Intro: Control iD at ISC West 2025
At ISC West 2025, the Pipl Systems team met with Jeff Bransfield, Regional Director of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY, to explore the latest developments in biometric access control. The conversation focused on Control iD, a key part of the ASSA ABLOY portfolio, and the iDFace Max, a next-generation facial recognition terminal designed to bring flexible, secure access to a wide range of environments.
“ASSA ABLOY is a leader in everything access control,” Bransfield explained. “We’ve really looked at new technologies into that portfolio. We’re getting beyond the doorknob.”
This year’s ISC West presentation reflected that strategy. Control iD is positioned as a brand that not only complements existing access infrastructure but enables end-to-end solutions across commercial, residential, and institutional deployments. With the iDFace Max, Control iD brings advanced features like facial identification, RFID and QR code support, and standalone operation directly into one compact, IP65-rated device.
“It's a transformative technology. It really is,” said Bransfield, highlighting the growing relevance of biometric authentication across access control markets in North America. From schools and office buildings to multifamily housing and even private garages, the flexibility of the iDFace Max drew attention for both its usability and integration readiness.
As part of ASSA ABLOY’s expanding digital access portfolio, Control iD’s showing at ISC West signaled a clear intent to support integrators, installers, and system designers seeking scalable and future-ready solutions for biometric access.
Control iD and Its Role Within ASSA ABLOY
Control iD has become a key component of ASSA ABLOY’s digital access strategy. At ISC West 2025, the brand demonstrated its ability to bridge standalone biometric control and enterprise-grade system integration, reflecting ASSA ABLOY’s evolution toward full-scope access ecosystems.
From Hardware to Full Solutions
“We’re more of a solutions provider now more than ever.”
That statement from Jeff Bransfield, Regional Director of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY, captures the shift underway. ASSA ABLOY is no longer just assembling parts - it is delivering cohesive, interoperable systems. Control iD enhances this strategy by offering biometric terminals and intelligent readers that slot into complex deployment architectures across commercial and institutional sites.
Live Demo: Complete Doorway Scenarios
The Pipl Systems team reviewed the real-world implementation of Control iD within ASSA ABLOY’s booth. Door sets were staged to represent security needs for Government/Military, University, and Data Center applications. Each featured components such as the iDFace Max controller, electronic locks, and credential readers working together in preconfigured workflows.
This visual presentation reinforced the company's direction - building complete, scalable solutions rather than standalone components.
Engineered for Commercial Automation and Scalability
Control iD designs its products with native flexibility in mind. Devices like the iDFace Max offer:
- Facial recognition with liveness detection
- QR code entry for visitor management
- RFID credential compatibility (MIFARE and HID)
- Embedded control logic with built-in relays
This modularity suits complex environments - from mixed-use commercial properties to distributed enterprise sites. Device management can be performed locally via a web browser or centrally through integration with platforms like Genetec or Lenel OnGuard.
Integration with Accentra and Property Management Platforms
Control iD is integrated into the broader ASSA ABLOY Accentra ecosystem. Visitors to the booth could see how mobile credentials and access schedules synchronized across nexTouch smart locks, Control iD readers, long-range access panels, and even elevator controllers.
These integrations are designed with the North American market in mind, where multifamily housing and mid-sized commercial automation require open APIs and cloud-based provisioning.
Distribution Power and Channel Readiness
“Any of your access control companies that are out there, we have partnerships going with them.”
ASSA ABLOY’s extensive U.S. sales force - over 700 representatives - positions Control iD for widespread distribution and installer adoption. The brand isn’t just technically advanced, it’s commercially deployable. Installers can work through known distributors, use existing management platforms, and access certified training support.
By the close of ISC West 2025, it was clear that Control iD is more than a biometric device brand. It is a strategic access control layer within one of the most established infrastructures in the security industry. Its systems are engineered for reliability, open integration, and the practical realities of North American security installations.
Meet iDFace Max: A Biometric Access Control Upgrade
At the heart of Control iD’s 2025 showcase is iDFace Max, a facial identification controller that blends AI-powered performance with real-world access control needs. Jeff Bransfield introduced the device on the floor at ISC West, standing beside a live demo door setup designed to simulate university entry workflows.
Built for Harsh Environments
“We’re launching iDFace Max at the show. It’s an IP65 device, so it’s completely outdoor rated. No problem in cold, hot, sun, rain, direct, all of that. It works very, very well.”
The device is engineered for both indoor and outdoor installations, offering resilient protection without requiring additional weatherproof housing.
