01 Release Notes: 10-15-18

Introducing BluPASS - The First Frictionless Temporary Cloud Credential That Works Everywhere 

• The BluPASS Cloud Credential lets visitors and vendors use their mobile device as a virtual temporary credential without having to download an app or stop by the security desk to check in. BluPASS provides frictionless visitor and vendor management without the need to add bar code readers to every door, turnstile, elevator or destination dispatch terminal. A BluPASS Cloud Credential is sent to a visitor or vendor when they are pre-registered in BluSKY. The invitation and credential can be stored in the guest's calendar for easy access. When the guest arrives they simply press on the link in their invitation for a list of doors and floors they have access to. Pressing a door or floor grants access through the specific access point   It works at any controlled portal, two button relay or destination dispatch elevator system to which the visitor or vendor has access, and it works across multiple sites, systems, and hardware. For destination dispatch elevators it also provides the elevator car assignment right on the guest's mobile device. BluPASS can also be used for reception areas, gates, parking garages and is a more secure way of providing access because it logs every event for later audit.  BluPASS was designed for convenience. For a more complete understanding of what BluPASS can do, please review the data sheet:

   

• Note that BluPASS gives access only to those portals and floors that are listed in the access level that was granted to the visitor.  

The Person Reader - Version 3

Virtual Intercom - Version 1

BluSKY Cloud Video Platform - Version 2

BluSKY-Salient VMS Integration - Version 1.5

Simplifying Video in the Cloud

1. Live and Recorded video playback from any device - no software required. 
2. Video Event Recording associated with any type of event in any part of the system.
3. Local Video Re-streaming and associated functionality
4. Email delivery of video clips on event
5. BluSKY configuration of cameras. motion detection and video systems
6. Video System Health Monitoring 

BluSKY-ASSA ABLOY Integrated Lock Set Integration - Version 1.5

Reporting

• A new reporting infrastructure has been created in BluSKY.  Users can now create reports that span longer periods of time, and the reports are produced much faster. Individual reports need to be migrated one-by one to the new infrastructure.  The reports that have been migrated as of this release are:
  • The Person Activity Report
  • The Visitor Arrivals Report
  • The Expected Visitors Report

Single Sign On (SSO) Integration

• BluSKY now supports "Single Sign-On" (SSO).  With SSO, organizations provide their people with a single user name and password, and control which of the organization's apps (including BluSKY) can be accessed, and when.  SSO provides the following benefits:
  • Reduces the time spent correcting password entries and periodically changing passwords.
  • Reduces the "password fatigue" associated with the maintenance of different user name and password combinations for each application (because a single set of credentials gives access everywhere).
  • Mitigates the risk associated with access to third party applications (because user passwords are not stored or managed externally).
  • Executes the organization's identity policy across all users, devices, cloud and on-premise applications.
• The Active Directory integration (see below) is a pre-requisite for the SSO integration, and Professional Services are required to assist with the implementation of SSO.

Active Directory Integration

• BluSKY now supports a customers's on-premise or Azure-based Active Directory (AD).  This eliminates the manual transcription of personnel data into BluSKY.  AD provides the following benefits:
  • Eliminates the manual addition (or importing via Excel) of newly-hired employee or long-term vendor information into the BluSKY databases.
  • Eliminates the need for manual updating of employee information that is being changed n the HR (Active Directory) database.
  • Automatically removes a person's access to BluSKY and to the premises immediately after the person was terminated in the HR database.  
  • Business Rules can be automatically applied to incoming records - for instance, the rules can specify the access level that is to be granted based upon attributes held in the AD such as the person's department or payroll level in the organization.
• Professional Services are required to assist with the implementation of AD.

iCal Addition to Vendor and Visitor Invitations

• Hosts can include an iCal event in the e-mailed invitation that is sent to visitors so the appointment is automatically added to the visitor's calendar.

Support for Latest Mercury LP Controllers and V3.0 SIO Boards

• Up to now, all the controllers that were defined in BluSKY were EP controllers.  It is now possible to specify LP controllers instead. 
  • LP controllers are plug-compatible with EP controllers, but they have their own firmware versions.  LP controllers can actually be run as EP controllers, but it is better to specify the controllers correctly in BluSKY so they get the correct firmware when an update is recommended.

Updated Firmware for SIO boards

• BluSKY will now be able to upgrade the Mercury SIO boards (MR52, MR16IN, MR16OUT...). 
  • This is currently done via the Controller-Door-Floor Diagnostic tools command line.  In a future release we will update the user interface to simplify the process. 
  • A BluINFO article will be created soon on how to upgrade the SIO boards from the command line.

Minor Updates