Avigilon Alta, formerly Openpath, access control system reviews

Avigilon Alta, formerly Openpath, access control offers mobile and cloud-based systems to accommodate both small and enterprise businesses. Well-known for creating smart entries and enabling keyless convenience with hands-free and touchless unlock capabilities, Avigilon Alta has an industry-leading 94% mobile adoption rate. Avigilon allows businesses to streamline operations with enterprise-level access control features and a range of safety and wellness solutions. Avigilon is currently deployed in commercial real estate properties, enterprise offices, educational institutions, houses of worship, gyms and fitness studios, and multifamily residential communities across the US and internationally. Avigilon Alta (Openpath) reviews highlight how the flexible access control system helps create smarter, healthier spaces with detailed insights, real-time video and system automation.

Avigilon is a complete access control system with a full range of hardware options and robust software packages. The flexible system comes with everything you need to secure your business, plus additional configurations to enhance safety and security throughout your space without sacrificing convenience. Merging the foundational elements of physical security with advanced cybersecurity measures, Avigilon customers are able to create smart, future-proof spaces.

Avigilon Alta (formerly Openpath) access control products review

As a complete access control system provider, Avigilon makes sleek, elegant hardware with flexible deployment and installation options for any size business. In Avigilon customer reviews, ease of installation is a common theme compared to other access control manufacturers. Because the solution can be installed as a complete standalone system, and is also backward compatible with legacy systems, Avigilon is a great option to fit a wide range of access control needs. This is a great feature for enterprise customers, who may have different access control system requirements across their many locations and building sites.

Top Avigilon Alta Access Control features and capabilities

Secure from end-to-end – Avigilon Alta prioritizes security with all communication encrypted end-to-end. Avigilon’s readers do not store any information on the local level, which helps protect data and prevent breaches. Plus, all Avigilon hardware comes equipped with built-in fail-safes to withstand power and Internet outages, and alerts against tampering.

Effortless installation – Many customers list the speed of deployment as a benefit in their Avigilon reviews, as they were able to get up-and-running with their new access control quickly and without major disruption to their day-to-day. All Avigilon hardware uses standard wiring and snap-in mounts for fast, easy installation, even in retrofit deployments. Avigilon’s cost-effective installation allows access control installers to use existing wiring, avoiding a costly rip-and-replace to deploy the cloud-based access control solution.

Access control that scales – Avigilon’s hardware is designed to easily scale up or back with ease. Offering a full range of controllers and readers, Avigilon secures anywhere from a single door up to hundreds of entries across multiple buildings, all on the same system. With 4‑door, 8‑door and elevator control boards, Avigilon is a great option for enterprise businesses that need flexible configurations. For smaller applications, the Single Door Access Control Kit supports up to two entries. It’s perfect for a retail store or internal space that needs additional security. For turnstiles, elevators and highly architectural installs, the Embedded USB Smart Reader offers a mini, embeddable form factor with a USB output for printers, enrollment applications and more.

Pro Series Video and Intercom Readers – Avigilon’s Pro Series Video Readers add visual verification to all access events where they are occurring: at the door. The Video Reader Pro combines all the capabilities of Avigilon’s multi-technology Smart Readers with the power of seeing what’s happening in real-time. Avigilon’s Video Intercom Reader Pro uses AI-powered voice recognition to route visitors with clear video calling, touchless access and mobile monitoring. Designed with open standards for superior interoperability, Avigilon video access control seamlessly integrates with existing access control and video surveillance systems.

Award-winning hardware design – Avigilon access control hardware has won multiple design awards, ensuring that the Smart Readers, Pro Series Video and Intercom Readers, and control hubs are not only frictionless and functional but also sleek and sophisticated.

Avigilon cloud-based management software review

Avigilon Alta is a cloud-based access control system which creates a flexible, scalable security system. The fully remote management platform can be accessed at any time, from anywhere, centralizing enterprise access control for multi-location organizations. With a robust feature set and open cloud-based platform, Avigilon Alta sets the foundation for a fully integrated commercial security system.

Fully remote management access – Centralize security teams with a system that lets you manage all your sites from a single interface. The Avigilon Alta dashboard allows admins to add or remove entries, adjust door schedules, issue and revoke credentials instantly, and set granular and site-specific permissions from anywhere in the world. Remote Unlock is a favorite feature in Avigilon Alta reviews, letting administrators unlock the door for employees or visitors without having to be on site.

Real-time reporting – In Avigilon access control reviews, customers are increasing ROI with deep learning and data insights. Easily search, filter and export detailed reports to maintain compliance and perform routine audits right in the Avigilon Alta dashboard. Real-time visibility into access activity across all locations not only provides better awareness, it also allows administrators to improve space management and adjust for social distancing. Avigilon empowers businesses with the data they need to make informed decisions and reduce costs over time.

Open API architecture – Built on an open platform, Avigilon Alta seamlessly integrates with other systems, including video security, tenant platforms, visitor management and user directory tools. Avigilon customer reviews include how the platform has allowed them to integrate their systems to streamline operations, create safer spaces and increase ROI. Easily connect with all the apps and systems you need to run your business via Avigilon Alta’s open API and mobile SDKs.

