Access Control Archives - Page 2 of 17 - Kenton Brothers Systems for Security

electronic access control

Smarter and Innovative Surveillance: 2026 Genetec Trends

March 4, 2026/in Access Control, Artifical Intelligence, Commercial Security, Cyber Security, Video Surveillance/by Kenton Brothers

By Anna Strickland, Intern at Kenton Brothers

Genetec was founded in 1997 with the vision to “protect the everyday,” and has amassed over 42,500 customers since then. Kenton Brothers has been proud to partner with Genetec to give our customers the opportunity to work with an innovative company that secured the #1 global position in the VMS (Video Management System) market in 2025.

After such a successful end to the year, Genetec has identified that the top 2026 trends are deployment, artificial intelligence, access control, flexible platforms, security data, operator-centric tools, and compliance.

Proactive Instead of Reactive Systems

Modern systems are becoming increasingly driven by analytics and AI. This shift requires less human monitoring, but can instantly alert to any unusual behavior. Instead of having to look through footage after an incident, this technology gives organizations the ability to react in real time.

Omnicast fits with anywhere, has a gradual path to the cloud, uninterrupted access, and a unified platform. Unification has become very important because the comprehensiveness of combining video, access control, intrusion management, and audio communications gives organizations the power to make better decisions. Combination also means paying a lower price to keep your organization safe.

Having a strong combination of data and video makes it possible to immediately identify an object or person, then finding that individual across multiple locations. Omnicast can also pinpoint exact times and movement- even including any nearby activity to paint the full picture.

Resource: Genetec Video Surveillance

How Omnicast Works to Support You

Genetec has created a hybrid model that connects video and data. Businesses can store data on the cloud while including on-premise video storage, keeping data easily controllable. Omnicast is a part of Genetec’s Security Center, which is an open-platform that supports third parties and is how so many systems are able to work cohesively.

The system is built for scalability, so businesses can start as small as they want and expand as needed. There is minimal disruption as locations or features are added, and regular updates are completed to support the newest technologies. Kenton Brothers specifically works with clients to establish the best plan possible.

Resource: Genetec Omnicast

Cybersecurity and Privacy Measures

Genetec takes their multiple layers of protection seriously and is always improving to fight against evolving threats. They emphasize risk identification, develop new solutions, work only with trusted partners, and maintain transparent communication.

Cybersecurity is considered from the design stage. Only requiring one system makes their system easier to monitor and maintain. Genetec even created their own strict AI guidelines to comply with an ever-maturing technology. Another way they keep customer information safe is by contracting external partners to routinely attempt to penetrate their products so they can use those findings to improve the system. Even when an issue is found, it is quickly resolved.

Resource: Genetec Trust Center

Preparing for the New Generation of Technology

By combining Genetec Omnicast with Kenton Brothers’ decades of integration experience, organizations gain control and confidence. The new generation of security is about understanding and working ahead of threats. If you need help, we are here for you.

Mobile Credentials: Secure, Simple Access for the Modern Workplace

February 25, 2026/in Access Control, Commercial Security/by Gina Stuelke

By Gina Stuelke, CEO of Kenton Brothers

As workplaces continue to evolve, organizations are rethinking how people move through their buildings. Physical access cards—once the standard—are increasingly being replaced by mobile credentials stored securely on employees’ smartphones. This shift delivers stronger security, greater convenience, and a more sustainable approach to access control.

Mobile credentials offer a modern, flexible solution that aligns with today’s mobile-first workforce while maintaining enterprise-grade security.

What Are Mobile Credentials?

Mobile credentials allow users to authenticate at access-controlled doors using the mobile device they already carry—eliminating the need for physical cards or fobs. Credentials are provisioned centrally through an access control platform and securely stored in a dedicated mobile app or integrated directly into an organization’s own branded app.

Using technologies such as Bluetooth^® and NFC, mobile credentials communicate seamlessly with access-controlled doors and readers, providing a smooth and intuitive entry experience.

Key Benefits of Mobile Credentials for Commercial Environments

Convenience Without Compromise

With mobile credentials, users no longer need to carry, replace, or manage physical cards. Access is granted using a smartphone or wearable device, making entry faster and more intuitive. In some cases, credentials can even be used without opening an app—allowing for frictionless access as users move through a facility.

For organizations, this reduces administrative overhead related to lost cards, re-issuance, and inventory management.

