Operations and Maintenance Index
Below is a stylized BluINFO index page focused on Operations & Maintenance across BluB0X’s BluSKY platform. It consolidates monitoring, health checks, firmware/software updates, and lifecycle resources from BluINFO.
Overview & O&M Philosophy
BluB0X and BluSKY (O&M at a glance)
Highlights BluSKY’s end‑to‑end approach to remote diagnostics and support, including Server Diagnostics, remote service actions (reboot/start/stop services, file ops), and how Local Server Diagnostics keeps software current. Sets the foundation for 24/7 monitoring and faster time‑to‑fix.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
BluSKY Platform (Cloud operations)
One platform to manage access, video, visitor/vendor, alarms, and biometrics from any device—enabling distributed O&M without on‑prem software. A good “what/why” overview to pair with diagnostics pages below.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Physical Access Control System A&E Spec (Health checks requirement)
Specifies automatic health and status monitoring for hardware, software, and communications—codifying proactive health checks as part of baseline system design.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
System Health, Monitoring & Remote Access
VPN & Network Monitoring (Server Diagnostics, remote mgmt)
Explains BluSKY’s Server Manager Service and Server Diagnostics—see OS/app versions, CPU/memory, and remotely reboot or control services. Also used for manual updates to locally‑installed components.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
BluSKY Power Management (Remote power + health)
Centralizes remote power monitoring and control with notifications and automated reactions; lets operators assess system health and reboot/reset components without a truck roll.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Power Diagnostics (live power telemetry)
Walks through selecting LSP devices, viewing controller properties and latest status data, and using the BluSKY Power Diagnostics tool for remote support.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Power Analytics (rules & thresholds)
Describes 44 power parameters analyzed per minute and how to use analytics instances in rules (e.g., trigger if controller power out of range)—a basis for automated O&M reactions.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Server (Local Servers + Remote Mgmt Gateway)
Summarizes roles of BluSKY Local Servers, and notes the VPN/Remote Management Gateway + Power Management requirement for DDE/Person Reader solutions—enabling remote health monitoring and serviceability.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
BluSKY Access Control (real‑time operations)
Real‑time status and control of portals across facilities, including simulated credential presentation for verification and troubleshooting—useful in daily O&M.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Video Management System Integration (O&M for video estates)
Brings any local VMS to the cloud with Video Diagnostics and VPN support so integrators can support systems remotely; adds AI to proactively monitor and adjust configuration, and notify the right people.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Diagnostics Tools (Setup → Diagnostics)
System Diagnostics (index)
Top‑level index for Alarm, Controller, Controller‑Door‑Floor, DDE, DSR/NDE, I/O, Power, Server, Person Reader, Video, AI, Platform diagnostics—start here to jump to specific tools.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
DDE Diagnostics (Destination Test Tool)
Essential for commissioning and O&M of destination dispatch: stream messages between BluSKY and DDE, verify bank settings, watch heartbeats, and debug access rights in real time.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Input‑Output Diagnostics
Provides direct control/diagnosis of Monitoring Points and Control Points to validate wiring, inputs, outputs, and behavior—handy for field troubleshooting.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Power Diagnostics (repeat for convenience)
See “System Health” above; often used side‑by‑side with I/O and server tools during triage.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Checklists for DDE Interfaces (MCE/TKE)
Training checklists describe DDE diagnostics steps, heartbeats, matrix changes, interface startup, and failover verification—useful SOPs during installation and maintenance.
