In our first installment of SVIP Verified, we take a deep dive into UnityIS, an access control software from IMRON Corporation. Our evaluation incorporates a hands-on system review from the SVIP Verified Team, real-world insights from Lieutenant Mike Betzler of Saddleback College, and key insights from Imron Hussain, owner of IMRON Corporation.
*The SVIP Verified Team is composed of seasoned technical industry professionals and end users, collectively bringing over a century of expertise to the evaluation process.*
SVIP Verified System Evaluation
Imron Corporation shipped a demo kit to SVIP and set up cloud access to their UnityIS software (photos below). They sent the following to gain access to the software.
Getting Started:
Plug in the network cable (assuming you're using DHCP).
Connect the power using the wall transformer.
Open a browser and connect to your site.
Navigate to https://svip.imron.com and log in using SSO with your email address.
Present a card to the reader to test functionality.
The SVIP Verified team then conducted a thorough evaluation of UnityIS, assessing the following evaluation criteria in the system evaluation report below.
Evaluation Criteria
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Performance
4. User Experience & Core Features
5. Security
6. Integration& Support
7. Analytics
8. Environmental Impact
9. Innovation
10. Cost
Imron Demo Kit (as shown below)
*Hardware*
Azure BLU-IC2-Two Door Network Controller
STid ARC1S/BT - 13.56 MHz DESFire EV3 + Bluetooth mullion reader
Software: (Cloud Access)
IMRON Corporation - UnityIS
*Performance*
The Azure controller and STid reader functioned seamlessly, providing an instant response in the UnityIS software as soon as the card was presented.
*User Experience & Core Features*
Access Control Settings
Personnel Manager - Simple and easy to navigate. Options include credentials, access levels, use limits, badge templates, permissions, and more.
Badge Designer - Allows users you to import photos, add text, and adjust colors.
Access Levels - Enable users to add readers and floors, rename access levels, and modify floor or reader groups.
Time Schedules - Users can adjust doors to follow certain schedules as well as check controller status.
Holiday - Users can create holidays
Day Scheduling - Users can schedule custom time periods per day per reader
Occupancy Control - Users can set occupancy control by defining initial, maximum, lower, and upper count limits.
Triggers & Macros - Users can configure event-based triggers such as 'Door Held Open,' 'Access Denied,' 'Power Status,' and more, with the option to activate triggers based on specific time schedules.
Event Manager - System of record for all events inside UnityIS. Users can toggle on/off the "Live" status.
Monitor & Control Settings
Door Control - Users can manually lock/unlock door strikes and monitor status.
Secured Areas- Users can monitor areas that are secured by description, commands and status.
Control Points - Users can manually activate/deactivate door sounds in addition to checking the pulse of each one.
Monitor Points - Users can manually unmask/mask monitor points
Readers - Users can check reader status and manually change reader modes by command.
Graphic Maps - Users have the ability to view 3D maps of their facility.
Custom Commands - Users can add new command buttons, change background images, and import/export desktops.
Video Manager - Not shown in review but users are able to pull in video feeds.
Reports - Users are able to generate reports based on Access Control, History, Hardware, and Personnel Manager
Attendance Reporting - Users can monitor and generate attendance reports based on shifts and departments.
Configuration Settings
System Settings - Admin users are able to change system systems, configure profiles, modules, add card types, and leverage configurations like SAFR, Sentry Interactive, and more.
Hardware Manager - Users can check hardware status and configure settings
Download Manager -Users can execute downloads by database or controller and schedule them on specific days of the week or at regular intervals.
Guest Pass - Users can create guest passes, send welcome texts with photos, assign check-in readers or kiosks, and more. Additionally, users can set up BOLO (Be on the Lookout) checks and configure email alerts for BOLO notifications.
*Security*
Cybersecurity Infrastructure - IMRON Corporation has partnered with IPMeter for cybersecurity. Users can monitor vulnerabilities, access a network overview, conduct vulnerability scans, and review alert history.
