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Control
The Control menu contains tools that allow anyone with the proper permissions to control and monitor the system in real-time. This is where you go to process your visitors, investigate issues with their cards, lock or unlock doors as needed, or just monitor activity in the building.

Alarms

Controlling the Alarms

Control Points

Control Points Control
The Control Point Control screen enables users to monitor, activate, or deactivate Control Points from one or more systems from one visually intuitive location .

Controlling and Monitoring Control Points

If you are using the Control Points Control screen for the first time you may need to select the Systems and Facilities you want to control. If you don't see this option, don't worry, BluSKY was able to select your default System. These settings can be changed at any time by clicking the filter icon in the top left-hand side of the screen. This can be a useful way to filter the results for larger systems or when controlling more than one System at a time.

Control Point Control Filter

Once you have selected all of the criteria needed, click the clipboard_e11556cd4e7e0241d3217e97ead14a69e.png button to load the selected Control Points. 

Key Features

  • Complete Control - You are able to select/deselect one one or more systems and/or individual points and control them all from the one screen. This capability can span multiple systems and provide a single point of control for an entire networks of systems. 
  • Multi-System/Multi-Facility - BluSKY's unique architecture is not limited by distance. You can control multiple buildings and systems all at once. 
  • "At-a-glance Information" -  Visual cues provide information on the system at-a-glance. 

Control

Once the Control Points load you will be able to control them easily. Simply click on each one you want to control, or click on the System to select them all. Then use the buttons at the bottom of the screen to Activate, Deactivate or Pulse the selected Control Points. 

Control Point Control

Definitions

Item Description
clipboard_e72d608525234d591902f768e5a2b4655.png Active - This indicates that the Control Point is currently activated.
clipboard_eb7b67347f1269a1c4a562d850a9da811.png Inactive - This indicates that the Control Point is not currently active.
clipboard_e02ca82051d7cc219e78d909ce49baf34.png Activate - Turns the Control Point on. What activate means for this control point is determined by how the output was setup and the settings in Setup->Control Points.
clipboard_e2f89953a3b6cfae00caffab12f7f19fe.png Deactivate - Turns the Control Point off. What deactivate means for this control point is determined by how the output was setup and the settings in Setup->Control Points.
clipboard_ee4f19a1ded1613d4e14bfe7bf743aae2.png Pulse - This pulses the Control Point. Determining what a pulse does and for how long is determined by how the output was setup and the settings in Setup->Control Points.
clipboard_e876c99f60a1c26c6d6c1ec2e1b7cf704.png Expand - This exposes all the control points under each system.
clipboard_e051b45d20cc88d1fd2cb836712cc9cf8.png Collapse - This hides all the control points so only the system's icon is exposed. 

 

Elevators

Elevator Control
This article will discuss how to use the real time elevator control interface. It is important to note that for safety reasons and manufacturer specifications, BluSKY access control system controls the access rights to an elevator and not to the elevator itself. BluSKY is only enabling or disabling the ability to access the elevator on a specific floor or floors depending on your access rights.

Controlling the Elevators

Getting Started 

When using the Elevator Control screen for the first time you may be prompted to select the Systems and Facilities you want to control. Don't worry if you don't see this prompt, it is always available by clicking the filter icon in the top right-hand side of the screen. The "View" field enables the user to choose between displaying floor stops by Floors or Elevator Cars.

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Once you select the clipboard_e11556cd4e7e0241d3217e97ead14a69e.png button, the screen will display all floor stops, allowing you to select and control each of the Elevators or Floor Stops. 

 

Monitoring Elevators

The Elevator Control screen provides a powerful tool for viewing the real-time state of the elevator system at-a-glance. The rich visual language can help you quickly diagnose issues. 

