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Contact Schedules

Location: Main Menu > Access Control > Contact Schedules

Overview

Contact Schedules define when IP locksets communicate with the Drawbridge server. These schedules are especially important for wireless or battery-powered locksets, as they control when the device “wakes up” to send and receive updates.

Unlike standard Schedules (used for access times), Contact Schedules are strictly about communication timing between hardware and the system.

Key Concepts

•Communication Timing

oDetermines when locksets sync data (cards, access levels, events)

•Battery Optimization

oHelps extend battery life by limiting how often a lock communicates

•Lockset Behavior

oSome locksets only update during scheduled communication windows

Creating a Contact Schedule

Follow these steps to create a Contact Schedule:

1.Navigate to Access Control > Contact Schedules

2.Click “Create New”

3.Enter a Description

4.Select a Contact Schedule Type

5.Configure settings based on the selected type (Settings tab)

6.Click Save

Contact Schedule Types

Drawbridge provides several Contact Schedule types, each designed for different hardware and use cases:

1. Comm User Only

•Lock communicates only when a designated “Communication User” credential is used

•Ideal for minimizing communication to only when needed

2. Connection is Always On

•Lock maintains constant communication with the server

•No additional configuration required

•Best for hardwired (PoE) locksets

3. Day(s) of Month

•Lock communicates up to four times per day

•You define:

oSpecific days of the month

oSpecific times of day

4. Day(s) of Week

•Lock communicates up to four times per day

•You define:

oSpecific days of the week

oSpecific times of day

5. Seconds On / Minutes Off

•Lock alternates between:

oActive (online) period

oSleep (offline) period

•Configure:

oSleep duration (1–655,535 minutes)

•Useful for balancing responsiveness vs battery life

Editing a Contact Schedule

1.Go to Access Control > Contact Schedules

2.Select the Contact Schedule

3.Modify:

oDescription

oSchedule type

oTiming settings

4.Click Save

How Contact Schedules Are Used

Contact Schedules are typically assigned to IP locksets and control:

•When new card data is downloaded

•When events are uploaded

•When configuration changes are applied

If a lock is offline (sleeping), updates will not occur until the next communication window.

Best Practices

•Use Always On for wired locks whenever possible

•Use scheduled communication for battery-powered locks to extend life

•Avoid overly infrequent communication if real-time updates are important

•Coordinate schedules with expected usage patterns (e.g., business hours)

•Test communication timing after setup

Important Notes

•Contact Schedules do not control door access times

•Delayed communication can result in:

oLate card updates

oDelayed event reporting

•Choosing the right schedule is a balance between:

oPerformance

oBattery efficiency

This is a BETA AI model. Verify all information.

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