BluINFO Link – MCE • BluINFO Link – TKE (BluINFO)
Firmware & Software Updates
How to Upgrade Mercury Firmware (direct‑connected PC)
Step‑by‑step firmware procedure when you can’t rely on a site network—ideal for field benching or isolated updates.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
How to Upgrade or Replace a Mercury Controller
Details the clear/sync process, timing guidance, and concurrent sync tips; links to network configuration for the replacement controller.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
BluSKY Connect (controller bootstrap + firmware/ports)
Covers default IP recovery, browser login to controllers, firmware upgrade, and required ports/security settings to restore connectivity.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Avoiding TLS Errors on EP Controllers (browser access)
Explains temporary Firefox settings for older EP controller web‑UIs and cautions about reverting changes for security. Useful when performing on‑box maintenance.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Software Upgrades (service slide)
BluSKY delivers automated software and firmware updates—no technician required—so sites stay current with fewer O&M visits.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
BluSKY Release Notes (recent examples)
January 2025 — Lifecycle refresh guidance (e.g., aging DDE servers, Linux migration) and platform improvements impacting maintainability and security posture.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
June 2025 — Iterative platform updates; see monthly 2025 notes for continuous enhancements relevant to O&M and diagnostics workflows.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
July 2025 – 2 — Additional mid‑year updates; track incremental bug fixes, features, and diagnostic refinements.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
September & October 2024 Summary — Introduced AI Controller Diagnostics – Alpha, expanding diagnostics coverage and tooling depth.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
April 2024 — Floor‑based AI Controller Diagnostics sync for more targeted troubleshooting and maintenance activity.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Lifecycle & Upgrade Paths
Equipment Replacement Program (ERP)
Addendum to BluCARE System Support that proactively replaces key components (PCs, access electronics, cameras, etc.) on a set schedule to reduce downtime and obsolescence.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Hardware‑as‑a‑Service (HaaS) Option (slides)
Converts CapEx to OpEx, with lifecycle management and automatic replacement of failed equipment; upgrade/downgrade anytime for flexibility.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Hardware‑as‑a‑Service (Services module slide)
Reinforces HaaS benefits—latest tech on install, reduced service calls, and system turnover avoidance—as an O&M strategy.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Mercury EP Series — EOL Letter
Formal notice that EP controllers are EOL (support sunset and no further firmware), with guidance to migrate to LP series for security and compatibility.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Future‑Proofing Security — ERP White Paper
Explains why proactive lifecycle planning (ERP) sustains security posture and reduces maintenance risk versus reactive break/fix.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
BluSKY Subscription Licenses & System Support Options (incl. ERP benefits)
Summarizes BluSKY licensing, support tiers, and ERP to minimize failures—“preventive maintenance through replacement.”
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Troubleshooting & Maintenance SOPs
License Scanner Restart Procedure
Field SOP to recover TokenWorks IDWedge Pro integration when license scans don’t populate BluSKY; includes Windows 7/10 service restart steps.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Turnstile Preventative Maintenance (checklist)
On‑site PM tasks covering physical inspection, optics/CPU checks, power measurements, alignment/speed adjustments, and DDE checks where applicable.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
How Do I Debug a Card or Access Problem?
Explains card validation flow and how to use Access Denied reports, Person/Access views, and access level checks to resolve common denials.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Portal Locked Mode Still Permits Access (diagnosis)
Clarifies Active Lock Schedule and the background triggers/commands that govern behavior; includes post‑change monitoring steps and BluCARE escalation guidance.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
BluSKY Browser, O/S & Device Support
Official matrix and guidance for supported browsers/OS/devices—useful for diagnosing environment‑related O&M issues.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Update LSP Server (service upgrade)
Procedure for updating the LSPInterface and ServerManager, including MSMQ prerequisites, config keys, and service startup—common during power/health projects.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Using Event History to Observe Card Data
Shows how to leverage Event History for card format/FC verification and when to contact BluCARE to add new formats.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Training, Services & BluCARE
Support (BluCARE hub)
BluCARE provides 24×7×365 multi‑channel support, knowledge base access, services pages, and a directory of Support Articles—your starting point for O&M escalation.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Services (slides)
Overview of BluCARE services (support, software/equipment upgrades, remote demos, training)—aligns operational services with ongoing maintenance needs.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Video & Instructor Training (slides)
Points to video‑based training, certifications, and webinars to upskill teams on BluSKY operations and maintenance.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Blogs & Thought Leadership (O&M‑relevant)
Data‑Driven Buildings: Predictive Analytics for Maintenance & Safety
How BluSKY plus analytics (e.g., RaceTrack, Building Oracle) turns operational data into predictive maintenance and earlier hazard detection for measurable savings.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Navigating Obsolescence — Strategic Advantage of an ERP
Argues for ERP as a long‑term lifecycle strategy, delivering cost predictability and resilience versus piecemeal replacements.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)
Ranked List of BluSKY Features for CRE (v4/v2)
Summaries emphasize AI‑based proactive monitoring, integrated diagnostics, remote power control, and fewer truck rolls—core O&M differentiators.
BluINFO Link – v4 • BluINFO Link – v2 (BluINFO)
Visitor/Vendor & Other Specs that Reference Health/Monitoring (for completeness)
Visitor, Contractor & Vendor A&E Spec (health checks)
Requires workstation/kiosk/server health & status monitoring via health checks—useful when standardizing O&M across visitor stations.
BluINFO Link (BluINFO)