Access control is no longer just about opening doors. Security systems, access control platforms, and smart building automation are converging, creating new opportunities for efficiency, energy management, and integrated facility operations.
At The Security Event Asia in Singapore, New Zealand manufacturer Integrated Control Technology (ICT) discussed how its unified platforms are redefining the role of physical security systems in the modern intelligent building landscape.
ICT, a manufacturer of systems that integrate access control, intrusion detection, and building automation, shared its operational philosophy with
asmag.com through an interview with Ben Italiano, General Manager APAC, and Jacky Chow, Director of Sales for Asia.
The Thesis: From single-purpose to central data hub
The core of ICT's strategy is shifting the purpose of the security system from merely deterring unauthorized access to actively driving enterprise efficiency.
"Our approach to security is no longer merely about keeping bad actors out; it is about letting efficiency in," explained Italiano. "The modern security system is evolving into the central nervous system of intelligent buildings. The focus has moved toward measurable operational efficiency gains and enhanced safety."
At the event, ICT highlighted its unified platforms, the Protege GX and Protege WX systems. These systems facilitate high-level integration with Building Management Systems (BMS). This connection bridges the operational gap between physical security and facility management, a capability that is attracting interest from facility operators, ranging from data center managers to healthcare providers.
Efficiency through data convergence
Traditionally, security systems and building automation function in isolation, relying on pre-set, static rules (e.g.,
turn off lights at 9 p.m.). ICT’s integrated architecture allows systems to leverage real-time data from access control for dynamic facility management, yielding efficiency gains.
1. Enhanced security and surveillance: From a security perspective, integration enables automated responses to incidents. For example, if an intruder is detected, the system can immediately activate zone lighting to improve the quality and clarity of video surveillance recording, providing higher evidentiary value.
2. Energy and manpower savings: By leveraging live access control data, businesses can reduce unnecessary energy consumption and optimize staffing.
"Based on your access card usage, the system knows precisely where you are working," Chow noted. "This allows us to dynamically activate only the necessary zone lighting and air conditioning, while surrounding, unoccupied zones remain off to save energy."
This integration is also highly effective in self-service settings like storage facilities, co-working spaces, and hospitality. Guests or visitors can complete an automated check-in process upon badging in, which minimizes the need for staff onsite and helps cut manpower costs.
Italiano cited a hospitality example: "In a hotel setting, the system can be programmed to switch on the TV or mood lighting when a guest enters, but not when housekeeping staff enters the room, preserving the energy saving."
3. Industrial compliance and safety: In regulated industrial environments, the system ensures that heavy machinery cannot be powered unless a user with the specific, verified "privilege" credential badges in. Once the user leaves the immediate work zone, the system automatically powers down the equipment. This enforces safety protocols and reduces liability without requiring continuous, manual human supervision.
Expanding the definition of "security credential"
The unified platform allows organizations to leverage access credentials for applications beyond door entry.
Chow described a "Smart Office" implementation in Indonesia where employee access cards govern timed usage of amenities like PlayStation consoles and massage chairs—using the security credential for automated amenity management.