Author Archives: acwales

1. Access control systems can play a significant role in any emergency evacuation

   26th March 2020 5:07 pm Leave a Comment

   A building’s physical security systems will play a vital role whenever a fire or other emergency occurs in a building or facility, including here access control, video surveillance and intrusion detection. And the way in which these systems work together can help ensure a safe and orderly evacuation and response, experts have argued.

   Integrating security systems like access control, mass communication systems and video surveillance can not only streamline emergency evacuations through automation, but directly influence positive outcomes in the event of a fire or lockdown.

   Integrations can improve any building’s lockdown evacuation; the minute a life safety alarm is activated, video surveillance cameras can send visual information directly to local police to optimise their response. Simultaneously, access controls can activate to lockdown the area of the building containing the threat, while communication systems send evacuation instructions via text. Because these three security systems were integrated, people on the premises can be quickly evacuated in an orderly fashion.  

   Access Control Wales – Expert suppliers of venue-wide security and access control solutions

   If your company is concerned about securing your premises then Access Control Wales has many answers. Movement monitoring can be combined in one of our access control systems so any illegal activity can be identified and acted upon.

   A host of digital CCTV cameras can be viewed from one PC monitor. Many cameras can be added to your CCTV installation to ensure that your needs are met. We use a range of devices and accessories from top manufacturers and can uniquely customise your CCTV system.

   With our Access Control Software you can be assured that you will receive a simple to use, highly secure way of controlling access to areas or buildings, as well as monitoring who is present 24 hours a day.

   Additional features are available for the WinAC.NET Business/Enterprise editions which can be implemented on your access control system to take into account diversity with access rules between individual organisations.

2. Electronic Security Systems Sector set for Strong Growth by 2025, Report Suggests

   5th March 2020 12:04 pm Leave a Comment

   The Electronic Security Systems (ESS) market worldwide is projected to grow by US$26.5 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 7.1%, a recent market research report has been able to suggest.

   Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 5.8% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$922.3 Million to the region’s size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$750.4 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets.

   In Japan, CCTV & Video Surveillance Systems will reach a market size of US$1.5 Billion by the close of the analysis period. As the world’s second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 11.1% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$7.8 Billion in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses.

   Access Control Wales – Expert Suppliers of Access Control and Electronic Security Systems

   From the control of a single internal door through to a fully computerised, multi-site network of control points, an Access Control System from Access Control Wales is the solution.

   Operated by contactless smart cards, key fobs or biometrics, our Access Control System gives you full control over who is allowed access through any controlled point at any time of any day, placing it at the forefront of security solutions.

   The Access Control Systems from Access Control Wales are modular in design, and can be adapted and extended to integrate with a time and attendance system seamlessly and without complication.

   The WinAC.NET system will adapt easily to your specific security environment, whether you need to secure a large, multi-site facility, or a smaller installation with a few doors. In fact, the Access Control System’s modularity allows it to easily scale up as your operations grow.

   With WinAC.NET and our range of readers, you can control most standard types of internal and external electronic, magnetic door releases and devices, making full use of location points, whether in full view or hidden out of sight, providing access even in the most adverse conditions.

   An extensive range of equipment, devices and releases can be connected to your security network, which can be operated through your access control software including:

   • alarms and hooters

   • break glass buttons

   • door locks

   • door release buttons

   • electro-mangnetic door locks

   • fingerprint readers

   • CCTV cameras

   • scanners

   The WinAC.NET includes a wide range of time and money-saving features, such as:

   • Access Control Profiles easily created or customised to suit your particular site, and can be varied minute-by-minute

   • Real Time (near) graphical display shows doors being opened / closed, those with alarm status set and forced entry

   • Doors may be configured to open automatically on fire alarms and lock automatically on burglar alarms

   • Anti Pass Back facility limits the same card being used by more than one person

   • CCTV Tracking of video clips showing “evidence quality” footage of forced entries, alarm events, users of Smart Cards gaining access or being denied

   • Door/Barrier Access can be limited depending on the persons’ roll call status

   • Resilient System keeps running even when certain cables are cut or damaged or PC networks fail

   • Sensor Monitoring to detect forced entry

   • Audit Trail showing who gained access (or denied) at any location at any time

   • Biometric dermal fingerprint reading for maximum security and personnel authentication

   • Hardware Device Manager allows easy adding & editing of hardware device profiles

   With our Access Control Software you can be assured that you will receive a simple to use, highly secure way of controlling access to areas or buildings, as well as monitoring who is present 24 hours a day.

