CEM Systems

Partners

CEM Systems

Access control solutions that go beyond security

Access control designed and built in Belfast since 1989

CEM Systems have designed access control from Belfast since 1989, developing both the AC2000 software and their own reader hardware. Now part of Johnson Controls, their systems operate from single buildings up to major international airports, using emerald terminals, the S700 reader range and biometric options.

Why does ATEC partner with CEM Systems?

Reader and door controller
combined in one unit

The emerald terminal combines the reader and the door controller in one unit, so no separate control panel is required behind the door. Cabinet space, containment and cabling are removed from the design, and the customer receives a touchscreen terminal capable of running applications at the door itself. Their system scales seamlessly, from a single building to a multi-site estate with tens of thousands of users, without needing to be replaced as our customers grow.

CEM Systems' strengths
at a glance

S700s readers replace existing S610s units
Third-party Wiegand exit readers and keypads are supported alongside CEM hardware
Software and hardware both designed by CEM
Customer ownership of their own AES-128 encryption keys
Modules for lockdown, muster zones, threat levels and occupancy limits
Multi-node failover across up to four servers

CEM Systems' strengths in detail

Direct reader
replacement

The S700s reader is designed to replace an existing S610s in the same position, with matching card technology specified at the point of order. A site running older CEM hardware upgrades reader by reader as budget permits. Cabling and back boxes already in place are retained throughout the upgrade programme.

Support for
existing hardware

S700 readers accept third-party Wiegand exit readers and keypads using an eight-bit burst, alongside CEM’s own range. Serviceable exit hardware already fitted remains in use. Phased upgrades proceed one side of a door at a time, which suits customers working to an annual capital budget.

Software and hardware From Belfast

CEM develop AC2000 and design their reader hardware within the same Belfast operation and have done since 1989. Reader firmware and head-end software originate from the same engineering team in the same building. Technical support covers both elements of the system from a single point of contact.

Customer-owned encryption keys

The AC2000 SmartCard Utility allows an organisation to generate and manage its own AES-128 encryption keys for its card population. Compromised keys are reissued by the customer directly, without a service call or a manufacturer request. Card security remains under the control of the organisation holding the risk.

Modules for live
operations

AC2000 includes lockdown to block a reader group immediately, muster zones for evacuation roll call, threat levels that reconfigure building security in a single action, and occupancy limits by zone. These are the functions customers ask about following an incident, an evacuation drill or a security audit.

Failover proven
in aviation

AC2000 supports multi-node failover across up to four servers, removing any single point of failure, and operates at major international airports including Heathrow. Aviation combines continuous operation with heavy regulatory audit. The same resilience applies directly to demanding multi-site commercial estates.