Access control systems play a critical role in ensuring the security and smooth operations of large-scale facilities, especially in industries where personnel management and secure access are top priorities. From distribution centers to warehouses, managing access control cables efficiently can either bolster or compromise a facility’s overall security. 

Warehouses are the heart of a company’s supply chain, managing inventory for timely and efficient delivery. Yet, many warehouse operators still face challenges in managing access control for doors and security panels, often resulting in installation errors, downtime, and inflated costs.

A compelling case study of how Remee Wire & Cable partnered with Acenes, a prominent security systems design company, provides insight into overcoming these challenges using Access Control Cables. This collaboration helped solve the complex access control issues faced by a global online retailer. This blog elaborates on how Remee’s products, specifically the Vigilance™ Access Control Cables, revolutionized security management, the benefits of using these cables, and how our OSDP cable compatibility future-proofs investments. We’ll also take a closer look at the distinct advantages offered by Remee’s expertise in security cables.

Access Control Challenges in Large Facilities

The digital age has made warehouses and distribution centers the backbone of modern retail. As a result, robust security and access control systems are imperative to maintaining operational efficiency and protecting valuable assets. A typical large warehouse facility requires access control for a significant number of doors and other key entry points, all of which must be seamlessly connected to security panels.

However, one of the most common problems faced by security systems is managing the volume and variety of cables required for access control. These challenges can lead to installation errors, mislabeling, and increased operational costs. At the heart of resolving these issues are specialized access control cables. By offering comprehensive cabling solutions, companies like Remee Wire & Cable have helped organizations overhaul their security infrastructure and improve efficiency, as demonstrated in this case study.

The Problem: Complex and Error-Prone Cabling

A large online retailer, operating hundreds of distribution centers globally, faced significant challenges with their access control systems. Each of their warehouses needed access control for 30-50 doors, with each door requiring 3-5 cables to support functions like card readers, motion sensors, and emergency exits. This resulted in hundreds of cables—often leading to errors during installation and maintenance.

Installers faced considerable challenges sorting through a vast array of identical cables. Despite labeling efforts, errors frequently occurred where cables were either mislabeled or terminated incorrectly. Such mistakes were costly, both in terms of labor and delays, and they undermined the efficiency of access control systems.

Beyond the installation errors, shipping heavy cables in bulk and pulling them through intricate pathways further complicated the process. The retailer needed a solution that would streamline installation, reduce errors, and minimize shipping and installation costs.

The Solution: Remee’s Vigilance™ Composite Access Control Cables

Remee Wire & Cable, known for its expertise in security cabling, partnered with Acenes, a security systems design and installation company. Together, they devised a revolutionary solution using Remee’s Vigilance™ Access Control Cables.

By consolidating the five cables needed for each door under one jacket, Remee was able to reduce the total number of cables from 250 down to just 50—an 80% reduction. This not only cut installation time but also reduced errors caused by mislabeling or incorrect terminations.

Moreover, the new composite cables featured color-coded outer jackets, further simplifying the installation process. Each color corresponded to a specific door type—green for Card Reader In and Out, blue for Card Reader In and Request to Exit (REX), and gray for emergency exit doors. This visual organization drastically reduced confusion at termination points and streamlined cable management.

Remee’s cabling solution allowed the retailer to standardize their access control systems across all warehouses, ensuring that future installations would follow the same error-free process. As a result, the retailer benefited from lower costs, fewer installation errors, and a much quicker deployment of access control systems.

The Flexibility of Remee’s Cabling Solution

One of the most important aspects of Remee’s Vigilance™ Composite Access Control Cables was its future-proof design. As the security industry moves towards adopting the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), Remee’s solution was designed to accommodate both the current Wiegand reader protocol and future OSDP readers. This foresight preserved the retailer’s cabling investment and eliminated the need for costly upgrades as security protocols evolve.

Remee’s cables also surpassed the industry requirements for RS-485 communication, with improved capacitance and impedance properties. By ensuring high-performance standards, the Vigilance™ Series proved to be a highly reliable choice for secure and efficient data transmission in access control systems.

Benefits of Remee’s Vigilance™ Access Control Cables

Remee’s innovative approach to cabling solutions provided several critical advantages:

1. Reduced Installation Errors:

With fewer cables and color-coded jackets, installers could easily identify and terminate cables correctly, minimizing costly errors.

2. Faster Installation:

The consolidation of multiple cables into one composite cable meant quicker installations, which allowed the retailer to meet tight construction schedules.

3. Cost Efficiency:

Fewer cables reduced both shipping and installation costs, while also ensuring long-term savings by future-proofing the infrastructure for OSDP protocol.

4. Simplified Maintenance:

The clear organization of cables made future maintenance easier, reducing the time needed to troubleshoot and fix issues.

5. Enhanced Durability and Performance:

Remee’s cables exceeded industry standards for security cabling, offering long-term reliability and superior performance in data transmission.

Investing in the Right Cabling for Access Control

In today’s fast-paced retail environment, access control systems are essential to ensuring operational security and efficiency. As the case study of this large online retailer shows, choosing the right cabling solution can significantly reduce errors, lower costs, and streamline the installation process.

Remee Wire & Cable’s Vigilance™ Access Control Cables offer a comprehensive solution tailored to the specific needs of large-scale facilities. Whether you’re looking for an OSDP cable solution or require high-performance security cables, Remee has the expertise and products to deliver results.

For more information on how Remee Wire & Cable can improve your access control system with our innovative cabling solutions, visit our website today.