Automated Logic solves access management challenges with Bitwarden

Automated Logic, a business unit of Carrier (a global provider of sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions), is responsible for the designing, installing, and servicing building automation systems (also known as BASs).

The foundation of strong BASs rests on operational technology (OT) that makes modern buildings comfortable and efficient and reduces the cost of operation for their owner. This is accomplished through sensors that determine the current state of systems and occupants and then send signals to electromechanical equipment to affect the systems they control. 

Automated Logic’s BASs are architected around Web Control, a central server that accesses customer networks so it can perform its building automation services. But, that access also presents security risks.

The leadership team at Automated Logic realized it needed a solution to its access management challenges. The solution they landed on was a password vault solution - specifically, Bitwarden. 

Ahead of selecting Bitwarden, the team developed a list of requirements for their optimal password management vault. Those requirements included:

• Multi-device access

• Strong encryption

• Zero-knowledge model

• Single-sign on integration

• Secure method of sharing credentials and notes

• Centralized management

• Credential autofill in Chrome and Edge browsers

Automated Logic conducted extensive research as it sought to identify the password management vault solution best suited to meet its needs. The team visited support forums (including Reddit) and perused feedback on social media before narrowing down its list to two partners. Automated Logic then engaged in comprehensive and thorough pilots with both solutions in order to make its final decision. Piloting the solutions was advantageous for many reasons, not least of which included the ability of Automated Logic employees to test out both options. Ultimately they decided to select Bitwarden as their password management solution, having landed on four compelling factors:

• User preference

• Admin preference

• Technology/reliability

• Partnership with the solution provider

“In summary, it really all came down to a few things,” said Horn. “It’s user preference - that’s obvious. It's an admin and management preference, so how well it fits with your business. And certainly the thing everyone thinks about, is the technology right? Does it fit? But truly, at the end of the day our selection came down to partnership. And it was really about selecting a business partner to move us forward in our quest for better security.”