Swiftlane access control and intercom system review

Avigilon Alta vs. Swiftlane access control

In a move to modernize the workplace, many businesses are looking to security technology to improve their operations. Modern access control solutions have become a necessity for protecting the built environment across every industry. When choosing the best access control system for your space, consider the different features and functions you need. Swiftlane features a cloud-based, mobile solution with facial recognition to unlock doors. Because Swiftlane readers feature a design similar to an iPhone, they can also act as a 2‑way intercom system with calling functionality. Swiftlane’s app is primarily used for multifamily residential applications. Here’s a breakdown of the different features that Swiftlane’s access control system offers, and how they compare.

Quick look: key differences between Swiftlane and Avigilon 

	Avigilon Alta	Swiftlane
Touchless access Avigilon Alta supports hands-free entry with the advanced Wave to Unlock technology
Open integration Avigilon supports unlimited integrations with leading tech platforms and systems
Video intercom capabilities Avigilon’s Video Intercom Reader Pro features voice AI, eliminating the need to touch screens
Secure access options Some access methods Swiftlane offers, like PIN codes, pose security risks
Complete solution Unlike Avigilon, Swiftlane only offers one door reader and one controller option

Comprehensive Swiftlane intercom and access control review

While both Avigilon Alta and Swiftlane are cloud-based access control solutions, there are key differences to note between the two systems. The Swiftlane solution is predominantly a software product. They use a mobile app and remote management software to run the system, and offer one wired reader design and one 4‑door controller board. The SwiftReader combines access, video and intercom capabilities, and includes features like tailgating alerts and a touchscreen. 

Avigilon Alta also has their own cloud-based software and mobile app. In addition, they offer a complete access control solution with different hardware products and software packages to fit your unique needs. With their own line of controllers in single door, 4‑door, 8‑door and elevator board options, the Avigilon system is scalable to secure a single site and up to hundreds of entries. Avigilon’s award-winning Smart Readers, Embedded USB Readers, Video Readers and Video Intercom Readers are designed to easily mount in any space, including elevators and turnstiles, with slim profiles and sleek designs that blend seamlessly with modern office aesthetics. The Avigilon Alta software packages are also modular, with add-on features available to customize your system and the ability to add new users or entries at any time.

Hands-free and touchless access control features

Touchless access has become a must-have for many organizations, both for convenience and for safety reasons. However, reliability and privacy protection remain essential for any touchless capabilities. Swiftlane’s facial recognition is a touchless option, but not the most reliable. Mirrored sunglasses, facial coverings, or changes to appearance may affect Face Access. 

Due to the facial recognition functionality, mounting the Swiftlane readers can also pose an accessibility challenge. They need to be at the right height and in a convenient and safe location for people to be able to use them. Switflane’s system also allows users to unlock doors via the mobile app, but this is not a hands-free solution. Similar to other access control companies’ entry experiences, users still need to have their phone out and handy near the reader for this option to function. 

Avigilon Alta offers a completely touchless experience with 99.9% unlock reliability. The unique 100% touchless Wave to Unlock feature uses motion detection and BLE signals to let users unlock doors without having to take their phone out of their pocket or bag. Backed by patented Triple Unlock technology, Avigilon Alta’s mobile solution races Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular data signals for a fast, consistent unlock every time, even when the Internet is down. 

Video intercom and visitor management

Avigilon Alta and Swiftlane provide mobile-based, multi-tenant intercom systems. Both systems have the following features: 

• Mobile app with remote unlock and live video calling 
• High-definition video
• Two-way audio
• Remote door unlock
• Integrations with Envoy for visitor management

However, there are some key differences to note when comparing Swiftlane intercom reviews. While both systems support touchless access for credentialed users, Swiftlane requires users to touch the reader and scroll through a screen to find who they are looking for, which might not be ideal for a large commercial building that requires an office intercom system. Avigilon Alta uses AI-powered voice recognition to route calls to the right people at the right times, with just a single touch for the doorbell function. Plus, Avigilon Alta intercom audio is always clear, thanks to echo reduction and noise cancellation features. Another difference is that Swiftlane uses PINs for temporary guest access, which can easily be shared and compromise security. Avigilon Alta’s unique Cloud Key credentials are more secure for temporary visitor access. 

