Historically, access control has been viewed as a pure security function to approve or deny entry at a door. For more than 35 years, however, CEM Systems has challenged this perception, demonstrating that access control can actively enable business and operational outcomes by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and delivering actionable intelligence.

From its earliest deployments in major international airports, CEM Systems’ technology evolved beyond primary security to support passenger flow, advanced gate room management, regulatory compliance, and even revenue generation. By intelligently tracking people, resources, and equipment, access control has become a valuable source of operational insight rather than a standalone security layer.

This philosophy is fully realised in emerald, CEM Systems’ intelligent, multi functional access control terminal, designed for use with the CEM AC2000 access control system. Built for 24/7, data driven environments, emerald transforms access control from a cost centre into an operational enabler. Today, it is deployed across airports, hospitals, oil refineries, universities, data centres, stadiums, and corporate campuses—delivering high security access while supporting staff workflows, compliance, and operational efficiency.

One Terminal, Multiple Functions

Traditionally, buildings have relied on multiple standalone devices to support access control, intercoms, time and attendance, visitor management, and room management. emerald consolidates these capabilities into a single terminal, combining card reader and door controller functionality, on-board Power over Ethernet (PoE), an integrated VoIP intercom for secure bi-directional communication, optional biometric authentication, time and attendance, meeting room booking via Microsoft Outlook® and more.

By converging multiple functions into one device, organisations can significantly reduce installation complexity, cabling requirements, and ongoing infrastructure costs—an important consideration in large or complex facilities.

Intelligence at the Edge emerald’s true differentiation lies in its edge intelligence. A suite of AC2000 server‑based applications operates directly on the terminal, enabling operational decisions to be made locally at the door — without dependence on centralised software or additional licences.

emerald supports a range of practical, efficiency‑driving use cases, including:

1. Health & Safety: Entry/Exit Checklist door mode supports safety compliance by prompting staff or contractors to confirm training, permits, or PPE requirements before entry. emerald can also alert users when certifications are nearing expiry, preventing future access control delays.
2. Local Staff Access Levels Rescheduling: Supervisors can instantly adjust access permissions directly at the terminal, which is ideal for last minute staffing changes in hospitals, campuses, and industrial environments.
3. Local Visual Verification. Real time display of the cardholder’s image on the terminal supports strict visual dual authentication requirements, a practice widely used in airports and other critical infrastructure environments.
4. Smart Room Booking: Allows users to manage meeting spaces directly via the terminal or through Outlook®, improving space utilisation without the need for separate systems.
5. Integrated Time & Attendance and Visitor Management: Deliver real time workforce insight and tracking at the point of access.

Redefining Access Control

As organisations face increasingly complex operational demands — and as access control data becomes more deeply integrated with AI enabled systems — the role of access control continues to evolve. emerald demonstrates how high security access, combined with edge intelligence, can unlock operational efficiencies and deliver measurable business value across diverse sectors.

Discover emerald today. Email emeasecurityproducts@jci.com to speak to a Johnson Controls security expert.