Review of Lenel

Overview

As a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security (a unit of United Technologies Corp.), Lenel provides standard and enterprise access control software and integrated solutions based on the OnGuard Access model. The software is accessible from a web browser and does not require mandatory hardware installation on behalf of the customer. The Lenel solutions integrated with the software platform are:

• OnGuard Video
• ID Identity Management
• OnGuard Visitor
• Biometrics and Smart Cards
• Integration Tools
• OnGuard Intelligent Video
• OnGuard Mobile Monitoring

Lenel hardware components include dual-verification keypads and readers, controllers, modules, accessories and the ILS intelligent locking system.

Various Lenel readers are available as Blue Diamond mobile readers (Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy), proximity readers, magstripes and keypads, smart card and multi-technology readers.

Lenel OnGuard platform controllers are available in three series: Access series, Security series and Lenel M series, including one or more Intelligent System Controllers, as well as specific Reader Interface Modules, Input Modules, and Output Modules. They enable multiple reader technology support based on Wiegand, Magstripe, OSDP and Supervised F2F technology.

Enclosures and power supplies are categorized as Lenel accessories.

ILS electronic locks can be configured in wireless or offline mode. They enable decision-making functions at the lock point.

Cloud and Mobile Access Control

Both web-based cloud access and mobile access are components of Lenel OnGuard enterprise access control solutions.

The cloud enabled browser can be installed in more than 6 languages and accessed from multiple platforms (desktop, laptop, mobile). Lenel OnGuard access software also includes an OpenAccess Alliance Program (OAAP), a solution for manufacturers that want to develop a software interface for OnGuard; as well as third-party integrations with Traka (intelligent access control provider; Iris ID (iris recognition); Allegion (door security and workforce productivity); and EasyLobby (visitor management system).

The mobile access is enabled for Android, iOS and Blackberry OS; and can receive and acknowledge alarms in all areas equipped with wireless connection. The mobile app is integrated with OnGuard permissions, segmentation access, and monitoring zone assignments. It comes with reporting capabilities on specific mobile devices and contains the ability to search for hardware units, such as readers and cameras. Live video viewing is enabled no matter where the user is located if there is a WiFi connection available.

Types/sizes of organisations Lenel is best suited for

Because it provides scalable solutions with the possibility of migration, interoperability and integration tools, Lenel is best suited for large corporations and manufacturing companies.

ts OnGuard enterprise access control packages are suitable for organizations in need of high-level security access control systems, such as medical facilities, financial institutions, and transport and logistics companies. Compatibility with government access card requirements makes Lenel adequate to respond to official security functionality needs, for example - border control (Niagara Falls bridge works with Lenel access control). Lenel access control is part of the UTC integrated buildings project.

Pros of using Lenel for access control

• Each customer gets a customized migration plan adjusted to an appropriate time frame in all phases of the service provision
• No need for central monitoring staff (it can be monitored on-the-go).
• Remote hardware testing removes the need for additional testing equipment.

Cons of using Lenel for access control

• Reporting capabilities are available only on specific mobile devices, not on all of them.
• The cloud-based software is in its initial stages; OnGuard version 7.4 has just been released and can be therefore prone to vulnerabilities.
• Higher system user training costs: prices include only course materials, and travel and accommodation costs are billed additionally.

What are the alternatives?

For further information about access control costs involved, take a look at our article on access control systems installation costs.

If you are looking for an alternative to Lenel, see how Kisi works here.