Whether you’re managing a small business or a large-scale enterprise, having the right access control system can help you to control access within your building from anywhere. However, with several access control systems available, you might wonder which one to choose for your building.
That’s where the LenelS2 access control systems come in. They have been on the market for over 20 years with a couple of positive reviews, but are they the ideal choice for your building? Let’s find out in this guide!
About LenelS2
LenelS2 is a leading provider of advanced physical security solutions, specializing in access control, video surveillance, and mobile credentialing systems. Below is a detailed analysis of the company’s background, product offerings, and key features of LenelS2 access control systems.
Company Overview
Lenel Systems, founded in 1991 by Louis T. Minner and John D. Campoli, established itself as a reliable provider of advanced physical security solutions. Over the years, Lenel gained prominence for its advanced on-premises security systems, such as OnGuard, which became a cornerstone of its operations. However, as the security industry began shifting toward cloud-based technologies, Lenel faced challenges in maintaining its market dominance.
In 2018, Lenel merged with S2 Security Corporation, a company renowned for its unified security and video management solutions, which led to the formation of LenelS2. This strategic merger was orchestrated by UTC Climate, Controls & Security (UTC CCS), which acquired S2 Security and combined it with Lenel to create a global leader in advanced access control systems. The merger united two companies with complementary strengths: Lenel’s robust OnGuard platform and BlueDiamond mobile credentialing system paired with S2’s extensive product ecosystem and distribution channels. Together, they aimed to provide scalable and innovative solutions for businesses ranging from small enterprises to large-scale corporations.
The newly formed LenelS2 became part of UTC CCS’s portfolio, which was later integrated into Carrier Global Corporation, a leading provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies. This integration allowed LenelS2 to leverage Carrier’s expertise in building management systems to enhance operational efficiency and offer comprehensive solutions for intelligent buildings. Meanwhile, in 2024, Honeywell acquired Carrier’s Global Access Solutions business, which included LenelS2. So, LenelS2 is now part of Honeywell’s Building Automation segment.
Over the years, LenelS2 has remained focused on advancing its product lines while maintaining a strong commitment to innovation and customer service. The recent acquisitions resulted in over 50,000 systems installed worldwide, and that has positioned LenelS2 as a key player in the security industry. Today, LenelS2 continues to expand as it provides solutions for corporations worldwide, including aviation/transportation firms, financial institutions, commercial real estate firms, universities, data centers, healthcare centers, and government facilities.
Product Offerings
LenelS2 offers a comprehensive suite of hardware and access control products tailored to meet the needs of diverse industries worldwide. Their innovative solutions are designed for scalability, ensuring they can adapt as your security requirements evolve. Below are the major product offerings by LenelS2:
Access control systems
The LenelS2 access control systems provide robust security management tailored to various organizational sizes and structures. LenelS2 currently provides four primary access control platforms that cater to varying deployment needs:
1. OnGuard: This customizable on-premises solution integrates access control with video surveillance and advanced analytics. The OnGuard system is designed to provide organizations with complete situational awareness by aggregating data from multiple sources. This unified approach enables intelligent decision-making and proactive responses to security events.
2. OnGuard Cloud: OnGuard Cloud extends the proven capabilities of the OnGuard system into a cloud-based environment. Hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), it offers a single-tenant Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that delivers enterprise-grade security with the added benefits of cloud technology.
3. NetBox: A web-based access control system designed for cardholder management, alarm monitoring, event tracking, and threat level escalation. It supports third-party integrations via an open API, making it highly adaptable for diverse operational requirements.
4. Elements: A native cloud-based platform that unifies access control with video management capabilities. It features user-friendly interfaces and expanded video functionalities, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and enterprises with satellite locations.
Video surveillance systems
LenelS2’s video surveillance systems are equipped with high-definition imaging and advanced analytics such as motion detection and facial recognition. These systems seamlessly integrate with access control data to provide enhanced situational awareness. The unified approach ensures a comprehensive security framework that synthesizes video feeds with other building systems for real-time decision-making
Notable Video Management product lines offered by LenelS2 include Magic Monitor, VRx, and XProtect. The Magic Monitor unified client provides a single interface to view access control events, video surveillance feeds, and other real-time information, providing security operators with a 360-degree view of their environment. The VRx is a next-gen Video Management System that provides high-performance video monitoring, playback, and analytics to security teams across multiple industries. The XProtect video management system, on other hand, is designed for large-scale, high-risk security deployments with support for an unlimited number of cameras, users, and sites.
Mobile Credentials
Mobile credentials make it possible to use your phone as a way to authenticate and gain access through a smartphone door access control system. The LenelS2 BlueDiamond platform offers multi-technology readers and mobile credentials as a smart device alternative to plastic badges, enabling users to utilize smartphones for secure access. This reduces dependence on physical credentials while offering convenience and enhanced security.
Available on both iOS and Android devices, the BlueDiamond mobile experience is customizable. With several options available to set unique preferences, you have the flexibility to personalize your settings to meet your unique needs.
Key Features of LenelS2 Access Control Systems
LenelS2 access control systems offer comprehensive security features, which include:
1. Integration with Other Security Systems
One of the primary features of the LenelS2 access control system is its ability to integrate with other security systems. This integration enables enhanced security by connecting the access control system with video surveillance, alarm systems, and fire safety devices, creating a seamless network that works together to monitor and secure the property.