   Additional features are available for the WinAC.NET Business/Enterprise editions which can be implemented on your access control system to take into account diversity with access rules between individual organisations.

3. UHF RFID technologies enable long-distance, secure vehicle access to restricted car parks

   19th February 2020 9:45 am Leave a Comment

   Latest-generation long-range UHF RFID technology has been deployed at a secure parking area at Russia’s Moscow International Business Center (MIBC) that is used by both government and private-sector employees, a recent news report has revealed. The aim of the project is to enable faster entry, without the risk of hacking due to untraceable technology.

   The MIBC, a commercial development first conceived in 1992, is still under development.

   Initially, it was a riverfront industrial zone and a rock quarry populated by closed factories and abandoned buildings. Now, following revitalization, between 250,000 and 300,000 people work and/or live in the area, which features skyscrapers for offices, residences, stores and entertainment venues.

   Construction for the tallest skyscraper, known as One Tower, began this year; once it’s finished, the structure will stand 403.5 meters (1,324 feet) in height, making it one of the tallest buildings in Europe.

   After unsuccessfully trialling ANPR technology and MiFARE readers, the organization managing the parking area has decided to deploy the UHF system, which comes with security features intended to prevent the hacking of data.

   The benefit of UHF transmissions is that the long range enables gate readers to authenticate a driver before a vehicle comes to a complete stop; however, that long range also allows the potential for hacking from a nearby reader device, but this solution is mitigated by using a specialist chip in untraceable mode.

   In order to be able to use the new technology, each vehicle must have a special tag installed, encoded with a unique ID linked in the software to a specific individual authorized to access the parking lot.

   Access Control Wales – a trusted supplier of vehicular access control systems

   The range of gates, barriers, and turnstiles supplied by Access Control Wales fully integrate with our smart card and biometric access control systems giving you full jurisdiction over movement and access in and around your site. Our turnstiles can perform various access control tasks, including providing entry to sites or toilets.

   It is imperative to have a durable and reliable system. Access Control Wales will provide your organisation with just that. Our systems allow rapid communication when any delay occurs, such as when unauthorised personnel attempt to access a restricted area.

   If you’d like to find out more information on the Access Control Wales range of vehicular access control systems just contact our dedicated product team of Book a Demo, our representatives will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and queries.

4. Access Control Wales – Experts in Deploying Access Control Solutions for Manufacturing Plants

   12th February 2020 5:01 pm Leave a Comment

   A new access control system is certainly something to be considered whenever an organization opens a new manufacturing plant in a new location. And that’s been exactly the case with global sealing solutions specialist Flexitallic UK, who are expanding their operations in Wales and the South West with the opening of new premises.

   According to a news report in the local media, Flexitallic has relocated to a 3,500 square foot premises in Bridgend, creating its first manufacturing facility in the region, as well as expanding its stockholding, as it continues to grow its support for industrial customers in the South West.

   As a result of the expansion, Flexitallic has created dedicated gasket cutting and winding facilities to provide customers with a more responsive and efficient same-day service.  This capability is supported by a distribution service covering the South West region.

   Having built a presence in the market since it opened its original branch in the area five years ago, Flexitallic has expanded its customer base for its range of industrial gaskets and sealing material solutions, which has led to the requirement for larger premises.

   Part of the global Flexitallic Group, the West Yorkshire-headquartered company has a network of UK branches in industry-focused locations such as Aberdeen, Teesside and Merseyside.

   The branches act as the distribution arm for the Flexitallic portfolio of specialised sealing products including its range of gaskets designed and manufactured to meet the requirements and safety-focused operations of sectors including oil and gas, power generation and petrochemical.