Swiftlane offers two-way video on their SwiftReader video intercom system. For outdoor applications, the Swiftlane reader will likely require the addition of a sunshade enclosure for users to be able to see the screen in bright sunlight. While Avigilon’s Video Intercom Reader Pro doesn’t have a screen on the reader, the slim, award-winning design may be better suited for a wider range of installations, and is IP65 rated for outdoor installs.

Compatibility and integration

Both Avigilon Alta and Swiftlane integrate with OKTA, G Suite, Azure Active Directory and Envoy for office and identity management. It’s important to note that Avigilon Alta is built on open API standards, making it easy to support limitless integrations with all your software, hardware and apps. The ONVIF-compliant video platform connects seamlessly to leading video security and analytics providers, including Cisco Meraki, Milestone and more.

The Avigilon solution is also backward compatible with any legacy access control system, meaning you can install the Avigilon Video Intercom and Smart Readers in your building, and still use your existing backend hardware. The Avigilon Video Intercom Reader Pro is a multi-technology reader that supports a wide range of secure access methods, all on a single device.

The Swiftlane video intercom is not compatible with key cards, fobs or other access methods. Therefore, you’d have to buy and manage separate hardware and credentials if you wanted the flexibility of multiple access methods. If your building already uses a legacy access control system, you would need to install the Swiftlane readers next to the existing legacy readers, which is bulky and confusing for visitors. At the time of this Swiftlane review, there are a limited number of integrations available for the system. 

Access control and intercoms for enterprise organizations

For enterprise clients looking for access control solutions, there are additional factors to take into account. For example, you need to be able to easily manage all your users and entries across multiple locations and buildings. Both Avigilon Alta and Swiftlane centralize enterprise management with the cloud-based dashboard. However, Avigilon Alta offers greater flexibility for scaling your operations. With Avigilon, adding and removing doors is easy with modular controller hardware that supports any number of entries, from a single door to hundreds. Avigilon Alta also offers unified video and access control for parking garages and turnstiles, plus supports single-cab and destination dispatch elevator systems. To expand your access control system to interior doors as well, you’ll need a provider that integrates with wireless locks such as Schlage, ASSA ABLOY and SALTO. At the time of this review, Swiftlane Access does not support wireless lock integration.

When it comes to managing enterprise access control, look for features that help streamline your operations. Avigilon Alta’s premium software package has features built specifically for the enterprise customer. The Rules Engine has a fast, easy-to-use editor, allowing you to automate processes throughout your system. With granular site permissions, you can customize privileges across all your building sites and spaces. For added safety and security, use Avigilon Alta’s award-winning Flexible Lockdown solution to proactively plan for different emergency scenarios.

COVID-19 access control features

For businesses concerned with employee wellness, additional tools help streamline office safety measures. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, your access control should support occupancy tracking. Both Swiftlane and Avigilon Alta allow you to set capacity limits on individual readers and automatically deny entries once the threshold has been reached. Swiftlane’s Health Check product, an additional dashboard and set of tools, includes ways to record and facilitate temperature checks, order PPE and sign health waivers. 

Avigilon Alta’s COVID-19 safety features use integrations with 15+ partners to create a safer system with best-of-breed technology that enables health questionnaires, temperature screening and on-site thermal camera scans. Thanks to the open platform, all your safety and wellness procedures are managed from a single interface.

Best access control customer support

The last thing you want with your access control is to have to wait around to address a security problem. That’s why having the best customer support is key. Avigilon customer support teams are available 24/7 to answer questions and assist with any issues you may have. Plus, the cloud-based system allows the support team to check status at the device level and troubleshoot hardware online without having to be on-site. Our team has a robust catalog of support articles available to help you, with detailed guides and instructions for getting started, setting up integrations and how to configure the latest features.

Alternatives to Swiftlane access control and intercoms

If Swiftlane isn’t the right video intercom and access control solution for your business, there are alternative systems available. Avigilon offers a more complete access control solution, with built-in video and intercom capabilities. With 100% touchless access methods, scalable hardware and an open API, Avigilon lets you customize your security system to work exactly the way you want. The hands-free credentials are designed with the end-user in mind, ensuring a reliable, fast and secure entry experience, every time. Because all Avigilon Smart Readers and Video Readers are backward compatible, you have more flexibility in connecting with legacy systems and can still use key cards and fobs alongside the mobile credentials. With advanced AI technology and seamless integration with leading providers, Avigilon offers a future-proof access and intercom solution for businesses looking to build a more proactive security strategy.