Data Import - Users can import data from Active Directory, Entra ID,or Text File.
Email Template - Users can create custom templates for emails and configure SMTP settings.
*Integration*
REST API - IMRON Corporation offers a REST API for integrations with other manufacturers in the security industry.
Chat/Support Feature - Users can instantly access support through UnityIS's chat feature, connecting with Imron's automated support bot, Emma, or requesting direct assistance from a company representative.
*Analytics*
Users can access Access Granted vs. Access Denied statistics, monitor controller status, server resources, and personnel activity, with historical data available for up to 12 months.
*Environmental Impact*
"While UnityIS is a software platform and doesn’t have a direct environmental footprint like hardware does, we enable cloud-based access control, which can reduce the need for on-site servers and power-hungry infrastructure. Additionally, features like remote system management reduce travel and service calls, helping organizations operate more efficiently and sustainably." - Imron Hussain
*Innovation*
"We’re continuously innovating to enhance UnityIS. On the horizon, we’re expanding features around mobile access, AI-driven analytics, and deeper integrations with video surveillance and building systems. We’re also improving the user experience with enhanced dashboards and automation tools to streamline management and increase operational efficiency." - Imron Hussain
*Cost*
"UnityIS pricing is based on the number of doors in a system, with a typical MSRP ranging from $2.44 to $18 per door per month. Pricing varies based on system configuration, deployment model, and feature set. We offer flexible pricing tiers and options to accommodate different site sizes and customer needs, whether it’s a small location or a large multi-site enterprise." - Imron Hussain
UnityIS End User Q&A with Lieutenant Mike Betzler of Saddleback College
Lieutenant Mike Betzler, a long-time end user of UnityIS, shared his experiences with the system, highlighting its impact on Saddleback College’s security operations. Saddleback College is located in Mission Viejo, California and serves 25,000 students. It is one of the largest of California's 114 community colleges.
1. How long have you been using UnityIS, and what initially led you to choose this system?
“Saddleback College has been using Imron’s access control solutions for over a decade, starting from the very beginning of our transition to electronic access control. We initially chose Imron due to its open architecture and seamless integration with our existing video management system.”
2. What were the biggest challenges before implementing UnityIS, and how has the platform addressed them?
“Before adopting UnityIS, our campus relied solely on hard keys, which presented significant challenges. Faculty and staff were concerned about safety, as manually locking doors in an emergency required opening the door to secure it from the outside. Additionally, not all employees had access to keys, forcing police personnel to manually lock and unlock doors, making a timely campus lockdown impossible.
When I arrived 10 years ago, our campus, originally built in 1968, had at least 10 different active key systems, some dating back to its inception. Despite using a key management system, organization and accountability were lacking. Officers carried multiple sets of large key rings, and the process of issuing new keys could take weeks. Lost or unreturned keys compromised campus security.
UnityIS transformed our approach, providing an efficient and user-friendly access control system that prioritizes both security and safety.”
3. Can you walk us through your daily workflow using UnityIS?
“Our police dispatchers actively monitor the system for security events, system functionality, and alarms. As a “safety system,” UnityIS provides audible and visual alerts when an emergency lock is activated. Dispatchers immediately send a uniformed officer to investigate, and we treat all activations as real emergencies. If three or more activations occur in a building, we initiate a full lockdown.
Dispatchers also have the ability to remotely lock and unlock doors, create and issue access cards, deactivate lost or stolen cards, troubleshoot minor issues, and generate reports. A civilian Senior Public Safety Assistant manages the system for the police department, overseeing user access, door controls, special event management, and system maintenance. She collaborates with our IT department and locksmiths to ensure smooth operations.”
4. How user-friendly is UnityIS for managing access control and security operations?
“I often tell users, “If you can get into a hotel room, you can use our system.” The interface is intuitive, but organization is crucial. With approximately 1,500 doors and a similar number of users, maintaining accurate records and updating permissions is essential.”