Trusted, Enterprise-Grade Security

Mobile credentials are protected by the built-in security features of modern smartphones, including:

Passcodes
Fingerprint authentication
Facial recognition

In addition, mobile authenticators are Certified to FIDO Level 1 UAF standards, ensuring strong, trusted authentication. Credentials are provisioned through a secure, end-to-end process and remain protected within the mobile environment.

This layered approach helps organizations maintain high security standards while improving the user experience.

Digital Identification in Real Time

Mobile credentials can also function as digital IDs, displaying key user information such as name, profile image, and role. These digital IDs are updated in real time through the access control system, ensuring accuracy at all times.

Even if a mobile device is temporarily offline, digital IDs remain functional—providing reliable identification whenever and wherever it’s needed.

Control Beyond the Door

For privileged users, mobile credentials unlock more than just doors. With Bluetooth® Actions, users can interact with building systems when in range of compatible readers. This can include:

Adjusting lighting
Managing air conditioning
Changing door access modes
Arming or disarming alarm zones

If a system output can perform an action, it can be controlled—giving organizations new flexibility in how they manage and operate their facilities.

Real-Time Alerts and Awareness

Mobile credentials keep users informed through secure, real-time push notifications. Alerts are sent directly from the access control system to the user’s phone and can appear on the device’s lock screen.

With a single tap, users can access full details within the mobile app, enabling faster response times and improved situational awareness during critical events.

A Sustainable, Future-Ready Solution

By eliminating physical cards, organizations reduce plastic waste and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and distributing credentials. Mobile credentials support sustainability initiatives while future-proofing access control systems for ongoing innovation.

Designed for Modern Deployment

Mobile credentials are easy to deploy and manage through a centralized access control platform. They can be:

Stored securely in a dedicated mobile app
Integrated into an organization’s own app using an SDK
Distributed quickly to users without physical handling

Solutions are available on both Apple App Store and Google Play, ensuring broad device compatibility across the workforce.

The Smart Move for Commercial Security

Mobile credentials combine security, convenience, sustainability, and advanced functionality into a single solution. For commercial organizations looking to modernize their access control systems, mobile credentials deliver a premium access experience that meets the expectations of today’s users—while giving security and facilities teams greater control and visibility.

As the modern workplace continues to evolve, mobile credentials are no longer just an upgrade—they’re a strategic advantage. Let Kenton Brothers make your life easier by implementing mobile credentials into your new or existing access control system. Give us a call.

Future-Ready Security: Innovations from Gallagher Security in Access Control and Perimeter Protection

February 18, 2026/in Access Control, Commercial Security, Video Surveillance/by David Strickland

By David Strickland, COO of Kenton Brothers

As threats continue to evolve, perimeter security is no longer limited to traditional high-risk sites like prisons or utilities: it has become a critical requirement for non-traditional industries such as data centers, logistics hubs, technology campuses, manufacturing facilities, and cloud infrastructure environments. These sites house mission-critical assets, sensitive data, and always-on operations where even a brief disruption can have massive downstream impacts. As a result, organizations are rethinking security from the outside in, prioritizing early detection, intelligent deterrence, and integrated response at the perimeter. Kenton Brothers Systems for Security has consistently stayed ahead of this shift, continuously innovating to design perimeter solutions that align with modern risk profiles combining access control, intelligent fencing, intrusion detection, analytics, and system integration into a unified defense strategy.

By applying deep industry expertise and forward-thinking technology, Kenton Brothers helps protect the infrastructure that keeps businesses, economies, and communities running; securing the most critical environments before threats ever reach the door.

Threats are more sophisticated and security systems must do more than just lock doors. Gallagher Security continues to push the boundaries of what modern security platforms can deliver. With a focus on integration, intelligence, and usability, Gallagher is redefining access control and perimeter security for enterprises, government agencies, critical infrastructure, and beyond.

Here’s a look at the key innovations shaping a safer future.

1) Smarter Access Control for the Modern Enterprise

Gallagher’s access control offerings are built to protect people, assets, and operations — no matter the scale. Their platform combines cutting-edge hardware with intelligent management software to deliver proactive security across the entire organization.

Key advancements include:

Mobile Credentials & Apple Wallet Integration: Users can now store and present employee badges directly from their Apple Wallet, making secure access more seamless and modern.
Cloud-Powered AccessNow: A new cloud-based access control platform designed for simplicity and automation of access requests, offering flexible security that adapts to the needs of dynamic workplaces.
Scalable & Integrated Control: From small sites to multi-campus environments, Gallagher systems integrates access control with alarms, surveillance, and building automation through the centralized Command Centre platform.

These innovations help organizations reduce risk, streamline administration, and gain real-time visibility into access events, creating a more secure and responsive security environment.

