass v7.30 now supports HID Mobile Access credentialing. The integration makes it possible for users to gain access to a facility using a credential on their smartphone from a BLE-enabled HID reader. The user receives an invitation from security personnel on their smartphone and can quickly download the credential. All credentialing is managed through the EntraPass Corporate and EntraPass Global Edition software.

“The ongoing evolution of EntraPass, with the addition of our ioSmart technology, reflects our continued focus on and acknowledgement of the changing needs of our customers,” said Rajeev Dubey, Director of Distribution Product Management, Building Technologies & Solutions, Johnson Controls. “EntraPass v7.30 is the link that puts modern, easy-to-understand and scalable access control technology into the hands of security administrators.”

This latest edition of EntraPass offers several enhancements to the EntraPass go, EntraPass go Pass and EntraPass  go Install apps. Added to EntraPass Go, which allows remote use of the software, is a link to “auto populated fields” that assists operators by bypassing the need to filling out configuration details to start using the app. EntraPass go Pass, the mobile credential feature, now works with Android as well as iOS devices (including Apple Watch) and supports widget use, so users can unlock doors from a widget rather than having to open an app. EntraPass go Install has been updated with a reader driver list and the ability to switch accounts without having to log in and out. There is also a new tutorial for EntraPass go Install with additional user information.

EntraPass v7.30 is available on Special, Corporate, and Global Editions as well as hattrix.