From perimeter gates to server racks, Synguard’s integrated, cloud-ready system redefines what secure means for data centres navigating rising compliance demands and evolving threats.

How Synguard reinvents physical security for modern data centres

In a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, the physical security of data centres has never been more vital.

As organisations grapple with escalating threats, from cyber-crime to unauthorised physical intrusions, robust access control systems are no longer optional.

Enter Synguard, a comprehensive physical security platform designed specifically to meet the high demands of data centres.

Trusted by over 2,000 organisations across the Benelux region, including IT giant Cegeka, Synguard is defining what ‘secure’ really means in the 21st century.

So, what makes Synguard stand out in the crowded field of access control and security management?

The answer lies in its all-in-one, open platform approach, intelligent integrations and future-ready features tailored to data centres.

Smart access control: The frontline of defence

At its core, Synguard offers advanced access control with precision, deciding who can access what, where and when.

Organisations can define granular access rules based on schedules, zones and criticality.

For high-security areas like server rooms, multi-factor authentication is fully supported, combining a badge with a PIN code or biometric verification such as a fingerprint or palm scan.

Synguard scales effortlessly – from a small team to over 200,000 users – ensuring that the system grows alongside the organisation.

Flexible access profiles allow IT teams, for example, to access specific rooms only during defined hours, reducing unnecessary exposure and improving compliance.

Digital visitor management: From paper logs to seamless access

Say goodbye to outdated paper logs and insecure email lists.

Synguard’s digital visitor management system automates the entire process – from pre-registration to check-in – via QR codes or self-service kiosks.

At Cegeka, which hosts its own data centres, this solution has revolutionised operations by handling up to 300 visitors simultaneously, with no need for physical access badges.

Instead, visitors receive a temporary ID label containing all necessary access information, ensuring they are only able to move within pre-approved zones.

Every movement is logged and reportable – ideal for organisations needing airtight audit trails.

Real-time monitoring and alarming: Instant eyes on every event

With Synguard, every access event is monitored in real-time, offering full situational awareness through a single central platform.

Security personnel can view live access logs, instantly see alerts and even access associated camera footage for video verification.

Whether it’s a forced door, an unauthorised badge attempt or a door left open too long, Synguard immediately triggers an alert.

These alarms are visualised on intuitive dashboards complete with building maps, enabling quick and efficient response during incidents.

Notifications can also be sent directly to mobile devices or email inboxes – keeping stakeholders informed at all times.

Unified security through seamless integrations

A key differentiator for Synguard is its open management architecture, which connects with a wide array of systems:

• Fire alarm systems can trigger automatic door releases and generate evacuation lists
• Intrusion detection can lock down specific areas based on threat level
• Elevator controls, intercoms and smart lockers are fully integrated into the platform

Thanks to these integrations, Synguard doesn’t just secure the data centre, it becomes the nerve centre of physical security operations.

Compliance-ready reporting and audit trails

Data centres must adhere to stringent security and compliance standards and Synguard is built with this in mind.

Every access attempt, alarm event and user action is meticulously logged. Powerful reporting tools allow administrators to generate custom audit reports-filtered, exported and even scheduled for automatic delivery.

This capability has proven especially valuable for companies like Cegeka, where automated audit-ready reporting saves hours of manual effort during certifications like ISO 27001 and ISAE 3402.

From perimeter to server rack: Total physical coverage

Synguard secures every layer of a data centre, starting at the outer perimeter with barriers and gates, right through to the individual server room or cabinet.

Vehicle access is automated via license plate recognition or long-range RFID readers, while pedestrians gain entry through QR codes, intercoms or badges.

Within the building, more stringent access control comes into play.

Mantraps and biometric verification add a layer of defence for critical areas.

Every door is monitored and unauthorised or suspicious activity triggers immediate action, bolstering both security and operational efficiency.

Powerful integrations for smart facilities

Beyond access control, Synguard enhances smart building operations via open APIs and support for industry protocols such as Modbus and BACnet.

This allows the platform to connect with Building Management Systems (BMS) and Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software like Advancis WinGuard.

Through these integrations, events like power failures, HVAC malfunctions or elevated threat levels can trigger automated lockdowns, door releases or facility-wide alerts – ensuring rapid coordinated responses in emergency scenarios.

The control room of tomorrow, today

Synguard offers a centralised control dashboard that visualises all security components in real-time.

From this console, operators can monitor the entire site via interactive floor plans, instantly respond to incidents and even remotely unlock or lock doors after verification.

This level of centralised oversight helps teams act faster, reduces the burden on staff and ensures that no security event goes unnoticed.

Advanced technology under the hood

Synguard combines the newest technology with a practical, end-user-friendly approach:

• Encrypted badge readers support traditional RFID as well as mobile access via Bluetooth or NFC
• Biometric readers (fingerprint, palm vein or facial recognition) offer bulletproof identity verification
• Smart controllers ensure autonomous operation, even during network outage
• Integration with VMS (video management systems) allows for intelligent camera activation during access events

Innovative features like QR-code based guest access, mobile credentials and self-service key lockers make the system both secure and convenient.

Cloud-ready and mobile-enabled

Whether deployed on-premise or as a cloud service, Synguard offers consistent functionality across environments.

The Synguard cloud is hosted in a Tier 3 certified data centre, ensuring unmatched reliability and security.

With the Synguard Mobile app, administrators can manage access, monitor alarms and unlock doors, all from their smartphone.

For users, smartphones become digital badges, reducing the need for physical tokens and simplifying daily operations.

Cegeka: A case study in scalable security

Cegeka, a leading global IT provider, exemplifies Synguard’s value.

Facing outdated visitor registration systems and evolving security demands, Cegeka implemented Synguard across six international sites.

The result: Streamlined visitor access, strict perimeter control and central reporting across all locations.

Jochem Hansen, Facilities Manager, Cegeka commented: “Our company is growing… With Synguard, scaling is easy.”

Today, Cegeka is piloting mobile credentials and hand-palm scanners, demonstrating the system’s adaptability to emerging security technologies.

Compliance and peace of mind

Synguard is built to meet industry standards and ensure peace of mind for data centre operators:

• ISO 27001 certified for information security
• Hosted in a Tier 3 data centre for cloud deployments
• Fully GDPR-compliant, with role-based access and EU-based data processing
• Support for open protocols like OSDP, ensuring secure and interoperable components

This article was originally published in the September edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.