5. What specific UnityIS features do you rely on the most?
“We depend on UnityIS for both security and safety. Beyond traditional access control, the system empowers faculty and staff to take safety into their own hands. It provides real-time emergency notifications and allows us to lock down an entire building or the campus with just a few clicks. In emergencies, such as fires or medical situations, we can also unlock all doors instantly, ensuring first responders have unobstructed access.”
6. How does UnityIS integrate with other systems or technologies you use?
“UnityIS fully integrates with our I-Pro (Panasonic) security camera system. While we maintain separate operating systems, we continue to explore new ways to leverage their combined capabilities.”
7. Have you noticed improvements in security operations since adopting UnityIS?
“The difference is night and day. Every employee has controlled access, reducing the need for police officers to manually unlock doors. Features like scheduled unlock/lock times and double-tap toggle functions help prevent doors from being left unsecured.
Our system resets nightly, ensuring all doors are locked, even if left open during the day. We receive alerts for unauthorized access attempts and can verify cardholder identities using our security camera integration. Additionally, lost or stolen access cards are immediately deactivated, and replacements aren’t issued until the previous card is removed from the system.”
8. How has the system performed in terms of reliability and uptime?
“UnityIS has been highly reliable. As with any technology, occasional issues arise, but our IT department works closely with Imron to resolve them quickly, usually within minutes.”
9. Have you encountered any challenges or limitations while using UnityIS?
“Imron has been incredibly responsive to our unique needs. Over the past decade, they have provided direct access to their technicians and even a programmer to tailor the system to our specific requirements. Their willingness to customize solutions, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all product, sets them apart.”
10. How well does UnityIS adapt to the specific needs of your organization?
“Our setup is highly customized, and I haven't seen another system that meets our unique needs as effectively as UnityIS. While other solutions may exist, we’ve found UnityIS to be unparalleled in flexibility and functionality.”
11. Have you customized any features to better fit your security requirements?
“Yes. One standout customization is the emergency lock button on the back of the card reader, which triggers an alarm in dispatch. Additionally, we implemented an “all-unlock” feature to ensure first responders can access all areas during an emergency. We’ve even granted access to local sheriff’s deputies to streamline emergency response.”
12. Do you see UnityIS scaling effectively as your security needs evolve?
“Absolutely. UnityIS has met all our needs so far. We are currently incorporating wireless locks and exploring mobile phone access in anticipation of future student housing developments. UnityIS is well-equipped to handle these advancements.”
13. What has been your experience with Imron Corporation’s customer support?
“This is where Imron truly excels. Their team is highly responsive, and we’ve built strong relationships with their staff over the years. I can call one of their programmers anytime—whether for technical support or even grilling tips! Their commitment to customer service is evident in their willingness to adapt and improve based on our needs.”
14. How easy was the onboarding and training process for UnityIS?
“The system is straightforward, and we’ve successfully trained parking officers to operate it for the police department. A well-organized implementation from the start has contributed to the ease of use we continue to experience today.”
15. If you could improve one aspect of UnityIS, what would it be?
“If I had one request, it would be for a complete end-to-end solution rather than just software. While we did our homework and assembled the right combination of software, hardware, and integrators, not all organizations are as fortunate. Many struggle to find a fully integrated solution that meets their needs. UnityIS, paired with the right hardware and support team, has worked exceptionally well for us, but the selection process can be challenging for others.”
Final Comments
After our review, we identified five key reasons why UnityIS stands out as a viable access control software in the security industry.
1. User-Friendly Interface – UnityIS is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users.
2. Highly Customizable – The system can be tailored to meet unique security needs, including emergency lock buttons, all-unlock features, and seamless integrations.
3. Reliable Performance – The platform consistently delivers high uptime, quick response times, and dependable access control functionality.
4. Exceptional Customer Support – IMRON Corporation provides direct access to support technicians and programmers, ensuring fast issue resolution and personalized assistance.
5. Strong Security Features – The system includes robust cybersecurity measures, event-based triggers, real-time alerts, and seamless integration with surveillance systems.
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