   Access Control Wales – Experts in Deploying Access Control Solutions for Manufacturing Plants

   There are many reasons to have physical access control on entrances and exits to your factory. Obviously the most important is to make the factory a more difficult target for burglars. 

   With a contactless smartcard-activated door lock, there are no chains or wire to cut and nothing to pick. Without the correct smart-card, would-be thieves would have to try to brute-force the door open, which is likely to trigger an alarm. 

   We even have a function to account for the chance of someone forcing an employee to open the door for them: an entry under duress code which triggers a silent alarm sent to system administrators. 

   All this and much more can be organised using the WinAC.NET flagship software from Access Control Wales.

5. Venue security to be ramped up ahead of March friendly against United States

   4th February 2020 2:15 pm Leave a Comment

   Extensive security measures are set to be put in place at and around Cardiff City Stadium, as contracts are about to be swapped between the Football Association of Wales and US Soccer for a March 30 friendly.

   According to a news source, FAW was always aware that hosting the USA for the first time in a men’s football international would present unique security challenges.

   But PA said it understands some measures are already being ramped up in the wake of President Trump sending 3,000 more Army troops to the Middle East and threatening to strike Iranian cultural sites.

   The FAW can also count on its experience of working closely with security agencies, having hosted the 2017 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus at the Principality Stadium.

   Access Control Wales – Expert suppliers of venue-wide security and access control solutions

   If your company is concerned about securing your premises then Access Control Wales has many answers. Movement monitoring can be combined in one of our access control systems so any illegal activity can be identified and acted upon.

   A host of digital CCTV cameras can be viewed from one PC monitor. Many cameras can be added to your CCTV installation to ensure that your needs are met. We use a range of devices and accessories from top manufacturers and can uniquely customise your CCTV system.

   With our Access Control Software you can be assured that you will receive a simple to use, highly secure way of controlling access to areas or buildings, as well as monitoring who is present 24 hours a day.

   Additional features are available for the WinAC.NET Business/Enterprise editions which can be implemented on your access control system to take into account diversity with access rules between individual organisations.

6. Multi-card systems and streamlining building access control

   28th January 2020 3:14 pm Leave a Comment

   One of the most important problems brought about by the prevalence of access restriction solutions in the office environment is that many office workers are forced to carry multiple keycards or fobs. They may travel to multiple offices, have special access cards for restricted areas, or work in buildings where common areas run by landlords and individual tenant companies have different systems. Whatever the reason, it’s inconvenient for workers to have to use and keep track of multiple cards and fobs.

   This problem is prevalent in Class A office buildings, most of which have a lobby keycard system and may have separate keycards for amenities such as a parking garage, daycare or gym.

   One of the most readily-available solutions to the aforementioned problem is backend integration. This process involves using middleware and APIs running on Virtual Machines (VMs) to tie multiple access control systems together. About one-third of Class A building tenants seem to favour this route, while others prefer a smartphone-based approach.

   In a smartphone-based system, building facilities managers install inexpensive readers that recognize the mobile credential. Employees don’t even have to remove their phones from their pockets or bag. These systems can co-exist with legacy keycard systems, giving companies the option to use both and to transition gradually from one to the other.

   Access Control Wales – Expert Suppliers of Integrated Access Control Systems

   Access Control Wales can aid your firm in keeping crime on a downward trend with our Visitor Monitoring and ID Card Systems. Access Control Wales have put together a range of options for bundled ID card systems, guaranteed to suit your business requirements. All of our ID card systems can be modified, to your particular specifications. We have three ID card systems available, all of which come complete with upgradable software, enabling your system to grow as your needs change.

7. Access Control – the perfect (yet elusive) mix of security, convenience and style

   21st January 2020 3:08 pm Leave a Comment

   Finding the perfect blend between the utmost level of security, access convenience and, last but certainly not least, a modern and attractive style is certainly one of the main challenges every access control and security systems designer faces nowadays.

