The Story
Gorman & Company faced the complexity of managing multiple disconnected access systems, which created inefficiencies for staff and risks for residents. The organization's vision extended beyond solving a local issue—they sought a system that could unify their security strategy across every property in their portfolio. Working with AA Security and ICT, they found the solution: an enterprise-grade platform that eliminated fragmented systems, streamlined management, and created a scalable model for future growth.
Two systems. One problem.
Before the project, Gorman & Company juggled two separate systems: ICT access control for common areas and Schlage's Engage for individual apartment doors. While residents could use one fob for both, behind the scenes, staff had to manage two databases, enter data twice, and deal with inconsistent access protocols.
"At the Uptown Lofts with 60+ doors, managing these separate technologies became increasingly cumbersome," recalls Timothy Gray, President of AA Security and project lead.
Tom Piacentine, Director of Facilities for Gorman & Company, puts it plainly: "We were doing double the work. Even though we could use the same fob, we still had to maintain two separate databases. That meant duplicating efforts and managing access in two places."
This fragmented approach wasn't just inefficient—it was unsustainable for an organization planning nationwide expansion.
Enterprise control, seamless integration
Partnering with AA Security and ICT, Gorman & Company moved to a fully unified solution by integrating ICT's motorized deadbolt wireless locks directly into the enterprise Protege platform. This brought all access points—common areas, unit doors, and even the Doorking intercom—onto one centralized system.
Despite unexpected challenges during installation, the collaboration between AA Security and ICT ensured success.
"Damon Standish from ICT flew in personally—twice—to work with me on-site. His direct connection to the engineering team to solve issues made all the difference," says Gray.
The result was a seamless, enterprise-grade system with real-time control, customizable access hierarchies (property > regional > national), and the ability to roll out the same model across all Gorman & Company properties.
From proof of concept to national standard
The installation at Kenosha Uptown Lofts became more than just a fix—it was a testbed for Gorman & Company's national security strategy.
Key outcomes included 60+ ICT motorized deadbolt wireless locks installed, elimination of dual-system management, centralized oversight with top-down control across multiple levels, a scalable model for nationwide expansion, and streamlined audits—data pulled instantly from the central system, no door-to-door checks needed.
"The ICT access control system will do just about anything. It's enterprise-ready and flexible enough for complex organizations," says Gray. "With the ability to stratify access by property, region, or nationwide, it gives us top-down control that's essential for our customer."
