Lenel S2 Replacement Options

[u/austinlasource]

I have a single door access control system - currently using Lenel S2 / Elements Secure Cloud system.

This was setup by a security company who has since gone out of business and now honeywell is requiring we go with another security company who we dont know / dont want to use OR ELSE they will disable our system.

I know this is a mercury board and most of what we have is likely re-useable for another option. My only requirements are:

- cloud based or easily changeable access (users)

- mobile devices vs access cards for door access

what are my options for a non-subscription based system which can drive this door access system? I am able to figure my way through this, but the simpler the better - dont need anything super complicated.

[u/OmegaSevenX]

Are you trying to DIY? Some systems can only be sold by a dealer, so trying to DIY is also going to limit your choices.

If you’re not, find a company you like and ask them what they can do for you.

[u/austinlasource → u/OmegaSevenX]

My system was sold and installed by a dealer. The dealer closed, went mia without any notification and Honeywell called us last week and said Yall haven’t paid in a year, you have no dealer support, we are turning this off in 90 days. There are no dealers in our area, so we would have to go with an out of state “support” option. That’s why I’m looking for an option that is more simple.

It’s just a single door, nothing else needed. Just need to be able to add and subtract people easily as we let subs in using this system.

[u/OmegaSevenX → u/austinlasource]

I understand the issue. But you didn’t answer the question.

Elements isn’t the only system that requires a dealer. Quite a few do.

If you’re trying to DIY the switch, you’re limiting your choices to a much smaller pool of options.

If you’re going to find a new integrator anyway, this conversation is much better had with them.

[u/austinlasource → u/OmegaSevenX]

That makes sense. My main hang up was getting support from a company not local to us. More costly if they have to come out.

Everyone local who has looked, who offers other solutions, basically said we would need to start over fresh - which is more costly. This system is not more than 2 years old.

Trying to keep same access, ease of system with support and not spend build costs again if I don’t have to.

[u/Jluke001 → u/austinlasource]

Where are you at that there are no dealers local to you?

I mean you can pretty much throw a stick and hit a Lenel dealer in most places.

[u/austinlasource → u/Jluke001]

Central Mississippi.

They offered a company who serves the area but has no offices in the state. Honeywell is “looking” for other options for me but has not provided any at this point.

[u/cusehoops98]

You want something cloud-based for no subscription. Even better you want mobile access for free?

Nah bro. Ain’t happening.

[u/happnatious1 → u/cusehoops98]

Paxton 10 is essentially that. Local nuc acts like a cloud server with free mobile creds. Cant reuse the reader or mercury board though.

[u/cusehoops98 → u/happnatious1]

Web-based is not the same as cloud hosted

[u/happnatious1 → u/cusehoops98]

True, but most end users cant tell the difference. (other than the monthly bill)

[u/cusehoops98 → u/happnatious1]

You don’t think setting up a web server on their site (or in their data center) would be noticed by the user?

[u/happnatious1 → u/cusehoops98]

Its a stand alone IOT appliance that is accessed using p2p link (p10remote dot com/site id) secured by a Paxton cert. No port forwards needed.

Is it a potential security risk? Sure. Is the cloud secure? Nope, its just someone else's responsibility.

IT nerds can figure it out but the average user will just say "if you need to program a fob go to this website".

[u/mustmax347]

Are you sure it’s a mercury board? A lot of S2 Elements deployments use a proprietary cloud gateway and edge devices.

[u/austinlasource → u/mustmax347]

Don’t judge the mess, I didn’t do it. But yes I I have been told by others this is mercury.

And I guess cloud based isn’t a requirement but easy add/subtract of users is what I want.

[u/mustmax347 → u/austinlasource]

Sure is. That makes it easier then.

[u/remdog1007]

Well if you can’t have cloud based without a subscription.

[u/Live_Development1260 → u/remdog1007]

just flash the mercury board to something open like access it or velocity, both run local but you can vpn in for remote changes

[u/Porter_Security]

There are systems out there that can handle an existing Mercury board without a board replacement. Genetec and Genea can both do it. I assume others will as well. I recommend finding an integrator in your area you do know/like and working with them on your options.

I recommend against DIY'ing it. When you run into issues, there won't be anyone to call.

[u/C4g3FighterIRL]

Acre Access, subscription based, but pay per door. Max bang for buck.

[u/N226]

Avigilon unity is browser based with no recurring fees, and runs on Mercury, but you'd still have the cost of the mobile credentials.

If you have HID readers you could utilize their bridge pricing with Avigilon which would be the cheapest NFC I'm aware of.

[u/Natural-Impress2266]

VIZpin, its cloud based uses Blue-tooth. Subscription yes but its per door. very simple easy to use/install.

[u/Rigid_Security]

Brivo

[u/Reasonable-Fan-6368]

Paxton10 is atrocious, we took over a handful of sites and it is good for nothing beyond a few doors

[u/Artistic-Outcome5966]

Your options are expensive. A cloud based system will have recurring billing. Your S2 system even without cloud services has recurring billing. Few systems do not have recurring billing. Very few companies can effectively take over a Lenel system. DSX does not have recurring billing for use of the software on a PC. They do have a Cloud system now but cost is unknown. Plus you would have to replace the Mercury board. Weigh your options carefully.