Advanced Spoof Protection with Liveness Detection
“It has to have a live human body in front of it… We’ve unfortunately printed my face on a large eight and a half by 11 screen… The camera doesn’t even recognize that there’s a human standing there.”
iDFace Max incorporates dual cameras - one infrared, one visible light - to assess depth, heat, and motion, rejecting photos, videos, and even masks.
Multi-Method Identification
“It’s got QR code capability so I can issue QR codes to visitors or guests. They can just simply present a QR code to gain entry into my device.”
“It’s got a built-in HID reader core… including NFC, BLE, mobile wallet, all of that supported as well.”
In addition to facial recognition, the controller accepts credentials via QR codes, mobile devices, and contactless cards, making it ideal for hybrid access setups.
Full Controller and Reader in One
“It has the ability to manage all the access rules and schedules and everything embedded into the device itself… Whether that’s on the terminal itself or whether you remote into the IP address of the device, standalone completely by itself.”
“It’s got built-in door relays as well… So literally, if I present my face, off it goes, the door opens.”
The unit is capable of standalone operation or integration with third-party controllers. This dual-mode functionality adds flexibility to any deployment scenario.
Native Integration with Enterprise Platforms
“We have native integrations with a lot of the large software OEMs… You can enroll this device as a controller and it will operate within their application natively.”
For enterprise-grade projects, iDFace Max integrates with established platforms like Genetec Security Center, Software House, and Lenel OnGuard.
Versatile Deployment Options
“I’ve got one of these on my garage door at my house.”
Use cases span from enterprise campuses to residential doors. This flexibility makes iDFace Max attractive to installers who need to scale deployments without rethinking their architecture.
iDFace Max: Flagship Facial Recognition Device
Control iD’s iDFace Max was one of the central innovations showcased at ISC West 2025. Designed to combine biometric accuracy with real-world versatility, it demonstrates how modern access control can be both intelligent and scalable across multiple sectors.
Advanced Touchscreen Interface and Dual-Camera Verification
The iDFace Max features a 7-inch color LCD touchscreen, which serves both as a user interface and enrollment portal. With its capacitive technology and 800×1280 resolution, the display allows intuitive access rule setup and quick status checks in real time.
Under the surface, the device employs two Full HD 1080p cameras - one for visible light, one for infrared - to perform facial recognition with liveness detection.
“It has to have a live human body in front of it,” said Jeff Bransfield. “We’ve tried to spoof it with AI-generated videos… the camera doesn’t even recognize that there’s a human standing there.”
This dual-sensor design ensures the system can distinguish between a live subject and printed images or digital reproductions. It is hardened against common spoofing techniques such as photos, video replays, and masks.
Large-Capacity Face and User Recognition
Engineered for high-volume use, the iDFace Max can store and identify up to 100,000 unique faces. It supports over 200,000 registered users with schedule-based permissions, grouped access levels, and optional department-level segmentation - making it suitable for everything from educational campuses to secure logistics facilities.
“I can email someone and have them upload a selfie… tomorrow when they come to work, they just walk up and it opens the door.”
This simplified onboarding process allows for fast remote enrollment, which reduces setup time for HR teams, system integrators, and facility administrators.
Multimodal Authentication: QR, RFID, and PIN
In addition to facial recognition, iDFace Max supports alternative and backup access modes. These include:
- QR code scanning for visitor access or temporary passes
- RFID compatibility (HID, MIFARE, 125kHz ASK)
- PIN-based entry via touchscreen keyboard
These features are embedded into the same terminal, allowing the unit to accommodate diverse security policies without additional hardware.
“It’s got QR code capability so I can issue QR codes to visitors… very flexible, a lot of different form factors.”
Flexible Installation: Standalone or Networked
The iDFace Max includes an internal relay and optional external control module, giving it the ability to operate as a standalone access controller. Using its built-in TCP/IP interface, it can also connect to centralized VMS or access platforms. System administrators can configure user profiles, manage access events, and audit system logs via an embedded web server or using integrated platforms such as Genetec Security Center or Lenel OnGuard.
“Whether that’s on the terminal itself or whether you remote into the IP address… you can manage all your schedules, your templates, your faces.”
This autonomy makes it an ideal choice for access points where wiring or controller placement is constrained, while still offering integration-ready architecture for complex deployments.
Ideal Use Cases
Thanks to its flexible configuration and rugged IP65-rated housing, iDFace Max is suitable for:
- K–12 schools: touchless access for staff and students
- Commercial buildings: lobby and elevator call integration
- Residential complexes: tenant and visitor access with mobile provisioning
- Secured entries: perimeter or server room doors with dual-authentication rules
In each scenario, the same terminal can serve as both the reader and controller - simplifying deployment and reducing cost.
iDFace Max represents Control iD’s intent to deliver advanced biometric access tools without sacrificing field practicality. As part of ASSA ABLOY’s digital access roadmap, it stands out as a deployable, verifiable, and standards-compliant option for North American integrators and building owners.
