Specifications

Section 1: Introduction
1-5
1.3 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
This section describes terms and principles which are specific to access control systems. They
are provided here for those who are not experienced with other WSE ACUs such as the SE 422.
This section is not intended as a complete glossary, but to familiarize the reader with words and
concepts used throughout the manual.
1.3.1 USERS AND CARD HOLDERS
The term user is equivalent to system operator. The Alto 818 allows eight levels of users to be
defined. The person with overall responsibility for the database setup and control of the system
functions will be assigned the rank of A, with access to all systems commands. Other ranks may
be assigned to security personnel who will not need any setup commands but will use only
operation commands. Another rank may be specified for use by Human Resources or security staff
responsible for maintaining information and access properties of all card holders.
A card holder is an individual who has a digital or analog command key which has been defined
in the Alto 818 database with the KEY command. Many references to card holders are also valid
for individuals who use a keypad only.
1.3.2 BUILDING MODES
The Alto 818 can be configured to recognize three building modes: Open, limited and closed. The
access control system can function differently in each mode. These differences include:
 The ability of the system to ignore or react to system activity such as doors forced open, doors
held open too long, access events, and monitor point activity.
 The ability to deny access to some or all card holders regardless of their access codes
depending on the sensor type to which their cards were presented.
The advantages of using building modes depend upon the access control requirements of a
particular installation. In installations that have regularly scheduled hours of activity, building
modes simplify the access control process. For buildings in which a significant number of
employees work flexible schedules, or whose work requires them to come and go at irregular hours,
defining building modes may not be desirable.
The three building modes are defined below.