INTERACTIVE SECURITY CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH AUTOMATED ORDER SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL PROCESS

Abstract

An interactive system and method for security management, the system accessible via a communications network by a plurality of DB-Users and adapted to manage a security system associated with places physically protected by corresponding security components used to control physical entry to the places. The system comprises at least one searchable database configured to store information on the DB-Users and the security components. The Software is configured to recognize different DB-User profiles established based on the information for different DB-Users. Each profile may define an authority level of the corresponding DB-User. A feature may be provided requiring at least one approver, in addition to that DB-User, for submitting an order for one or more of the components of the security system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a preferred process for gaining access to a database in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another flow diagram illustrating the manner in which a session has ended in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram representing the process of confirming a selection from the main menu followed by verification of authority;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram directed to the decision process involved in determining the type of look-up desired and verification that the User has authority for such look-up;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram representing a look-up device;

FIGS. 6 to 9 are flow diagrams representing other look-up possibilities;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for adding functions;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram directed to the addition of keys or other entry control devices;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram representing the addition of a Location;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram representing the addition of a User to access the system;

FIGS. 14 and 14A comprise a flow diagram representing the placing of an order for a new key or entry control device;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram representing the addition of a new master key chart into the database for a specific application;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for deleting functions from a system;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of routine modifications to the system;

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of routines for editing reports;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of the initial portion of miscellaneous processes built into the data base and verification that the User has authority to select particular routines;

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of the steps followed to permit a User to modify profiles of other Users;

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of the steps followed to alter screen privileges for each User;

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of routines built into the data base by which a User can modify a specific screen;

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram of a User validation process;

FIG. 24 is a profile table illustrating levels of security in an access control system in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 25 illustrates examples of different levels of security within the access control system of the present invention.

Claims

1. An interactive system for security management, the system accessible via a communications network by a plurality of DB-Users and adapted to manage a security system associated with places physically protected by corresponding security components used to control physical entry to the places, the system comprising: at least one searchable database configured to store information on the DB-Users and the security components, andSoftware configured to recognize different profiles established based on the information for different DB-Users wherein each profile defines an authority level of the corresponding DB-User including, for at least one of the DB-Users, the requirement for at least one approver in addition to said one DB-User necessary for submitting an order for one or more of the components of the security system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the Software is configured to direct the order through a plurality of separate approvers of the order.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the approvers are in a hierarchy such that a first one of the approvers must approve the order before the order is forwarded on to a second one of the approvers.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one searchable database stores information defining which Devices may be ordered by each of the plurality of DB-Users.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the Software is configured to allow Device ordering privileges to be established for each of the plurality of DB-Users, the Device ordering privileges including the need for at least one additional approver to whom the order is automatically routed prior to allowing the DB-User to submit the order for procurement.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the Software is configured to automatically remind the approver of each order awaiting approval from the approver.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the Software is configured to maintain real time information on the status of the order.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the Software is configured to maintain real time information on the status of the order.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the Software is configured to produce reports with statistical information concerning at least one of: the orders placed by one or more DB-Users, time intervals within one or more ordering processes, the orders placed during a particular time period, the number of orders placed by Location, Devices ordered for particular Device-Users, and/or combinations thereof.

10. An interactive system for security management, the system accessible via a communications network by a plurality of DB-Users, the system comprising: a plurality of security components used to control physical entry to different places,at least one searchable database configured to store information on the DB-Users and the security components, andSoftware configured to recognize different profiles established based on the information for different DB-Users wherein each profile defines an authority level of the corresponding DB-User including, for at least one of the DB-Users, the requirement for at least one approver in addition to said one DB-User necessary for submitting an order for one or more of the components of the security system.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the Software is configured to direct the order through a plurality of separate approvers of the order.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the approvers are in a hierarchy such that a first one of the approvers must approve the order before the order is forwarded on to a second one of the approvers.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one searchable database stores information defining which Devices may be ordered by each of the plurality of DB-Users.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the Software is configured to allow Device ordering privileges to be established for each of the plurality of DB-Users, the Device ordering privileges including the need for at least one additional approver to whom the order is automatically routed prior to allowing the DB-User to submit the order for procurement.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the Software is configured to automatically remind the approver of each order awaiting approval from the approver.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the Software is configured to maintain real time information on the status of the order.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the Software is configured to maintain real time information on the status of the order.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the Software is configured to produce reports with statistical information concerning at least one of: the orders placed by one or more DB-Users, time intervals within one or more ordering processes, the orders placed during a particular time period, the number of orders placed by Location, Devices ordered for particular Device-Users, and/or combinations thereof.

19. A method for managing access to information concerning a security system by a plurality of DB-Users, the security system configured to physically secure a plurality of places with a corresponding plurality of security components used to control physical entry to the places, the method comprising: using Software to place an order for at least one of the components of the security system in accordance with authority granted in a security component ordering profile stored in a database, andusing the Software to forward the order on to at least one approver for approving the order prior to submitting the order for procurement.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: using the Software to forward the order on to a plurality of approvers for approving the order prior to submitting the order for procurement.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein a first one of the plurality of approvers must approve the order prior to the Software forwarding the order on to a second one of the plurality of approvers.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising: using the Software to automatically remind the approver that the order is awaiting approval.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising: using the Software to generate a report showing the status of the order.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the report shows whether the approver has approved the order.

25. The method of claim 19, further comprising: using the Software to generate a report with statistical information concerning at least one of: the orders placed by one or more DB-Users, time intervals within one or more ordering processes, the orders placed during a particular time period, the number of orders placed by Location, Devices ordered for particular Device-Users, and/or combinations thereof.