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Elevator Statuses

Item Description
Lock No Boarder.PNG On Schedule No Boarder.PNG The Floor or Elevator Car's Floor Stop is currently secured and on schedule. 
Unlock no boarder.PNG On Schedule No Boarder.PNG The Floor or Elevator Car's Floor Stop is currently unsecured and on schedule..
Toggles between Unlock no boarder.PNG and Lock No Boarder.PNG The Floor or Elevator Car's Floor Stop is currently in a release cycle.  This is usually due to a timed release.
Manual Override No Boarder.PNG The Floor or Elevator Car's Floor Stop schedule has been interrupted by a manual override.
Lock No Boarder.PNG Manual Override No Boarder.PNG The Floor or Elevator Car's Floor Stop is currently secured due to a manual override.
Unlock no boarder.PNG Manual Override No Boarder.PNG The Floor or Elevator Car's Floor Stop is unsecured due to a manual override.
DDE Elevator.PNG On Schedule No Boarder.PNG  The Destination Dispatch Elevator is on schedule.
Card Access No Boarder.PNG Manual Override No Boarder.PNG  The Destination Dispatch Elevator has manually been put on Card Only Access.
Card Access No Boarder.PNG On Schedule No Boarder.PNG The Destination Dispatch Elevator is on Scheduled and Card Only Access

 


Controlling Elevators

You are also able to control the Elevators and Floor Stops from this screen directly. Simply select the System, Elevator Bank, Car, Floor or Floor Stop you wish to control and use the buttons located at the bottom of the screen. 

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Definitions

Item Description
clipboard_ec9bf31ca8ba1521c575a64f4342c09f3.png Unlock - This will allow unrestricted access to the selected Floor Stops.
clipboard_e99ba62e3890c83ac7f494831cb1b6f7d.png Lock - This will secure access to the Floor Stop. Elevators cannot be put on lock as they are always accessible.
clipboard_ef660c7a0f2765aa8da54786ac99b6596.png Release - This will cause a timed unlocked period, allowing a person to use the Floor Stop temporarily without a credential.
clipboard_e2c96439668c3ed8eae96bb8bbf1db611.png Schedule - This return the Floor Stops to their normal operating schedule.
clipboard_ee776525209569af3593a797dbd8efee8.png Timer - A custom timed release of the Floor Stop.
clipboard_e390caf824b3f4511b87e6cee236e700e.png Credential - This will allow the operator to simulate a person's credential without needing a physical copy.
clipboard_e02362fc829c9851359902d737f24ed70.png Mode - This will set the Floor Stop to a specific access mode. See List below.
clipboard_e876c99f60a1c26c6d6c1ec2e1b7cf704.png Expand - Makes all of the individual Floor Stops visible
clipboard_e051b45d20cc88d1fd2cb836712cc9cf8.png Collapse - Show only the topmost level of the Elevator Control hierarchy. 

 


Events

Events Control
The Events Control interface is a hub for managing what is happening in a system. This interface provides deep insight into the operation of the System.

Using the Event Screen

Real Time Events

The Real Time Event screen is your heads up system status display. Whether you are running command and control or just want to be kept up to date about everything, the Even screen is the place to be. 

Getting Started

The Event screen like many other screens has a highly customizable filter section. This is a great feature when you are only concerned with only certain aspects of the system. For example, during normal operation, I may want to only filter on alarms and overnight I may want to monitor all Portal activity. It's up to you and that is why it is powerful.

Once you have inputted all of the necessary criteria click the clipboard_e7d86efe0486efcb68b5d7c0f9ca29d5b.png button to populate the list. If you need to change the criteria, just click the filter icon on the top left side to expose it again. 

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Definitions

Field Description
clipboard_ec178d57850a8e14a25781f18943111f1.png This indicates the number of rows selected out of the total number of rows found. Click to toggle between selecting or deselecting all of the displayed rows. This can be particularly useful when many alarms have accumulated. 
Event Date The time and date of the alarm. The time is displayed based on the time zone of your default system. 
Meta View This is a visual description of the type of the event for easy analysis. 
Person The person, associated with the event. In the case of a card swipe, the card holder. 
Event A text description of the event category and event type. 
By The person responsible for the action in BluSKY. Typically only used for Operator activity because in the case of a card swipe there needs to be a cardholder name and the person who is simulating the swipe. 

