Access Control Commissioning or Install Checklist

Door Locks and Hardware

Physical Operation, For every controlled opening

• Check all lock / hardware fasteners or mounts are secure and without play, slack, or gaps exceeding tolerances on installation instructions.

• Ensure operation of lock is free of binding, grinding, or interference for door or frame features or other components.

• Close and open door, or operate several cycles, the opening to ensure that no binding or warping is affecting operation.

• If Exit Devices are used, confirm appropriate 'Push to Exit' signage is displayed and visible.

• If Door Closers or Operators are used, confirm electronic access devices do not interfere with operation.

• Confirm secure installation and function of Door Position Switches (DPS)/ Door Contacts.

• Weatherproof and lightly apply grease per specification to mechanical hardware like hinges.

• Ensure any cabling or system wiring is hidden, tucked behind raceway or frames, and is not being pinched or cut.

• Confirm that accessibility clearances are satisfied and any additional access control devices comply with codes.

• If standalone, battery powered locks are used, confirm remaining battery life is strong and document commission date of batteries for future reference.

Door Controller Install Checks

• Confirm that all terminated wiring at controller is secured and terminated without short for each device.

• If kept in a metal enclosure, ensure panel tamper contacts and panel locks are used. Gather panel keys for central, secure key management.

• If controllers are located at the door, confirm they are installed on the secure/locked side of the opening and located behind a tamper-resistant or semi-obscured location.

• For wireless locks, confirm that all hubs or repeaters are clearly labeled as companions to the separate system readers or controllers.

Free Egress and Fire Alarm Loop Check

• Confirm that upon fire alarm activation, all door maglocks release and are not powered.

• Confirm that upon fire alarm activation, all emergency exit doors and openings can be freely opened and are not locked for any reason.

• Confirm that during normal operating conditions, all 'Request To Exit' devices are located in code compliant arrangements and function properly.

• Check that any delayed egress openings have specifically been approved by the facility’s authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), and delays do not exceed 15 seconds, unless specifically excepted by AHJ.

• Confirm that all Pushbutton style RTE switches are properly labeled and displayed per local code requirements, and directly interrupt power to locks and not controller, unless specifically excepted by AHJ.

Credential Reader Checks

• Confirm that reader device is securely anchored without gaps to the wall, frame, post, or bollard. Seal or install trim guards where needed.

• Confirm 'normal operation' status lights are displayed per intended behavior. (On/Off/Red/Green/Blue, etc.)

• Confirm audible beep or siren registers when credential is read.

• Check that reader tamper device is connected and configured.

• If contactless type reader, present test card to confirm read range meets spec.

• If biometric type reader, confirm unit positioning will not be interfered with by environmental features (ie: sun movement, HVAC downdrafts, etc).

• Confirm that accessibility clearances are satisfied and any additional access control devices comply with codes.

Credential Enrollment

• Confirm that the only credentials to be immediately carried/used by cardholders are activated, and no preemptive or batched activation of unissued/ stored credentials is done.

• Check that each user issued a credential is accurately classified and identified in the access control software. Include Picture ID images if possible.

• If credentials are being renewed or exchanged, confirm physical possession, disposal, and deactivation of old credential in system.

• If biometric credentials are enrolled, confirm multiple digits or templates are enrolled.

• If multi-factor credentials are issued, confirm that all factors are recorded, active, and valid in the system.

Access Management Software Servers

Access Management Software Configuration

• Configure Unlock, Extended unlock, Door Open to Long, and Relock event periods, as appropriate.

• Configure user timezones/ access schedules (e.g., 24/7, 8am-5pm, off-hours, holidays, etc.)

• Configure user door groups/ access levels (e.g., Managers, Workers, Visitors, Temporaries, etc.)

• Confirm Polling Interval, or settings update push duration as prompt and as close to real-time to be accurate as recorded in system.

• Configure any Graphic Maps or floorplans used to display and manage system control points.

• Confirm successful integration and configuration of features like integration with video surveillance, intrusion, fire alarm, and intercom systems.

• Configure alarm or event notifications (e.g., email, text, etc.).

• Download and retain copies of all controller, door and point configurations.

• Confirm any imported databases are clean and without problems if populating access management system.

• For 'Anti-Passback' rules, ensure that users will not unwittingly or inadvertently cause alarms if they use atypical or uncontrolled openings.

Network/Security Settings

• Document controller and other ethernet-based devices MAC address.

• Assign and document controller and other ethernet-based device IP address.

• Update firmware to latest version (or manufacturer recommended/tested if different).

• Change controller password from default.

• Create multiple users if required (by specification or manufacturer recommendation).

• Set NTP server and verify time and date.

• Disable unused services and/or close unused ports (FTP, telnet, SSH, etc.).

Hardware/Security

• Document MAC address(es) (often more than one if using multiple network cards), or if hosted/cloud access is used, document hostnames of all remote servers.

• Assign and document IP address(es) of every networked device, endpoint, or server.

• Apply latest OS updates (unless not recommended by manufacturer).

• Create secure admin password.

• Create additional users as specified.

• Test UPS operation and runtime (if supplied).

General Server Settings

• Confirm any requisite services or policies are free to operate and will restore automatically after reboot events.

• Change admin password from default.

• Create individual operator/user logins.

• If LDAP or Active Directory is used, confirm valid implementation and provisioning of service.

• Confirm and document any external database connections or dependencies by the access software.

Workstations

• Document MAC address(es) of each workstation.

• Assign and document IP address(es).

• Apply latest OS updates (unless not recommended by manufacturer).

• Create secure admin password.

• Create additional users as specified.

Network

• Document MAC address(es) of each device.

• Assign IP address and document.

• Update switch/firewall/router firmware to latest version.

• Change admin password from default.

• Configure VLAN(s) as required.

• Configure QoS as required.

• Disable unused switch ports as specified.

• Configure SNMP monitoring if required.

• Configure MAC filtering if required.

• Download and retain configuration for each switch.

• Test UPS operation and runtime for each switch (if supplied).

Cabling

• Label all cables, patch panels, wall outlets, etc., as specified.

• Ensure cables are secured to supports (J-hooks, ceiling truss, etc.).

• Conceal cables where possible/required.

• Leave properly coiled and dressed service loops at controller location and head end as required.

• Test all terminations and document results as specified.

• Document cable test results as specified (if certification is required).