2) Command Centre: The Heart of Unified Security

At the center of Gallagher’s ecosystem is Command Centre, an award-winning management platform that unifies access control, perimeter detection, and intrusion systems. It’s not just a dashboard — it’s a decision-making powerhouse. Recent updates include enhanced remote security capabilities and new integrations that extend flexibility for identity and access management.

For example:

Microsoft Entra Community ID SSO Integration: This integration adds secure, centralized authentication using modern identity services, simplifying user management and strengthening security postures.

With these enhancements, Command Centre becomes more than a control panel, it becomes a strategic security tool that enables faster response and more intelligent decision-making.

3) Next-Generation Controllers for Secure, Resilient Operations

Gallagher’s hardware evolution continues with the Controller 7000 series; a platform designed for today’s connected, threat-aware environments.

Highlights include:

C7000 Standard & Enhanced Variants: Offering advanced cyber-secure features, redundancy, and resilience.
High-Security Controller 7000: Tailored for high-assurance environments with compliance to government-grade standards, including FIPS-approved components and authenticated communications across security devices.

These controllers provide a secure backbone for both access control and perimeter security, ensuring robust performance even in the most demanding environments.

4) Intelligent Perimeter Protection: Deter, Detect, Delay

Gallagher’s perimeter security solutions deliver a powerful first line of defense with monitored pulse fencing, smart sensors, and real-time integration with Command Centre.

Perimeter innovation highlights include:

Pulse Fencing with Adaptive Detection: High-tensile electrified fencing offers visual and physical deterrence while smart sensors reduce false alarms by distinguishing between genuine threats and environmental conditions.
Customizable Zones & Alerts: Security teams can configure detection zones with different voltage levels, alerting criteria, and responses based on specific site needs.
Seamless Integration with Site Security: Perimeter breaches trigger instant alerts and tie directly into access control and surveillance workflows for rapid response.

Together, these perimeter innovations deliver deter, detect, delay capabilities that protect boundaries and support integrated response strategies.

5) Strengthening the Security Ecosystem Through Collaboration

Gallagher continues to expand its impact through strategic partnerships. From alliances that enhance perimeter capabilities to integrations with industry leaders in video and identity technologies, Gallagher ensures its platform works seamlessly within broader security infrastructures.

These collaborations not only broaden functionality but also improve the security posture of organizations by combining best-in-class technologies.

Conclusion: A New Era of Intelligent Security

Gallagher Security is not just responding to industry trends… it’s shaping them. With innovations in mobile and cloud access control, advanced controllers built for cyber resilience, intelligent perimeter protection, immersive training solutions, and strategic ecosystem partnerships, Gallagher is empowering organizations to build more adaptive, seamless, and secure environments.

For security leaders aiming to stay ahead of evolving threats, Gallagher’s integrated approach offers a future-ready foundation: protecting people, property and possessions from the perimeter to the point of entry. Give Kenton Brothers a call today to see how this proven solution fits into your comprehensive physical security plan.

Common Commercial Security Server Issues

May 21, 2025/in Access Control, Commercial Security, Maintenance and Service Agreements, Video Surveillance/by Neal Bellamy

By Neal Bellamy, IT Director at Kenton Brothers

Although cloud-based systems are getting more popular, many security systems still have on-premise servers at their heart. Servers, like all electronics, can fail and will need to be replaced. Servers also need updating in many ways. Sometimes they can show signs of issues overnight, and sometimes more slowly over time. The overnight issues are easier to detect, but the slower failures can be harder to detect, so I thought I would share some things to look out for.

Video servers tend to be the most sensitive to component failure or being overloaded.

Video servers have the toughest job of all the security servers. They need to be able to connect to the cameras, pull the video stream off the network, process the video, and then possibly write it to a hard drive in near real-time. If any one of those processes struggles, the video may not be saved properly. At the same time, if cameras are being viewed, they need to be able to send the video to whoever is viewing them.

A sign that your video server needs help is when your video is “Jumpy”. Jumpy video is when the video appears to be choppy and does not play smoothly. Most video systems are recording at least 12 frames per second, so live and recorded video should appear to be smooth. It might not be as smooth as a movie or video game, but it should not have a very detectable jump between frames. Jumpiness is usually caused by an overwhelmed server, or some component, like a hard drive, has failed.

Another common issue is when logging into the security software becomes slower than usual. “Usual” depends on which software is being used, but it should be as fast as the day it was installed. Servers that turn themselves off or reboot themselves often, more than once a month, are also signs that they need help. If you sometimes can’t log in, but then can after waiting a while, the server might have just rebooted.

