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      ACS Alerts

      How to Manage ACS Alerts in the Alcatraz Admin Portal

      Overview

      This guide explains how to configure and manage ACS (Access Control System) Alerts in the Alcatraz Admin Portal. These alerts use unallocated badge numbers to notify administrators of security events such as tailgating, unauthorized entry, or crossing at specific doors.

      Understanding ACS Alerts and Their Functionality

      ACS Alerts are transmitted using the same protocols (Wiegand or OSDP) as regular user badge numbers, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into your ACS. These unallocated badge numbers are assigned to specific alert types and appear in the ACS system similar to other access events like 'Access Granted' or 'Door Forced,' and can be linked to various responses such as triggering video, sounding alarms, or logging for reports.

      Configuring ACS Alerts

      1. Preparing Badge Numbers

      • Verify Badge Information: Before setting up alerts, ensure the badge number and facility code are displayed correctly in the Alcatraz AI Admin Portal. You can swipe the badge at a reader to verify this info under  Security Events
      • Assign Alerts to Badge Numbers: Create cardholders in your ACS by assigning the unallocated badge numbers to specific alerts you wish to monitor, such as 'Tailgating Alert' or 'Unauthorized Entry'. For example, you could set the first name as 'Tailgating' and last name as 'Alert'.

      Ensure the card format is correctly configured in the Alcatraz AI Admin Portal. If unsure, you can check under Accounts -> Account Settings -> Card Format.

      2. Configuring ACS Alerts in the Admin Portal

      • Go to Device Management ->Devices.
      • Click on the Name of the Rock to access its information page.
      • Choose Modify to adjust configurations.
      • In the Device Configuration, expand the ACS Alerts section and click on the +Add button to set up your preferred alerts using the previously gathered card numbers.
      • After entering all necessary details, click Submit to save the configurations.

      3. Testing the Alert Configuration

      • Trigger a test alert, such as a tailgating event, by having one enrolled user authenticate at the door followed by a second person within a short interval (e.g., 5 seconds).
      • Verify that the alert appears under Security Events in the Alcatraz AI Admin Portal.
      • Check that the event is also logged in the ACS event log to confirm successful integration. 

      NOTE:  When ACS Alerts are logged to the ACS, they should include "Access Denied," and no doors should unlock.  ACS Alert card numbers should not be given access permissions to any doors.

      Conclusion

      Following these steps will ensure that ACS Alerts are properly configured and integrated within your security system. Regular testing and verification of alert configurations are crucial for maintaining an effective security response.

       

      Important: If the card format assigned to an event is modified, you must delete and re-enter the alert settings.