Lenel – OnGuard Access Control System Manufacturer Reviews
Lenel is a global provider of open-platform security solutions with integrated access control solutions and video management for commercial security markets. Lenel’s award-winning security platform, OnGuard interface varies security systems together – access control, video surveillance, fire alarms. It offers a diverse access features like control door, manage cardholder, secure credential, data analytics and provide integration support to video surveillance, biometric readers, and fire systems. OnGuard serves various organizations like medical, financial, logistics etc. OnGuard Enterprise is the latest version ideal for businesses and supports a wide network coverage.
Products
Products include access control system connected with a variety of cards such as proximity, biometric, keypad, magnetic stripe, smart card and card printers, hardware devices such as advanced readers, controllers, accessories, ILS Intelligent locking system with OnGuard features.” Facility Commander” (one of Lenel’s products) is now the end of life.
Give suggestions on what end-users can do as an alternative?
Use existing Wiegand based proximity card readers and replace the door controllers with a cloud-hosted modern access control.
Want to know more about the alternatives?
Pros
Great Integration with other systems
The latest version OnGuard 7.5 provides much-advanced capabilities of integration with visitor management systems, cybersecurity and multiple modules or apps.
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Lenel’s open platform security system, OnGuard Access provides a flexible, reliable and feature-rich access control application that includes robust alarm monitoring module, video integration, plus built-in support for access card technologies, biometrics and wireless access control devices. Various readers, controllers, access control accessories, modules and electronic locks are designed to integrate with the OnGuard system to provide reliable, flexible and scalable access control.
The latest version OnGuard 7.5 provides much-advanced capabilities of integration with visitor management systems, cybersecurity and multiple modules or apps.
Multiple Reader Technology Support
Lenel supports Wiegand, Magstripe, OSDP, OSDP Secure Channel. Lenel M Series supports Supervised F2F Technology.
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Lenel supports Wiegand, Magstripe, OSDP, OSDP Secure Channel. Lenel M Series supports Supervised F2F Technology.
Supports wide range of Readers and Controllers
Lenel has four series of controllers offerings for the OnGuard System. Each series has unique capabilities but consists of similar features: one or more Intelligent System Controllers, Reader Interface Modules, Input Modules, and Output Modules. X-Series and Access Series supports up to 64 reader support per panel (LNL-X4420, LNL-X3300, LNL-4420, LNL-3300) and 128 elevator control floors.
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Lenel has four series of controllers offerings for the OnGuard System. Each series has unique capabilities but consists of similar features: one or more Intelligent System Controllers, Reader Interface Modules, Input Modules, and Output Modules. X-Series and Access Series supports up to 64 reader support per panel (LNL-X4420, LNL-X3300, LNL-4420, LNL-3300) and 128 elevator control floors.
Cons
Poor Customer Support
Facility Commander is end-of-life and for good reason. It's old, hasn't had a meaningful software update in years and its database structure is not only insecure it crashes often... So for Facilities that have this type of issue even the tech-support team doesn't have resources to trouble-shoot some support issues. Furthermore, Lenel's response time to their certified dealer base has been consistently been reported as long and in some cases unhelpful. When you're on a job-site and you call support- when do you think you need help? Oh yeah... Pencil me in for next Tuesday at 2 pm...
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We have heard directly from multiple end-users and even certified Lenel system integrators that overall their customer service and tech support is unsatisfactory.
Here are the details…
Facility Commander is end-of-life and for good reason. It’s old, hasn’t had a meaningful software update in years and its database structure is not only insecure it crashes often… So for Facilities that have this type of issue even the tech-support team doesn’t have resources to trouble-shoot some support issues. Furthermore, Lenel’s response time to their certified dealer base has been consistently been reported as long and in some cases unhelpful. When you’re on a job-site and you call support- when do you think you need help? Oh yeah… Pencil me in for next Tuesday at 2 pm…
Too Expensive
Overall, pricing for Lenel is historically on the high side. For an end-user looking for a system under 50 doors it typically breaks the budget. For end-users who have multiple locations and hundreds of doors, Lenel is in the ballpark.
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Potential buyers need to submit the form or request a quote to know about the product prices. All products are sold exclusively through a certified dealer network.
Overall, pricing for Lenel is historically on the high side. For an end-user looking for a system under 50 doors it typically breaks the budget. For end-users who have multiple locations and hundreds of doors, Lenel is in the ballpark.
3rd party controller limited to Mercury Security
Lenel’s 3rd party controllers are limited to Mercury Security only.
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Lenel and Mercury Security have collaborated to deliver open access control solutions to security professionals around the world. Mercury released new hardware to Lenel, including the LNL-1300e IP single door and alarm panel interface, and the LNL-4420 advanced dual reader controller with increased system features. Lenel has released four major versions of its leading OnGuard platform, supporting all of Mercury’s new boards, migration solutions and many new functionalities. Lenel’s 3rd party controllers are limited to Mercury Security only.
Cloud based options are in initial stage
New OnGuard 7.4 has released the cloud-based access control feature. The feature being launched recently requires constant monitoring.
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New OnGuard 7.4 has released the cloud-based access control feature. The feature being launched recently requires constant monitoring.
Outdated Software
The software interface of both OnGuard & Facility Commander is really outdated. There are several layered commands 'clicks' in order to perform basic (daily) administrative tasks. In addition, there is NO browser version that is responsive for multiple screen sizes including mobile.
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The software interface of both OnGuard & Facility Commander is really outdated. There are several layered commands ‘clicks’ in order to perform basic (daily) administrative tasks. In addition, there is NO browser version that is responsive for multiple screen sizes including mobile.
Some OnGuard versions rely on Local servers
OnGuard versions like OnGuard Enterprise rely on local servers that can lead to data loss during an emergency situation.
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OnGuard versions like OnGuard Enterprise rely on local servers that can lead to data loss during an emergency situation.
On there way out??
Lenel at its peak was one of the top access control platforms on the market. During there heyday, Lenel was acquired by United Technologies in 2005. After a great run, UTC management decided to acquire S2 (a competitor to Lenel) in late 2018... So if you bought 2x leading access control platforms inside 15 years is it more likely that both platforms exist long-term or that UTC realizes it's better to acquire the up and comer in the industry then perform constant plastic surgery to the veteran?
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Lenel at its peak was one of the top access control platforms on the market. During there heyday, Lenel was acquired by United Technologies in 2005. After a great run, UTC management decided to acquire S2 (a competitor to Lenel) in late 2018…
So if you bought 2x leading access control platforms inside 15 years is it more likely that both platforms exist long-term or that UTC realizes it’s better to acquire the up and comer in the industry then perform constant plastic surgery to the veteran?
Do you Need Expert Advice?
Umbrella Security Systems is an Independent Physical Security Consultant who specializes in commercial electronic access control systems. We have the experience to cut through the marketing hype of manufacturer’s and deliver a complete solution incorporating all aspects of your security system. We independently apply rigorous tests benchmarking performance, quality and reliability on all products recommended to our end-user clients. Every business (and door) is different- Get a free consultation from us to set you on the right track.