   The premise is that for organisations and spaces to be truly secure, they must be difficult to access. So, by its very nature, access control is designed to be restrictive, allowing only authorised staff and visitors to access a facility or other secured areas inside. This immediately puts convenience at odds with security.

   Most people will tolerate the restrictive nature of a controlled entrance using badge, card or biometric because they understand the need for security. However, they’ll be less inclined to do so when security measures prove too much of a burden during their daily working lives.

   Fortunately, the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), Near-Field Communication devices powered by Bluetooth technology, as well as the significant growth in the number of converged information systems and identity management tools that are now driving access control are making it easier than ever before for employees and visitors to apply for clearance, permissions and credentials.

   Advancements in high-performance wireless and proximity readers have enhanced the user’s access experience when presenting credentials at an entry and expediting movement throughout a facility.

   Access Control Wales – Expert suppliers of Access Control systems designer to combine enhanced security with style and convenience

   The Access Control Wales system can control most standard types of internal/external electronic door releases and physical security devices such as barriers and turnstiles making.

   The system gives you full control over who is allowed access through any controlled point at any time of any day.

   It is suitable for operations of any size, from the control of a single internal door through to a fully computerised, multi-site network of control points.

   You can integrate CCTV with the software, linking cameras with smart card scanners so that locks releasing triggers recording to begin. This can be viewed afterwards.

   There is even a function which allows users to specific that they are entering or allowing entrance under duress.

   There is no difference to the reader response when the duress key is pressed but silent alarms and emails are triggered to warn of the entry under duress.

   Contact us on sales@accesscontrol-wales.co.uk to find out more!

8. Plans put forward for new High School development in Cardiff

   15th January 2020 2:50 pm Leave a Comment

   Access control and security provisions are extremely important when planning the construction of a new school or educational establishment. And this is exactly the topic of a new application to Cardiff planners involving the new Fitzalan High School, a recent news report has been able to suggest.

   The High School will represent a £63.5m investment and would involve the existing school replaced with a new-build school on land next to the Leckwith Stadium in the Canton area of the city.

   It would be a ten-form entry, accommodating up to 1,500 students between the age of 11 and 16, plus a sixth form. The new school would offer sports facilities including a multi-use games area, 3G pitches and a new indoor swimming pool, replacing the current pool which is already used by local schools and community groups.

   These, and other facilities at the school would be available for public use outside school hours. 

   Cllr Sarah Merry, deputy leader of Cardiff Council, and cabinet member for education, employment and skills, said: “Schools investment is a priority and this is the next step to delivering a new Fitzalan High School which will not only provide pupils with access to state-of-the art facilities and the highest quality learning environment, but also provide the local community with opportunities to benefit from excellent, modern amenities.”

   Access Control Wales – expert suppliers of RFID-based access control solutions

   Access Control Wales employs a variety of access control technologies, including here RFID, to create advanced solutions, enable users to exert solid, reliable and accurate control over the access to specific premises or zones.

   If you’d like to find out more about the range of solutions supplied by Access Control Wales, both in terms of hardware (smart card readers, biometric readers, turnstiles, etc.) and software (access rights management software solutions, etc.), just contact us, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

9. Access Control Systems Can Help Bolster Security on Large Construction Sites

   7th January 2020 3:11 pm Leave a Comment

   Access control systems are just the right solutions to help construction companies increase the level of security on their various sites, especially since they’re visited on a daily basis by a large number of contractors, sub-contractors and other members of staff.

   A very good example of a scheme that can certainly benefit from such a solution is the £135m Swansea Central Phase One, which will see a significant redevelopment and improvement of the local area.

   Some of the first measures to be implemented include a reduction in the size of the temporary St Mary’s surface car park near St David’s car park, as well as the closure – and subsequent removal – of the old footbridge over Oystermouth Road. Nearby ground level pedestrian crossing controls remain available.

   When Swansea Central Phase One opens – complete with nearly 1,000 new car parking spaces, new parkland, commercial and residential units – it is expected to provide a major economic boost to Swansea.

