OSDP commissioning evidence: Verified profiles, Secure Channel, cabling, and load

Verification is specific

Source fact: SIA distinguishes a vendor statement that a device “supports OSDP” from OSDP Verified status. The Verified program uses third-party testing to validate conformance to the standard and related performance profiles. SIA’s implementation checklist recommends checking both the peripheral device and the access-control unit, including the certified firmware and the profiles and features required by the project.

The official product directory lists Secure, Smart Card, and Biometric profiles. It also warns that verification does not automatically guarantee interoperability because an implementer still has design decisions to make. Required capabilities can include multidrop operation, reader count, structured smart-card data, biometric messages, and remote file transfer. They should be selected explicitly rather than inferred from the protocol name.

Secure Channel and the physical layer

SIA describes OSDP Secure Channel as the protected mode that encrypts data exchanged between readers and controllers. Its 2026 checklist says unsecured mode should exist only during initialization before Secure Channel communication is established. Commissioning therefore needs evidence that protected negotiation succeeded, not merely that credential reads appeared in software.

For new work, SIA calls for cabling rated for two-wire RS-485. Existing cable should be tested with an appropriate OSDP cable test tool rather than assumed suitable. Power also has to account for long runs, mixed devices, and voltage drop. The checklist recommends bench testing, unique peripheral addresses, documented speeds and keys, and post-install checks for stability, response, and signal integrity.

DSE commissioning checklist

DSE recommendation: This is DSE operational synthesis organized from SIA’s checklist. It is distinct from a migration plan and does not claim every legacy cable can be reused.

Save the exact OSDP Verified record, profile, model, and certified firmware for every peripheral and controller.

Confirm reader count, multidrop, remote-management, smart-card, biometric, and other required features.

Calculate power at each location and record supply capacity, distance, conductor size, and measured voltage.

Validate new or reused data cable for the designed RS-485 topology and conditions.

Assign and document unique addresses, communication speed, controller port, physical location, and key owner.

Bench-test credential reads, keypad input, LED, buzzer, commands, and Secure Channel negotiation.

Test the installed bus under representative activity and confirm command response, communication stability, and supervision.

Protect Secure Channel keys and retain redacted commissioning evidence without exposing secret material.

Official references

Implementing OSDP Access Control? Follow This Simple Checklist — SIA’s February 10, 2026 implementation guidance.

SIA OSDP Verified — supported-versus-verified distinction.

OSDP Verified Products — current products, profiles, and interoperability caveat.