Within access control systems, different types of credentials are typically handled through readers connected to the controller. While badge readers, keypads or mobile credentials are common, license plates can also serve as a vehicle credential for automated gate access.

In many ANPR installations, cameras capture images while a separate server performs the license plate recognition. The recognition result is then forwarded to the access control system, which decides whether access should be granted.

Embedded ANPR cameras perform the entire recognition process directly on the device. In this setup, image capture, recognition and communication with the access control controller all take place inside the camera.

AVUTEC cameras follow this edge-based approach. The recognition engine runs directly on the device and the camera sends the license plate result to the access control system via standard interfaces such as OSDP and Wiegand. The camera therefore functions similarly to other readers connected to the controller.

The following installation illustrates how this architecture was implemented at two production sites in Vantaa and Lappeenranta, Finland.

Project context

A Finnish food production company operating several facilities needed to modernise its vehicle access control system for several entry and exit points used by trucks, vans and passenger vehicles.

The existing license plate recognition solution relied on external servers to process images captured by the cameras. While functional, the setup required additional infrastructure and created extra complexity for maintenance and integration.

The client was looking for a solution that could integrate directly with the existing ABLOY OS access control system and support OSDP communication, allowing the ANPR cameras to operate as license plate readers connected to the controller.

System architecture and installation

The project was implemented by Avarn Security, responsible for system design, installation and integration.

Seven AVUTEC Module-X ANPR cameras were installed to replace the previous LPR system.
Each camera performs license plate recognition locally and sends the recognition result directly to the ABLOY OS controller via its built-in OSDP interface. From the controller’s perspective, the device behaves as a license plate reader connected to the access control system.

The cameras were installed at several vehicle access points, including:

• entry gates to the production sites
• exit lanes used by logistics traffic
• garage entrances used by operational vehicles

The access control system evaluates the recognised license plate against its permission database and determines whether access should be granted.

Results

By performing license plate recognition directly on the camera, the installation no longer requires a dedicated ANPR processing server. This reduces the number of system components involved in the setup.

For the installer, this simplifies deployment and system configuration. The cameras can be connected directly to the access control controller using OSDP, similar to other reader devices.

For the client, the system integrates vehicle access into the existing access control platform. License plates are managed within the same environment as other credentials, while the access control system remains responsible for access decisions.

This approach allows vehicle access to be automated while maintaining a straightforward system architecture.

Partner

Avarn Security is a Nordic security provider operating in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. The company designs and integrates security solutions for corporate and public sector clients, including access control systems, surveillance platforms, alarm monitoring and integrated security infrastructure.