Event History

The Event History displays recent events for your BluSKY system and can be an important tool for diagnosing issues or ensuring that proper procedures are being followed. For example, if a system is frequently finding Portals unlocked that should be secure the first thing, I would do is head over to the Event History page and run a report for recent operator activity. From there I can remind the person to return the Portal to schedule when they are finished. This is just one example of the many ways this screen can provide a useful tool for incident response. 

Reviewing Events

In the cases where the   appears you will also be able to get a video feed of the event. Just click the   and you will see a recording from the time of the event and options to review the video further with the "Prev Minute" and "Next Minute" options. 

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Definitions

Field Description
clipboard_ec178d57850a8e14a25781f18943111f1.png This indicates the number of rows selected out of the total number of rows found. Click to toggle between selecting or deselecting all of the displayed rows. This can be particularly useful when many alarms have accumulated. 
Event Date The time and date of the alarm. The time is displayed based on the time zone of your default system. 
Meta View This is a visual description of the type of the event for easy analysis. This is also where you can find any video associated with the event (  ). 
Person The person, associated with the event. In the case of a card swipe, the card holder. 
Event A text description of the event category and event type. 
By The person responsible for the action in BluSKY. Typically only used for Operator activity because in the case of a card swipe there needs to be a cardholder name and the person who is simulating the swipe. 

 

Monitoring Points

Monitoring Point Control
The Monitoring Point monitoring screen is a great tool for getting real-time statuses on the operation of IPS Points and Monitoring Points.

Controlling and Monitoring Control Points

If you are using the Control Points Control screen for the first time you may need to select the Systems and Facilities you want to control. If you don't see this option, don't worry, BluSKY was able to select your default System. These settings can be changed at any time by clicking the filter icon in the top left-hand side of the screen. This can be a useful way to filter the results for larger systems or when controlling more than one System at a time.

clipboard_e1da74c4ca43fc2c349972b41cdd6ba3e.png

Once you have selected all of the criteria needed, click the clipboard_e11556cd4e7e0241d3217e97ead14a69e.png button to load the available Control Points. 

Key Features

  • Multi-System/Multi-Facility - BluSKY's unique architecture is not limited by distance. You can control multiple buildings and systems all at once. 
  •  "At-a-glance Information" -  Visual cues provide information on the system at-a-glance. 
  • This shows you the status of the alarm, Disabled.PNG means open, or not active, Enabled.PNG means closed, or active.

Monitoring

Unlike some of the similar screens, there are no ways to control the Monitoring Points. They, by definition, are suppose to be passive but they can provide a lot of insight into the operation of the Facility. 

clipboard_ecc7b60d76d06e6a80c33558cebcef7e8.png

Definitions

Item Description
Enabled.PNG Active - This indicates that the Monitoring Point is currently activated.
Disabled.PNG Inactive - This indicates that the Monitoring Point is not currently active.
The following symbols will only appear for Monitoring Points that are associated with the Intrusion Prevention System ( IPS ).
clipboard_ec8656c42a136b448c8f032620c2c6d82.png The IPS Group associated with the Monitoring Point is Armed Instantly.
clipboard_ecbf5b2dd97b804b963aa0244cf61c3fa.png The IPS Group associated with the Monitoring Point is Disarmed.
clipboard_e4220f7019ecef0bb85a58be83d1108bc.png The IPS Group associated with the Monitoring Point is Armed Stay.
clipboard_e45e05742695f01743b036e0617efdce3.png The IPS Group associated with the Monitoring Point is Armed Away.

More on IPS States

 

Portals

Portals Control
This tool is intended for system administrators or security professionals who will need to control portal access in an ad-hoc nature. Portal Control will enable people with the proper permission the ability to temporarily lock or unlock a portal, simulate a card swipe and control the schedule of the Portal.