Sometimes it’s not because of a failure that your server needs attention, sometimes it’s just time.

Server software, like all software, can have security or feature updates. Server software like Windows, Linux, MAC OS, etc., needs to be maintained to have the latest features and security patches. Depending on the settings, security patches will download and install themselves, but if you’re not sure, you should check with your IT team.

All server software at some point will become obsolete and no longer be supported. At that point, you should at least have someone update your server to the latest version possible, or maybe even replace the server altogether.

There are some important Microsoft Windows end-of-support dates coming up this year. Windows 10, which has been around since 2015 will no longer be supported or have security patches being released as of October 14th, this year. Windows Server 2019 mainstream support already ended last year, it will not receive any feature updates, but will still receive security updates until January 2029.

Finally, it is worth mentioning since we are talking about servers failing… It is critically important to make sure your IT team is properly handling backups for your servers. Many companies get into a rut of seeing “backup completed” every day after the nightly backup, but then never checking if those backups can actually be restored. Talk to your IT team about the last time they tried to restore an important server from backups. The answer may shock you. Because the answer might be “never.”

If you are experiencing any of these issues or would like Kenton Brothers to come investigate the health of your server, please give us a call.

Specialized product alert: ‘Federation™’ of access control licenses

May 14, 2025/in Access Control, Commercial Security/by Gina Stuelke

By Gina Stuelke, CEO of Kenton Brothers

For those of you using Genetec™ access control systems… did you know that Genetec offers Federation™? Federated licensing in Genetec’s security solutions provides organizations with a flexible, efficient, and scalable way to manage and optimize their security licenses across multiple locations or systems, ultimately improving resource allocation and reducing operational costs.

Federation™ joins multiple, independent Genetec™ security systems into a single virtual system. With this feature, users on a central system, called the Federation host, can view and control entities that belong to remote systems.

Let’s look at an example scenario:

Imagine a large retail company with stores in different cities. Instead of buying separate licenses for each store, they can pool their licenses into a federated licensing system. During a busy season, the licenses can be dynamically allocated to stores with higher demand (e.g., larger stores, stores with more foot traffic), while during quieter periods, the unused licenses can be reassigned or saved for future use, thereby maximizing efficiency and minimizing excess costs.

Benefits

Cost Efficiency: No need to over-purchase licenses for every installation.
Flexibility: Easily allocate licenses based on real-time needs across different sites.
Scalability: As the business grows, federated licensing allows for easy integration of additional systems without significant changes to infrastructure.
Centralized Management: Simplifies administration and tracking of licenses across multiple locations.

Federation within the scope of Genetec’s security solutions refers to a system in which multiple, geographically distributed installations of Genetec products (such as Security Center, Omnicast for video surveillance, AutoVu for automatic license plate recognition, and Synergis for access control) share and manage licenses across different locations, but in a unified and centralized manner.

Key Concepts of Federation™

Centralized Management: Federated licensing allows administrators to manage and allocate licenses from a centralized location. This means that licenses do not need to be tied to a specific server or installation. Instead, they are stored and managed in a federated pool that can be accessed by different systems across various sites.
License Pooling: Organizations that have multiple installations of Genetec solutions at different locations can pool licenses together. This gives flexibility in distributing and reallocating licenses based on real-time needs, making it easier to optimize the use of available licenses across the network of installations.
Efficiency and Cost Savings: Instead of purchasing separate licenses for each individual location, federated licensing allows for a more efficient use of licenses. For example, if a particular location isn’t using all its licenses, they can be allocated to another site in need, leading to cost savings and better utilization of resources.
Scalability: Federated licensing supports scalability. As an organization expands or needs to add more cameras, devices, or systems, additional licenses can be integrated into the federated pool without the need to modify individual systems or installations.
Cross-Site License Sharing: Organizations with multiple sites or regions can benefit from sharing licenses between them, making it easier to scale the system and meet fluctuating demands across various locations.
Simplified Compliance: With federated licensing, organizations can also ensure compliance with licensing agreements without manually tracking licenses for each installation. Genetec’s system can track the overall license usage, making compliance easier to manage and reducing the risk of under- or over-licensing.
Cloud-Enabled: In some cases, federated licensing can also be integrated with cloud-based systems. This enhances the flexibility of license allocation and management, especially when dealing with installations spread across wide geographical areas or multiple time zones.

Kenton Brothers is happy to assist you in advancing your uses of your access control systems. Let us know how we can help!