Professional Services Supports Largest Installation of DNA Fusion and Isonas Devices

Allegion/Isonas introduced Open Options to a prospective customer in Louisiana that decided to deploy approximately 5,000 Isonas devices to secure over 150 schools. The end user wanted to do a pilot program first in two schools before the full deployment.  However, prior to Open Options getting involved, an issue arose that threatened to disrupt the whole project.

Isonas's cloud-based platform was supposed to control the devices, but after the end user outlined his expectations and evaluated the functionality of the platform, it was determined that a different platform was needed.  Subsequently, Open Options presented a solution that was more in line with what the end user customer was expecting.  DNA Fusion was chosen, and the installation was supported by Open Options’ Professional Services team.

The challenges to this project were just beginning, however. The timeline was tight for delivering proof of concept on required functionality at pilot sites. It was the end user’s first-ever access control system, so everything was new for him. Both system integrators were brand new and unfamiliar with Open Options’ DNA Fusion and the Allegion/Isonas solution. In addition, every device was an IP-based security device running on Power over Ethernet (PoE), which required the school district to deploy new networking equipment to support it.

“The summer break was fast approaching, and the system owner expected a functional pilot program for the two schools before the start of the next school year,” said William Murphey, Professional Services & Engineering Manager, at Open Options. “To provide a high-level of assurance that the deployment would go smoothly, our Professional Services team was tasked with assisting Southern Electronics Supply and Patriot Government Services to deploy the end user’s first access control system, with the Isonas hardware integrated into DNA Fusion.”

Murphey did the type of work that the Professional Services team does regularly to serve customers: going on site as well as working remotely with integrators for weeks to best represent the interests of the end user; working closely with the install technicians to explain how the devices and system work; providing tips for troubleshooting the hardware installation; and demonstrating the system to the end user customer to build confidence. 

Murphey worked to commission the first school, which consisted of 196 Isonas devices. In fact, this first school was designated as the proofing site the end user customer would evaluate. It was decision time!  Happily, the end user was pleased with the functionality and capabilities of the DNA Fusion solution and made the decision to move forward with the remaining 5,000-door deployment. Once complete, this will be the largest DNA Fusion and Isonas deployment.

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