Controlling Portals

Getting Started

When you navigate to the Portal Control screen for the first time you may be asked to select your System. If this does not happen, don't worry, it simply means that we were able to determine your default system automatically. 

clipboard_e9971a41fbc0914f4d29aeabd0e9acb4c.png

As you can see from the screen shot selecting multiple Systems or Facilities is a breeze. You can add as many Systems and Facilities as you have available. Once you have all of the necessary fields entered click the clipboard_e11556cd4e7e0241d3217e97ead14a69e.png button to populate the control screen. 

Portal Statuses

Name Description
DoorUnknown.png The status of the portal is unknown. This is the initial status of all portals when the portal controller is first started. Once BluSKY has probed a portal the status will be updated.
DoorEnter.png The Portal is open for entry.
DoorExit.png The Portal is open for exit.
DoorClosed.png The Portal is currently closed.
DoorAlarm.png The Portal currently has an alarm status.
  The Portal is currently locked. Request exit switch works.
  The Portal is currently unlocked.
 Card The Portal can only be accessed by using a card.
 Card and Pin The Portal can only be used by a card and a PIN. User has to have both to access the portal.
 Card or Pin The Portal can be accessed by a card or a PIN.
 PIN The Portal can be accessed only be a PIN code.

Controlling the Portals

It should be no surprise that the hallmark of any access control system is the ability to control the flow of people through a system. This can be done with credentials and access rights but there are certainly times where having direct control is key. This is where the Portal Control screen comes into play. This control screen provides options for controlling one or more systems or facilities, allowing you to control your system on the east coast at the same time as controlling another system across the country. BluSKY delivers a flexible interface that provides the user the ability to control each individual Portal or entire Facilities with a few clicks. 

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To control the Portal click on one or more of the Facilities or Portals and use the buttons on the bottom screen. Just please be aware than manual actions and modes will remain persistent until modified or the system is reset/resync'd. 

Definitions

Item Description
clipboard_ec9bf31ca8ba1521c575a64f4342c09f3.png Unlock - This will allow unrestricted access to the selected Portals.
clipboard_e99ba62e3890c83ac7f494831cb1b6f7d.png Lock - This will secure access to the Portals. This will prevent people from accessing even if they have valid credentials.
clipboard_ef660c7a0f2765aa8da54786ac99b6596.png Release - This will cause a timed unlocked period, allowing a person to use the Portals temporarily without a credential.
clipboard_e2c96439668c3ed8eae96bb8bbf1db611.png Schedule - This return the Portal to their normal operating schedule.
clipboard_ee776525209569af3593a797dbd8efee8.png Timer - A customizable release timer for the Portal.
clipboard_e390caf824b3f4511b87e6cee236e700e.png Credential - This will allow the operator to simulate a person's credential without needing a physical copy. A useful tool for access right debugging. 
clipboard_e02362fc829c9851359902d737f24ed70.png Mode - This will set the Portal to a specific access mode. See List below. This setting will remain until overridden or the Controller is set. 
clipboard_e876c99f60a1c26c6d6c1ec2e1b7cf704.png Expand - Makes all of the individual Portals visible.
clipboard_e051b45d20cc88d1fd2cb836712cc9cf8.png Collapse - Show only the top most level of the Portal Control hierarchy. 

 


How-To Simulate a Credential

A great way to debug access issues is by simulating a credential at the Reader via the control interface. This provides a useful and convenient tool for determining if access issues are being caused by the hardware or the configuration in BluSKY. For example, if I were to simulate Alice's card at the Reader and see the Portal cycle, I would want to check Alice's physical card and the hardware. If I simulate Bob's card and nothing happens or I see a denied entry, I should start my debugging process in the configuration of Bob's Person record to ensure they have the proper credential and access rights. 

  1. Navigate to Portal Control, or Elevator Control in BluSKY.
  2. Fill in search criteria if necessary.
    • If you use the Control interface often you can likely skip this step. 
  3. Click the Portal or Floor Stop you wish to simulate the credential against. 
  4. Click the clipboard_e390caf824b3f4511b87e6cee236e700e.png button to open the credential selection dialog. 
  5. Start typing in the name of the Person you want to use for the simulated credential.
  6. Click the Person's name once it appears. 

clipboard_e9c4756e6c46e07a31e0ceed6216d6be9.png

  1. Click the clipboard_e3cb9ed642e3d0116663888a5082e2891.png button and observe the status of the Floor Stop or Portal change. 