For instance, if unauthorized access is detected, the integrated system can automatically trigger security cameras to capture video footage of the event. This type of access control provides a comprehensive view of all security measures in real time, allowing security teams to respond quickly to any breach.
2. Real-Time Monitoring & Reporting
Real-time monitoring and detailed reporting features are critical components of the LenelS2 access control system. These tools enable businesses to track who enters and exits various areas, providing valuable insights into security patterns, peak access times, and any irregular activity. Real-time monitoring helps security teams respond instantly to suspicious activity, while detailed reports make it easier to review access logs and detect patterns that may require further investigation.
If you’re managing multiple locations or entry points in your business, this feature becomes even more valuable. Real-time data helps you maintain enhanced security and spot issues as they arise, thereby improving overall operational control. On the other hand, the reporting feature will be useful for regulatory compliance, as it provides detailed records of access activities that can be referenced when needed.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
The LenelS2 access control system also supports the multi-factor authentication (MFA) feature to ensure that only authorized individuals gain access to your building facility. MFA requires two or more authentication methods to grant access to restricted areas.
These authentication methods could include something you know (like a PIN), something you have (like a keycard), or something you are (such as facial recognition). By combining multiple forms of verification, MFA offers an additional layer of security that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
4. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
The LenelS2 access control system also supports the role-based access control (RBAC) feature. This feature is an essential component for businesses and institutions that need to manage various access levels across different departments, roles, or individuals.
With RBAC, access levels are assigned based on a user’s role within the organization, ensuring that each person can only access areas necessary for their work. This feature is critical for maintaining a secure environment while supporting an efficient workflow, as it allows administrators to easily adjust permissions without needing to reconfigure the entire system.
Benefits of Lenel Access Control Devices (The Pros)
Below, we’ll dive into the main benefits of LenelS2 access control devices and why they may be the right choice for your organization:
- Unified Security: Lenel S2 access control devices provide unified security across information feeds, allowing you to manage all of your business sites from one central system. This makes it easier to keep track of who is coming and going at each location and allows security teams to enforce consistent policies across the board.
- Scalable & Flexible: Many companies today are often concerned with scaling their business. Accomplishing this with the LenelS2 access control system is very possible. These systems are designed to meet the needs of businesses of any size, even if companies have multiple locations.
They also address common business challenges in the new hybrid work economy. They allow for remote monitoring, which provides added flexibility in managing your security infrastructure. Hence, as an administrator, you have all the power and flexibility of the system at the home office as you do in the corporate office.
- Extensive Integrations: LenelS2 access control systems can easily integrate with other systems such as video surveillance, alarm systems, and elevators. Through these integrations, you can connect all of the relevant information to get a complete picture of what’s happening at the site.
- Easy monitoring: The LenelS2 access control system offers an intuitive user interface that’s accessible to both technical and non-technical users. Due to its strong mobile compatibility, you can easily control access to your facility across multiple areas.
- Reliability: LenelS2 access control system offers enhanced reliability through features like 24/7 monitoring, full redundancy across AWS availability zones, and automated software updates, ensuring continuous system uptime and security
- Heightened Security and Risk Reduction: LenelS2 access control system can reduce risk by offloading cybersecurity threats to its cloud provider. So any breaches become the problem of the provider and not the business. This access control system offers an additional layer of security since all data remains encrypted in the cloud. Hence, it prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive information stored onsite.
Lenel Security Systems Drawbacks (The Cons)
No technology is perfect. Hence, LenelS2 access control systems come with certain challenges that should also be considered to know if they are the right fit for your organization:
- Early cloud software: The cloud-based system that Lenel uses is still growing, so it’s likely that there will be some technical issues with this capability.
- Complex Installation Process: LenelS2’s on-premise systems often require proprietary nodes for connectivity between proximity readers and locks. This setup can be more complex compared to other cloud-based access control providers like Avigilon.
- Higher Initial Costs: While LenelS2 offers scalable solutions, the upfront costs for hardware installation can be significant. Additionally, ongoing maintenance costs for legacy systems may be higher compared to cloud-based alternatives that automate updates.
Our Verdict and Lenel Reviews
Lenel S2 access control systems have the backing of a long-standing company and a large customer base. The company offers a variety of on-premise and cloud-based security solutions for clients of all sizes, from small businesses to large-scale enterprises. With a legacy spanning over two decades, LenelS2 has built a reputation for providing robust, scalable solutions that serve several industries, including commercial, healthcare, education, and government sectors.
However, LenelS2’s focus on high-security industries and commercial properties means that its solutions may not be the ideal fit for residential or mixed-use properties. But if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution for a large organization with multiple buildings and high-security needs, LenelS2 might be a viable option for your needs.
FAQs
- What is a Lenel access control system?
- The LenelS2 (formerly Lenel) access control system is a premium access control system that provides comprehensive on-premise and cloud-based security solutions, including access control, video surveillance, and mobile credentialing.
- How much does Lenel access control cost?
- Presently, there is no pricing listed on the LenelS2 website, although third-party sites estimate that Lenel access control systems cost start at approximately $1000 per door, excluding installation expenses. To cover the wiring and installation of each system, you may need to spend an additional $2000 to $3000 on labor and supplies.
- Who owns Lenel access control?
- LenelS2 access control is currently owned by Honeywell since 2024, when the company announced the completion of its acquisition of Carrier Global Corporation’s Global Access Solutions business.
