Abstract: A physical access control system is disclosed which includes a network, at least one access controller, a producer device, and a consumer device. Each access controller generates status and event information associated with a controlled physical barrier. The producer device includes producer logic which collects and stores the status and event information. The consumer device includes consumer logic which periodically polls the producer logic via the network to retrieve the status and event information from the producer device. The producer logic and the consumer logic communicate via the network according to a commonly accepted message syndication protocol, such as the RSS protocol or the Atom Publishing Protocol or the like. The use of a commonly accepted message syndication protocol simplifies communications, avoids proprietary configurations and facilitates integration, such as combining systems or adding new devices and the like.