Visitor Administration

Visitor Admission
Visitor Administration is the primary means for Security or an office administrator to process a visitor into a building or a facility. With this interface the user can take a picture, assign an access card, check a visitor in at the beginning of the day and out at the end of the day. This is also where a user can see who is expected, who is in, and who has left the building.

Add a Card to a Visitor

We will discuss how to add a Card to a Visitor. Adding a Card can be done before hand or during the time of Check In. This Card will be used to operate the Readers in the Facility. Remember that the Card will only work on Readers and during the times defined in the Visitor Access Level.

  1. Log in and navigate to Visitors. Main Menu-> Control-> Visitors
  2. In the lower left hand side click the EditBtnAlt.png icon.

Visitor Card Assignment

  1. Select the Card type in the lower half of the page. 
    • Note: In some cases there is a default card type and this field will be filled in. If your Facility is using only one card type and you want to specify a default card type, please contact support at support@blub0x.com.
  2. Enter the Card information. This process will be different depending on which Card Type you select. 
    • If you are entering a CSN card type, you will enter the Serial Number using an unencrypted reader.
    • For all other Cards enter the External Card Number.
  3. Depending on the Status you will have three different options:

Pre-Registered, Assigned to Last, FirstName.

Reassign Visitor Card

  • This will take the Cards from another Person and assign it to the Visitor
  • If you are sure the Card is no longer in use, click the Reassign Card Button.
  • This can save a lot of time if a previous visitor's card was not reclaimed at Check Out.

Pre-Registered, Available 

Pre-Registered Visitor Card

  • If the Card is found BluSKY will attempt to complete the entry process.
  • If the Facility is using multiple Facility Codes you may be required to fill this field in. 

Card Not Found - Adding New

Create New Visitor Card

  • Enter the Internal Number 
  • Enter the Facility Code
  1. Enter a PIN if necessary.
    • Note: This will enable a Person to use a Reader with a keypad.
    • Note: Some Facilities impose a minimum PIN length.
  2. Use the User Flag section to add additional parameters to the credential.
    • EX: Using the ADA Timing Parameter, once configured, gives additional time to enter a Portal.
  3. Check to make sure the Start Datetime is valid, adjust if needed.
    • Note: This is especially important if the Visitor is arriving early.
  4. Ensure the End Datetime corresponds with the end of the visit. 
  5. Confirm changes with the saveBtn.png button.

Check In a Visitor

  1. Log in and navigate to Visitor control. Main Menu-> Control-> Visitor

Check In a Visitor

  1. Use the Search Criteria at the top of the screen to find the Visitor.
    • Note: You may also create a new Visitor Request if the guest is unexpected.
  2. Check in the Visitor using the CheckInBtn2.png button.

Check Out a Visitor

  1. Log in and navigate to Visitor control. Main Menu-> Control-> Visitor

Visitor Check Out

  1. Use the Search Criteria at the top of the screen to find the Visitor.
  2. Finally, Check Out the visitor using the CheckoutBtn.jpg button.
    • ​Note: You may also Check Out a Visitor from the Edit screen of Visitor Administration.

Reclaim a Card

The Reclaim Card feature for Visitor Management allows a Card to be reassigned after it has been returned. This prevents the need for many additional cards.

See How

  1. Log in and navigate to Visitor control. Main Menu-> Control-> Visitor
  2. Use the list below or the search feature to locate the Visitor that was issued the card.
    • Note: You may reclaim more than one card at a time. If doing so please ensure you are not accidently reclaiming a Card currently being used.

ReclaimCard.jpg

  1. Click the Visitor/s on the list and then use the ReclaimBadgeBtn.png icon to reclaim the Card or Badge.
    • Note: You will only be able to reclaim a Card if the Visitor has been Checked Out.
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