Standalone Operation and Integration Flexibility
One of the defining strengths of the iDFace Max is its operational versatility. Whether deployed as a standalone unit or integrated into a broader access ecosystem, it provides integrators with flexible pathways for implementation.
Fully Functional Without a Server
The iDFace Max includes an embedded access controller that supports user enrollment, credential assignment, and access scheduling directly on the device. Administrators can configure permissions via the 7-inch capacitive touchscreen or remotely by accessing the terminal over IP. There’s no mandatory server or third-party software required for small to mid-size deployments.
Jeff Bransfield noted during our walkthrough:
“You can actually go into the device, whether that's on the terminal itself or whether you remote into the IP address of the device… and you can manage all your schedules, your templates, your faces, your cards - directly on the terminal by itself.”
Built for Interoperability and Retrofit Applications
Control iD has engineered the iDFace Max for real-world compatibility. In addition to embedded relays for direct door actuation, the unit supports both Wiegand and OSDP interfaces via an external module. RS-485 communication is also available, making it ideal for retrofit deployments in facilities with legacy infrastructure.
For enterprise-grade scenarios, iDFace Max integrates natively with market-leading access control platforms such as Genetec Security Center and Lenel OnGuard. This allows the unit to serve as either a controller or a reader within complex environments, supporting hybrid deployments and long-term system scalability.
If you're exploring edge-based authentication or replacing outdated panels in a commercial building, the iDFace Max allows for phased upgrades without interrupting existing workflows.
For Entry Points That Need Intelligence
The unit’s support for QR codes, mobile wallets, and credential-less face verification makes it a suitable candidate for access control modernization projects. Whether for corporate lobbies, education campuses, or gated residential complexes, it combines security-grade authentication with a consumer-friendly user experience.
Installers evaluating integrated entry systems may also want to explore Best Video Intercom with Face Recognition for 2025, where similar technology overlaps with residential and visitor access solutions.
In all, the iDFace Max offers integrators the tools to design flexible deployments that scale - from one door to an enterprise-wide installation. Its native versatility and support for standard protocols position it as a reliable anchor point in evolving access control environments.
Enrollment, Deployment, and User Management
The iDFace Max is engineered to simplify the most time-consuming parts of access control: credentialing, onboarding, and system management. Its flexible architecture allows system integrators and security teams to deploy it quickly, without depending on traditional HR-led enrollment workflows or legacy credential distribution.
Remote Photo-Based Enrollment
One of the standout features highlighted during our conversation with Jeff Bransfield was the ability to onboard users remotely using a photo submission.
“I can email someone and have them upload a selfie… so tomorrow when they come to work, they just walk up and it opens the door.”
This eliminates the need for in-person credentialing, badge printing, or on-site orientation. For integrators managing large-scale rollouts in multi-tenant residential buildings or dispersed campuses, this saves time and operational overhead.
Plug-and-Play Deployment Options
Thanks to its embedded access control software and web interface, the iDFace Max supports multiple deployment models. You can configure users, access schedules, and rules directly from the touchscreen or remotely via a web browser. This is especially valuable when supporting decentralized facilities or managing remote access points from a central location.
“You can enroll your cards, manage your templates and faces… all directly on the terminal by itself.”
Whether you’re retrofitting a gate at a parking structure or securing a building lobby, Control iD’s plug-and-play approach streamlines integration.
Guest Access and Tenant-Friendly Features
For visitor access or temporary permissions, the unit also supports QR code distribution and mobile wallet credentials. These features align with the growing demand for touchless and frictionless entry - especially in residential complexes and shared office environments.
For those evaluating modern access solutions for apartment complexes or gated communities, Best Apartment Video Intercom Systems for 2025 offers a broader look at systems that can pair well with facial recognition units like iDFace Max.
Centralized Management with iDSecure
When more advanced management is needed, Control iD’s iDSecure software provides full centralization for multi-site deployments. Through iDSecure, administrators can manage access across hundreds of devices, synchronize user directories, and enforce access policies based on departments, roles, or locations - all from a single interface.
This dual-mode operation - standalone and networked - ensures the iDFace Max fits as easily into a small business as it does into a nationwide enterprise architecture.
Access Ecosystem: Hardware, Software, and Connectivity
The iDFace Max is more than just a facial recognition terminal - it’s a cornerstone in a broader, flexible access ecosystem developed by Control iD under the ASSA ABLOY portfolio. Its hardware interfaces, communication protocols, and companion tools are designed for seamless deployment across various verticals, from commercial buildings to enterprise campuses.
