Access Control

Complete solution for access control suitable for critical infrastructure

Access control systems need to be secure yet also flexible. They need to meet the highest security and compliance standards, while also being open, scalable, and offering simple integration.

The requirements for availability, remote management, and interoperability are constantly increasing, be that in office and industrial buildings, correctional facilities, critical infrastructure environments, or at access points of transport systems. Heterogeneous hardware components such as keycard readers, cameras, sensors, or audio systems must be networked in a low-latency and secure manner. At the same time, the need for centralized management, remote maintenance, and documented security is growing. In addition, operators and integrators want open, expandable automation platforms that support customer-specific logic, AI algorithms, or partner modules.

The "Access Control" solution set from Bosch Rexroth provides a complete automation kit for the implementation of modern access control systems. It combines control, secure communication, and flexible integration options in one integrated system – for quick commissioning, maintainable architecture, and access control suitable for use for critical infrastructure.

Efficient automation of access control systems – the advantages:

• Open, modular, and with no vendor lock-in

• Quick commissioning and high availability

• Documentable remote management

• Scalable from individual doors to networked barrier systems

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Future-proof door and barrier automation

The "Access Control" solution set combines coordinated hardware and software from the automation toolkit ctrlX AUTOMATION. At its heart is the control platform ctrlX CORE, which combines a controller, edge device, and IoT gateway in one device. It is supplemented by ctrlX I/O modules for sensor connection, signal processing, and door and barrier control. The EtherCAT Master app and the PLC app enable a fast, deterministic I/O connection. A variety of apps ensure secure, standardized communication with SCADA, building management systems (BMS), and further ctrlX CORE controllers. The Node-RED app provides logic and additional connectivity thanks to its graphical configurability. The Firewall app increases network security. All data is managed centrally via the ctrlX Data Layer.

The combination of control, edge computing, and remote management reduces the cost of hardware, commissioning, and maintenance. The solution provides a secure, open, and scalable basis for door and barrier automation – from individual systems to networked, complex access areas, for example in administrative buildings, industrial facilities, correctional facilities, and data centers.

ctrlX OS Community

Do you need further assistance? In the ctrlX OS Community you will find blog articles, GitHub applications or how to articles on topics related to access control, door automation, and barrier automation, as well as complete application templates for quick implementation.

Go to ctrlX OS Community!

Hardware and software components of the solution set

ctrlX CORE – Centralized control for access control systems

The ctrlX CORE combines PLC, edge, and IoT functions in one device and is ideally suited to modern access systems. It supports local AI pre-processing, real-time control, and secure communication with SCADA and BMS systems. The operating system ctrlX OS, which is certified according to IEC 62443-4-2, meets high cybersecurity standards and current CRA requirements. Partner modules and customer-specific functions, such as BACnet and MQTT, can be flexibly integrated via the open app platform. Maintenance and updates are carried out centrally via the ctrlX Device Portal.

ctrlX I/O – Flexible connection and communication

ctrlX I/O offers a wide range of digital, analog, and special modules for access and barrier applications. Sensors, keycard readers, RFID scanners, or cameras can be connected directly. The use of configurable, analog multi-range modules allows quick and flexible maintenance. The KNX Secure and DALI2 modules link access control to KNX systems and lighting to respond in real time. Thanks to the modular architecture, existing systems can be gradually expanded or modernized – with no vendor lock-in and with high flexibility for customer-specific topologies.

ctrlX HMI – Intuitive visualization and operation

Browser-based HMI solutions are designed to simplify the operation of applications in the areas of barrier and door automation. The visualization of the access control system can be expanded via ctrlX HMI and the WebIQ Server app from the ctrlX World partner, Smart HMI, enabling, for example, states of individual doors to be clearly monitored and controlled centrally or locally if required.

ctrlX Device Portal – Secure maintenance

The ctrlX Device Portal enables centralized management of geographically distributed access systems. Devices can be securely diagnosed, monitored, and updated – with documentation of the update and patch history. Remote access takes place via encrypted communication paths in accordance with IEC/CRA requirements. Operators benefit from reduced service calls, uniform software maintenance, and high system availability. Ideal for critical infrastructures and complex, scalable access topologies.

EtherCAT Master app and fieldbus connection

The EtherCAT Master app can be used for the fast, deterministic connection of I/O modules, sensors, building management systems, and peripherals. It ensures low latency and high synchronicity, which are crucial for door and barrier automation. In addition to classic digital and analog modules, configurable multi-range modules, relays, KNX Secure, and DALI2 modules also ensure simple connection of existing systems. The app provides the robust communication basis for scalable, expandable access systems.

OPC UA Server/Client – standardized communication

The OPC UA server and client ensure a secure, standardized data connection to SCADA, control, and IT systems as well as to additional controllers. They support the seamless integration of heterogeneous access components, offer role-based access control, and ensure continuous, encrypted communication. This allows states, events, and process data to be reliably exchanged – even in distributed critical, industrial, and building infrastructures.

Node-RED and ctrlX PLC – flexible logic implementation

Node-RED provides graphical logic engineering for rapid prototyping, flexible workflows, and easy integration of external services. Individual access logics, such as release rules or escalation processes, can be created without in-depth PLC knowledge. ctrlX PLC is available for classic deterministic control tasks. It is fully IEC-61131-3 compliant and ideal for safety/security-critical access and barrier processes. Both approaches can be operated in combination and use the common ctrlX Data Layer.

ctrlX Data Layer – central database

The ctrlX Data Layer provides the consistent, system-wide database for all applications. It enables the secure exchange of real-time and device data between apps, control logics, and external systems. Configurations, states, diagnostics, and process parameters are managed centrally and can be used for visualization, analysis, remote maintenance, or AI modeling. The Data Layer thus provides the connecting infrastructure for scalable, modular access and barrier solutions.

Firewall app and security features

The Firewall-app enhances access systems with further protection mechanisms, such as network segmentation, access rules, and secure update processes. It supports the implementation of IEC 62443 and CRA requirements, and increases resilience against cyber attacks. Combined with the secure operating system ctrlX OS, a consistent security architecture is created that is designed specifically for NIS-2, critical infrastructure, industry, and distributed access infrastructure.

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