A Comprehensive Review of Rhombus Access Control System

Rhombus is a company known for providing enterprise-level security solutions suitable for organizations of various sizes. Their suite of products includes intelligent security cameras, environmental sensors, and now, the Rhombus Access Control system. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Rhombus Access Control system, maintaining a neutral tone while discussing the pros and cons of implementing this modern security solution.

A Brief Overview of Rhombus Security

Founded in 2012, Rhombus Security specializes in designing and developing cloud-managed security products that cater to businesses across different industries. Their comprehensive range of products includes smart security cameras, environmental sensors, and video analytics to ensure a safe and secure environment.

With the introduction of their new Rhombus Access Control system, they aim to provide an all-in-one solution for organizations looking to streamline and enhance their building security.

Rhombus Access Control: An Overview

Hardware Components

The Rhombus Access Control system comprises three primary hardware components:

1. DC20 4-Door Access Control Unit: A cloud-managed access control unit designed for easy installation, remote management, and scalability.
2. DR20 Door Reader: An intelligent door reader that offers multiple, touchless ways to gain access, such as via a physical card, mobile app, remote unlock, or wave-to-unlock feature.
3. DR40 Video Intercom: An all-in-one video intercom with a built-in doorbell, door reader functionality, and real-time video capture of all access events.

Features and Benefits

The Rhombus Access Control system provides various features to improve the overall access control experience:

• Cloud Management: Centrally manage doors, users, and access permissions in real-time from anywhere.
• Remote Door Control: Lock and unlock doors remotely, and provide guest passes without being on-site.
• Access Schedules: Set up pre-programmed schedules for door access based on employee work hours or business operation timings.
• Emergency Lockdown Plans: Create lockdown plans to immediately lock or unlock specific doors during emergencies.
• Automatic Firmware Updates: Stay updated with the latest infrastructure and features at no additional cost.
• Native Video and Audio Integration: Combine access control with video analytics using the DR40 Video Intercom and existing Rhombus security cameras for a comprehensive security solution.

Third-Party Integrations

Rhombus continues to support third-party access control integrations for both existing and future deployments. The Rhombus Console allows for seamless integration with dozens of out-of-the-box options, as well as a fully open API for creating custom functionality tailored to an organization’s needs.

Pros of Rhombus Access Control

The Rhombus Access Control system offers several advantages for businesses looking to upgrade or implement a new security solution:

1. Easy Deployment and Management: The cloud-based system allows organizations to manage an unlimited number of doors and users from a single web console.
2. Scalability: The system can easily grow and adapt to an organization’s changing needs, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
3. Native Video Integration: The combination of access control and video analytics provides a more comprehensive understanding of events happening across the facility.
4. Flexibility: Rhombus supports a wide range of third-party integrations and offers an open API for creating custom solutions.

Cons of Rhombus Access Control

While the Rhombus AccessControl system has numerous advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Initial Investment: The cost of implementing a new access control system, including hardware and installation, may be a significant investment for some organizations.
2. Ongoing Subscription Costs: As a cloud-based system, Rhombus Access Control may require ongoing subscription fees for continued access to features and updates.
3. Dependence on Internet Connectivity: Being a cloud-based solution, the system’s functionality may be affected by internet connectivity issues or outages, which could pose potential security risks or inconveniences.
4. Integration Compatibility: Although Rhombus supports a wide range of third-party integrations, compatibility with all existing systems or hardware is not guaranteed, and some organizations may need to upgrade or replace components to achieve seamless integration.

Availability and Timeline

Rhombus Access Control is currently available for pre-order and is scheduled to be released in early Q3 2023. For sales inquiries or additional information, interested parties can contact sales@rhombus.com.

Conclusion

Rhombus Access Control is an innovative security solution that offers a comprehensive and streamlined approach to managing building access. With its easy deployment, scalability, and native video integration, it presents a compelling option for organizations looking to enhance their security infrastructure. However, potential users should weigh the initial investment and ongoing subscription costs against the system’s benefits to determine if Rhombus Access Control is the right choice for their specific needs.

In summary, Rhombus Access Control is a modern and sophisticated security solution with a strong potential to improve building security for organizations of all sizes. By considering the pros and cons, businesses can make an informed decision about whether this system is the right fit for their security needs.