Connected Product Lines: iDAccess and iDUHF
As part of Control iD’s product family, iDFace Max works in tandem with the iDAccess and iDUHF lines, enabling hybrid systems that blend biometric recognition with RFID and long-range UHF credentialing. This layered approach is useful in mixed-use environments, such as logistics facilities or multi-tenant buildings, where different access methods may be needed for staff, visitors, and delivery vehicles.
Central Policy Enforcement with iDSecure
At the software level, Control iD’s iDSecure platform provides unified control across all devices. From a single dashboard, administrators can enforce access policies by group, location, or time schedule. The interface supports live monitoring, user provisioning, and status reporting across multiple access points - whether indoors or outdoors, biometric or card-based.
As Jeff Bransfield explained,
“You can actually go into the device, whether that's on the terminal itself or whether you remote into the IP address of the device, stand alone completely by itself and you can manage all your schedules. You can manage your templates, your faces, you can enroll your cards, you can do all that directly on the terminal by itself.”
Built-in Interfaces and Optional Connectivity
Every iDFace Max comes with core connectivity options like PoE, USB 2.0, and TCP/IP, ensuring compatibility with standard IT infrastructure. Pro versions of the device include integrated SIP intercom support, making it easier to implement video door communication without third-party hardware. Optional LTE connectivity adds resilience for off-grid or temporary deployments.
Bransfield added,
“We also have the ability to output Wiegand, OSDP as a reader if you’ve already got a mature access control system.”
A clear wiring and interface diagram is also available for installers, detailing relay outputs, sensor inputs, Wiegand, RS-485 (OSDP), and door strike connections. This makes the unit easier to integrate within established control panels or to function as a standalone controller.
For professionals new to modern door entry systems or seeking to understand foundational integration methods, we recommend reviewing What is Door Access Control System? Basic Knowledge in Security. This article provides a practical overview of essential concepts and terminology.
Future-Proof by Design
Whether deployed as a single access point or part of a larger infrastructure, the iDFace Max is designed to scale. Its ability to function independently or connect into larger platforms makes it a strategic asset for both current security needs and future expansion.
“It becomes really an add-on for any kind of situation where a solution is already applied but you use this Control iD to just enhance the user experience.”
Closing Perspective: Control iD’s Strategic Direction
At ISC West 2025, Control iD made a clear statement: it's no longer just a regional player. Under the umbrella of ASSA ABLOY, the brand is now positioned for wide-scale adoption across the North American market, with a portfolio tailored for smart buildings, hybrid workplaces, and centrally managed access environments.
The iDFace Max represents that strategic shift. It combines biometric precision with network flexibility and supports integrations from standalone doors to enterprise ecosystems. Its readiness for PoE, Wiegand, OSDP, and native platform sync with Genetec and Lenel systems makes it a direct fit for security consultants, facility managers, and systems integrators.
As Jeff Bransfield explained,
“Standalone access control - it works wonderfully.”“You can enroll this device as a controller and it will operate within their application natively as well.”
Control iD is not just scaling features - it's scaling trust. By focusing on flexibility, fast deployment, and integrator-friendly architecture, the company strengthens its relevance for retrofit and new-build scenarios alike.
To explore how Control iD solutions compare with other advanced biometric and intercom systems on the market, or to follow more ISC West coverage and product walkthroughs, visit our editorial hub at Pipl Systems. You’ll find expert insights, ranking lists, and deployment guides created for professionals in security and smart infrastructure.
FAQ: iDFace Max and Control iD Solutions
What industries benefit most from iDFace Max?
The device is suited for K–12 schools, commercial buildings, residential complexes, universities, and data centers. Its weather-resistant design and flexible access methods make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor scenarios.
How secure is the device against facial spoofing?
iDFace Max uses dual-camera verification with liveness detection to prevent spoofing from photos, videos, or masks.
“It has to have a live human body in front of it… We've tried to spoof it with AI-generated videos… The camera doesn’t even recognize that there’s a human standing there.”
Can it be deployed in outdoor conditions?
Yes. With an IP65 rating, the unit is designed for harsh environments including direct sunlight, rain, and variable temperatures.
“No problem in cold, hot, sun, rain, direct - all of that. It works very, very well.”
Is the solution compatible with third-party VMS or ACS platforms?
Yes. It offers native integrations with Genetec, Lenel OnGuard, Software House, and others. It can also function in standalone mode or output Wiegand and OSDP for integration with existing controllers.
How scalable is the ecosystem for large sites?
Control iD supports over 100,000 facial templates per unit, remote enrollment, centralized management via iDSecure, and integration with property platforms under ASSA ABLOY’s Accentra ecosystem - making it scalable for multi-building deployments.