PCs, tablets and mobile phones—any client device that can run a browser can manage a system network.

Figure 2.   Company-wide network architecture

Reader modules and eight input/output modules connected to a single controller can provide a total of 32 card readers and an additional 64 input and 64 output monitoring points. These key components are connected to the controller across an RS-485 network. The controller exposes the system to web browsers, other controllers, and one or more Supervisors when configured as part of a network.

Software installation involves installing Workbench on the Supervisor PC followed by using Workbench to commission each remote controller and create each remote station.

Once the software is installed, the system, running in a browser, provides access to the Supervisor platform and station, and to each controller platform and station. The first time you access each platform and station, a Guided Setup Wizard prompts you through the post-software-installation and configuration process.