   Swansea Council are behind the scheme, with some funding for the arena coming from the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal. Some funding for the new bridge comes from the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund.

   Council leader Rob Stewart said: “The closure of most of the temporary surface car park at St Mary’s and the old footbridge over Oystermouth Road has been trailed for some time.

   “We’re on schedule with this work and have reached another significant moment for the digital arena project that will stimulate the transformation and success of Swansea city centre for generations to come.

   “Buckingham Group Contracting moving right across the northern section shows that the project is gathering pace. This is a big deal for Swansea, and the momentum will build as out-of-ground construction gathers pace.

   “I’m pleased we’ve been able to introduce our new car parking offers – as promised – to reduce costs for shoppers during the arena project’s major construction phase. We’ll keep reviewing such promotions to ensure they best support shoppers and businesses over the coming months.

   Access Control Software from Access Control Wales delivers comprehensive visitor monitoring functionality

   The powerful software supplied with all the Access Control Wales solutions has a familiar Windows™ interface, providing quick and easy access to information. It is also highly scalable, from simple door and registration point control, through to a fully computerised global Networked Access Control System.

   Some of the most important features include:

   • Access Control Profiles easily created or customised to suit your particular site, and can be varied minute-by-minute
   • Real Time (near) graphical display shows doors being opened / closed, those with alarm status set and forced entry
   • Doors may be configured to open automatically on fire alarms and lock automatically on burglar alarms
   • Anti Pass Back facility limits the same card being used by more than one person
   • CCTV Tracking of video clips showing “evidence quality” footage of forced entries, alarm events, users of Smart Cards gaining access or being denied
   • Door/Barrier Access can be limited depending on the persons’ roll call status
   • Resilient System keeps running even when certain cables are cut or damaged or PC networks fail
   • Sensor Monitoring to detect forced entry
   • Audit Trail showing who gained access (or denied) at any location at any time
   • Biometric dermal fingerprint reading for maximum security and personnel authentication
   • Hardware Device Manager allows easy adding & editing of hardware device profiles
   • With our Access Control Software you can be assured that you will receive a simple to use, highly secure way of controlling access to areas or buildings, as well as monitoring who is present 24 hours a day.

   If you’d like to find out more about the range of solutions supplied by Access Control Wales, both in terms of hardware (smart card readers, biometric readers, turnstiles, etc.) and software (access rights management software solutions, etc.), just hit the contact button at the top of the screen, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

10. Production facilities should have up-to-date access systems

    11th October 2018 11:04 am Leave a Comment

    Radnor Hills, a drinks manufacturer in Powys, has opened its eighth production line.

    The company invested £6m in the new German technology, which enables plastic preforms to be blown into bottles, filled, capped, wrapped and palletised in one fully automated production line. The new line can fill 33,000 bottles in an hour, and has the capacity to produce 200 million bottles in a year.  

    This technology reduces the amount of PET packaging used, making it more environmentally friendly. The company is working with suppliers, government bodies and trade associations to increase their levels of recycled plastic, and in July this year they introduced 51% of recycled plastic into their bottles. Their bottles are 100% recyclable as they can be remanufactured into different products. 

     

    The factory is based on a family farm which is owned by William Watkins. His family have farmed in the area since the start of the 20th century. 

     

    __________

     

     

    Installing a new production line is a prime time to have a look at your security systems.

     

    If you are still using an old-fashioned system, it is likely to need updating. Some production facilities we’ve encountered don’t even have a fully-fledged access control system, only a lock on the main doors. 

     

    There are many reasons to have physical access control on entrances and exits to your factory. Obviously the most important is to make the factory a more difficult target for burglars. 

     

    With a contactless smartcard-activated door lock, there are no chains or wire to cut and nothing to pick. Without the correct smart-card, would-be thieves would have to try to brute-force the door open, which is likely to trigger an alarm. 

     

    We even have a function to account for the chance of someone forcing an employee to open the door for them: an entry under duress code which triggers a silent alarm sent to system administrators. 

     

    All this and much more can be organised using the WinAC.NET flagship software from Access Control Wales.