emerald, from Johnson Controls, is a smart, multifunctional terminal that brings together security and operational intelligence.
From its earliest deployments in major international airports, CEM Systems’ technology evolved beyond primary security to support passenger flow, advanced gate room management, regulatory compliance, and even revenue generation. By intelligently tracking people, resources, and equipment, access control has become a valuable source of operational insight rather than a standalone security layer.
This philosophy is fully realised in emerald, CEM Systems’ intelligent, multifunctional access control terminal, designed for use with the AC2000 security management platform. Built for 24/7, data-driven environments, emerald demonstrates how access control can move from a cost centre to an operational enabler. Today, the technology is deployed across airports, hospitals, oil refineries, universities, data centres, stadiums, and corporate sites, delivering high-security access while supporting day-to-day operations.
One Terminal, Multiple Functions
Traditionally, buildings have relied on multiple standalone devices to support access control, intercoms, time and attendance, visitor management, and room management. emerald consolidates these capabilities into a single terminal, combining card reader and door controller functionality, on-board Power over Ethernet (PoE), an integrated VoIP intercom for secure bi-directional communication, optional biometric authentication, time and attendance, and meeting room booking via Microsoft Outlook®.
By converging multiple functions into one device, organisations can significantly reduce installation complexity, cabling requirements, and ongoing infrastructure costs all of which are increasingly important considerations in large or complex facilities.
Intelligence at the Edge
emerald’s true differentiation lies in its edge intelligence. A suite of AC2000 server-based applications operates directly at the terminal, enabling operational decisions to be made locally at the door rather than relying solely on centralised systems or additional software licences.
This capability supports practical operational use cases such as rapid staff access level changes for last-minute shift adjustments, entry and exit checklists to maintain health and safety compliance, and local visual verification of cardholders at high-security locations. Smart room booking and integrated time and attendance further extend the value of access control beyond security teams, delivering tangible benefits to facilities managers and operational staff alike.
Designed for 24/7 Operations
Built for continuous operation, emerald supports the latest smart card technologies, incorporates a scramble keypad for enhanced PIN security, and maintains a robust offline database of up to 250,000 cardholders. Integrated biometric capability enables three-factor authentication – card, PIN, and fingerprint – within a single device, eliminating the cost and complexity of standalone biometric systems. Built-in PoE further simplifies deployment, making the solution well suited to large-scale, critical, or newly constructed environments.
Redefining the Role of Access Control
As organisations face increasingly complex security and operational demands – and share more access control data across multiple AI-enabled systems – the role of access control continues to evolve. By combining high levels of security with edge intelligence, emerald continues to demonstrate how access control can unlock operational efficiencies and deliver real measurable business value across a wide range of sectors.