Avigilon Alta’s touchless access control with secure mobile credentials

The majority of access control installers recommend using mobile credentials, which allow users to open the door with a smartphone instead of an outdated RFID access control, key card or key fob systems. There are many benefits to a mobile access control system, including improved security, an enhanced user experience and a frictionless workplace environment. Avigilon customer reviews highlight why the flexible access options, with the contactless and hands-free credentials, rank as a top feature among big and small businesses alike.

Secure mobile credentials – Mobile credentials are more secure for entry compared to traditional methods like key cards and fobs. People are less likely to lose or forget their smartphone, and most are password-protected. Avigilon ensures your space is secure with encryption at every level and trackable audit trails for compliance purposes. With Avigilon Alta, you can also activate two-factor authentication using the biometrics (Face ID, passcode, fingerprint scan) built into smartphones for added security.

Wave to Unlock – Avigilon Alta enables users to unlock a door with the touchless Wave to Unlock feature. This contactless option lets users wave their hand or phone in front of the reader without having to open the app or wake up their phone. Customer reviews of the Avigilon Alta Wave to Unlock feature are overwhelmingly positive. Employees love that the door opens like magic, and it makes a great impression on visitors and clients. 

Digital Guest Pass – One of the features Avigilon customers love is the digital visitor pass. Unlike other systems which do not support temporary credentials, Avigilon Alta lets admins send a temporary link via text or email to visitors with Cloud Key. Similar to an Avigilon Alta mobile credential, digital Cloud Key credentials have customizable permissions. Plus, guests won’t need to download an app or have a special key card to gain access. 

Flexible access methods – Avigilon was designed to make access control a frictionless experience without sacrificing security. In addition to the industry-leading mobile credentials, the Avigilon Alta system supports access via Apple Watch, Cloud Key, encrypted fobs and key cards. It is also backwards compatible with MIFARE RFID cards common to legacy access control systems. Choose the access methods that work for your space. They can all be used simultaneously on the same system.

Avigilon Alta (formerly Openpath) pricing and costs

Price is a major deciding factor for any business when choosing an access control system. There are several factors to consider when reviewing access control systems to determine which one is right for your business and fits your budget:

• Initial hardware investment – Consider the upfront costs for access readers, control boards, hubs and other hardware. 

• Installation – To simplify processes and reduce installation costs, it is advisable to choose a system with an open platform to ensure seamless integration with existing systems, as well as with other hardware, software and third-party platforms. Avigilon Alta (formerly Openpath) access control pricing is quite flexible, as the system is backward compatible and can accommodate a wide range of integrations with other systems. 

• Credentials – The type of credentials used will factor into the upfront and ongoing costs of an access control system. Budget will need to be allocated for physical credentials such as key cards or fobs, including the cost of issuing and replacing the credentials. For mobile access that relies on a user’s personal device and PIN-based credentials, there is no added cost to issue or replace credentials. With both of these cost-effective access methods available, Avigilon Alta (formerly Openpath) pricing may fit many businesses’ budgets. 

• Software – On-premise software requires an upfront licensing fee, which may be more cost-efficient in the long run. On the other hand, a cloud-based solution often comes with a monthly subscription payment that includes licensing fees, also known as Software as a Service (SaaS). With a cloud-based system, the cost of the system is usually based on the number of users and locations added to a network, and the types of features added to the subscription. The Avigilon Alta (formerly Openpath) cost includes licensing fees and different subscription levels based on the types of features needed, making it a cost-effective solution that doesn’t sacrifice security. 

• Maintenance and training – The cost for maintenance and training for cloud-based systems is minimal. Servers are maintained by a provider and the cost to update the system is included in the subscription fee, as with Avigilon Alta pricing.

With a subscription model, the Avigilon Alta access control pricing is ideal for businesses that need to minimize capital expenses and reduce upfront costs, and instead pull from operating expenses for their access control. A SaaS pricing model also helps organizations further minimize security budget by allowing users to pay for only what they use.

Enhanced security features with Avigilon access control

As the safety platform for the built world, Avigilon is designed to do more than just let authorized users in and keep unauthorized people out. In addition to the robust access control features on the Avigilon Alta software, customers are able to create safer, healthier spaces with the advanced system. Below are the top-requested access control safety features mentioned in Avigilon customer reviews. 

Built-in occupancy tracking – Avigilon Alta provides valuable insights into space utilization and access data. Avigilon’s readers use Bluetooth beacons and access requests to detect how many people are in a given zone, which can automate and enforce social distancing measures in the workplace.

Flexible lockdown capabilities – Avigilon Alta’s award-winning Lockdown feature lets admins activate a system lockdown remotely in the event of an emergency. Flexible Lockdown plans are also available to customize emergency response for different types of situations, enhancing safety across the board.

Seamless full-building integrations – Avigilon Alta’s open API lets businesses create an IoT-connected space with best-in-class integrations. Customers love the video integrations with Milestone Xprotect, Camio, Cisco Meraki and more. Avigilon also offers integrations with popular platforms including G Suite, Okta, Active Directory, Envoy, Zendesk, Slack, ABC Fitness and more. These integrations allow security teams to automate and enforce procedures such as digital health questionnaires, temperature checks and contact tracing through the Avigilon Alta platform.