Overview
As Purdue continues its transition to the LenelS2 NetBox platform, ACT users will notice updated door state terminology throughout the system. While some of the names may differ from those in previous access control platforms, understanding these statuses can help Merchant Administrators and Building Deputies quickly determine whether a door is operating normally or requires attention.
The Door State field in ACT displays the current status of a door and serves as a valuable troubleshooting tool when reviewing access issues, alarms, or scheduled door behavior. ACT now displays LenelS2 door states, including Ready, Extended Unlocked, Held, and Forced. These statuses provide insight into the operational condition of a door and whether follow-up action may be required.
Door State Definitions
✅ Ready
Ready indicates the door is operating normally and is in its expected state. The door is secure, communicating properly with the access control system, and no alarms or abnormal conditions are present.
What it means for you:
- No action is required.
- The door is functioning as expected.
- Access control and door hardware are operating normally.
🔓 Extended Unlocked
Extended Unlocked indicates that a door has been intentionally unlocked for an extended period. This may occur because of a schedule, a temporary override, or an authorized extended unlock action.
Examples include:
- Business hours when a building entrance is intended to remain unlocked
- Special events requiring open access
- Temporary access accommodations approved by authorized personnel
What it means for you:
- The door is intentionally unlocked.
- Users may enter without presenting a credential.
- No action is required unless the door is unlocked unexpectedly.
🚪 Held
A door enters the Held state when it remains open longer than the allowable time configured for that door. This condition is sometimes referred to as a "door held open" alarm.
Common causes include:
- A door propped open for deliveries
- Equipment or objects preventing the door from closing
- High pedestrian traffic causing the door to remain open
- Door closer or hardware issues preventing proper closure
What it means for you:
⚠️ Action is required.
A held door may indicate that the door is not securing properly.
Recommended steps:
- Inspect the door for obstructions.
- Verify the door closes and latches correctly.
- Confirm the door state returns to its normal status in ACT.
- Report any hardware problems for maintenance.
⚠️ Forced
A door enters the Forced state when it is opened without a valid credential read or an approved Request-to-Exit (REX) event. A forced door condition is treated as a potential security concern because the door was opened without an authorized access event.
Common causes include:
- Someone pulling a secured door open without authorization
- A malfunctioning door contact or sensor
- A missing, damaged, or improperly functioning REX device
- Door hardware issues generating false alarms
What it means for you:
⚠️ Immediate investigation is recommended.
Recommended steps:
- Verify whether the door opening was authorized.
- Inspect the door and associated hardware.
- Review recent access events in ACT.
- Report ongoing or repeated forced door conditions to the appropriate security or maintenance personnel.
Why Door States Matter
Monitoring door states helps ensure campus facilities remain secure and that access control systems function as intended. Regularly reviewing doors that display Held or Forced states can help identify:
- Potential security risks
- Door hardware failures
- Improperly configured schedules
- Operational issues affecting building access
Understanding these statuses makes it easier to troubleshoot access problems, support security investigations, and maintain reliable building operations.
Quick Reference Guide
| Door State |
Description |
Action Needed? |
| ✅ Ready |
Door is operating normally and secured as expected. |
No |
| 🔓 Extended Unlocked |
Door is intentionally unlocked for an extended period. |
No (unless unexpected) |
| 🚪 Held |
Door has remained open longer than the configured time limit. |
Yes |
| ⚠️ Forced |
Door was opened without valid access or authorized exit activity. |
Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my door showing Extended Unlocked?
A door may show Extended Unlocked because it is part of a scheduled unlock period configured through a Portal Group and a Time Spec. In LenelS2, Time Specs can be used to specify when a portal group is locked or unlocked.
What should I do?
Verify whether the current time falls within an approved unlock schedule. If the door should not be unlocked, review the assigned schedule or contact the appropriate building administrator.
What should I do if a door remains in a Held or Forced state?
Investigate the door promptly.
For Held doors:
For Forced doors:
-
Verify whether the opening was authorized.
-
Inspect associated hardware and exit devices.
-
Review recent access activity.
If the condition continues after the issue is resolved, contact the appropriate support team, including Electronics Shop.
Can a door be unlocked on a schedule without anyone presenting a credential?
Yes. LenelS2 supports scheduled unlock periods using Time Specs and Portal Groups. A door may automatically unlock during designated times, such as business hours, and relock when the schedule ends.
What is the difference between a door being Unlocked and Extended Unlocked?
For ACT users, Extended Unlocked generally indicates that the door has been intentionally placed into an unlocked state beyond a normal credential access event. This may occur through a schedule or an authorized door override. S2 documentation describes scheduled portal unlock periods through Portal Groups and Time Specs.
Who can place a door into an Extended Unlocked state?
Access depends on the permissions assigned to the user's role. ACT permissions grant Merchant Admin the ability to have Momentary Unlock, Extended Unlock, Extended Lock. ACT Merchant Staff can have this access added at their Merchant Admin's approval.
How can I tell whether a door issue is caused by a schedule or by a problem with the door?
Review the door's state:
-
Ready typically indicates normal operation.
-
Extended Unlocked often indicates a scheduled or authorized unlock condition.
-
Held indicates the door has remained open longer than expected.
-
Forced indicates the door was opened without a valid access event or approved exit request.
Reviewing the current Door State can help determine whether you are investigating a schedule-related condition or a potential hardware/security issue.
Could holidays affect a door's expected state?
Yes. LenelS2 supports Holidays, Time Specs, and Time Spec Groups that can be used to control access conditions and portal unlock schedules. A door may behave differently during holidays if holiday-specific schedules have been configured.
Why does a door show a different state than I expected?
Door states may be influenced by:
-
Scheduled unlock periods
-
Holiday schedules
-
Authorized door overrides
-
The physical condition of the door
-
Security events such as Held or Forced alarms
Reviewing the current schedule and door condition can help determine why the displayed state differs from expectations.
What is a Portal in LenelS2?
In LenelS2 terminology, a Portal is the equivalent of a Door in Transact Door Access. Portal Status is the monitoring view used to understand the current condition of a door.