Videx strengthens GSMPRO offering

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Videx, a leading manufacturer and supplier in access control and door entry kits, has added new features and functionality to its GSMPRO intercom system that provides users with much greater freedom and security.

The GSMPRO, which is now expandable to an eight-door access control system, enables people to answer calls to their front door or gate from their mobile phone or landline, so they never have to miss that important visitor and are made aware of who has visited even when they are not there.

The GSMPRO is now available with an integrated back lit coded keypad, with up to 400 access codes and 32 temporary codes, which can be programmed to expire after a number of hours, to meet all your access control needs. Codes can also be programmed via PC software and remotely via SMS, enabling greater flexibility. A new app is also available for both Android and iOS which simplifies the process of sending SMS messages.

Commenting on the new features, Neil Thomas, National Sales Manager at Videx UK, said: “Our new generation GSMPRO now boasts many more features which makes it an ideal access control choice for a greater range of businesses and organisations. For example, it now has free access time bands enabling users to set up to 10 time periods where the entrance is held open, for specific hours of the day and on specific days of the week, which makes it perfect for housing associations, warehouses and offices. It’s also now an eight-door access control system, with the ability to add up to seven extra keypad or proximity access entrances. Additional entrances connect back to the GSMPRO via an RS485 bus using standard CAT5 cable.”

Many of the new features have been the result of special requests from customers which have been found to be good additions to the system and have allowed the GSM range to be used on installations with complex requirements.

Neil continued: “A great new feature is that the system now carries a new remote event log that can be accessed online (www.videxevents.co.uk), allowing events to be viewed in real time, on the move via a phone, tablet/laptop. It’s a great security feature because it’s where a record is kept of calls, gate/door openings and much more. What’s also useful is that alerts can be programmed where an email will be sent should that alert be triggered. For example, if the gate or door is opened out of normal hours – any unusual activity is flagged.”

There are several new programming commands too, included to make the system very easy to set up and simple to use. For example, it is now possible to program all an apartment’s telephone numbers (primary and divert numbers) in a single SMS message and program up to five dial to open numbers in a single SMS.

For more information about the GSMPRO, how it can work for your customer’s access control needs and its new features, please visitwww.videxuk.com

Nortech’s standalone access control system is a reliable and cost-effective door controller

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People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech has launched its NanoQuest, a secure, single door self-contained access control system. This proximity card reader/access controller combination is small, powerful and supports up to 500 users.

The NanoQuest is a compact standalone proximity card reader and access controller that is easy to install and operate and houses both the access control electronics and the 125kHz proximity reader. Its slender and elegant compact design suits most architectural and interior design settings, while the robust construction allows it to be used in most working environments. A NanoQuest unit controls access through a single door for up to 500 authorised users, and can also be used as a secure method of controlling devices such as intruder alarm panels, lighting and heating.

The configuration of its many features and the addition/removal of user cards are made simple with a ‘Master’ card. Special ‘User’ and ‘Auxiliary’ cards can also be added to control auxiliary devices and access restricted areas and free exit input is included.

The unit can also output card data in RS232 format when in ‘NanoQuest’ mode, and in both RS232 and 26-bit Wiegand format when in ‘Reader’ mode so that it can be used as a standard card reader as part of a future migration to a larger system. The unit can also be armed by an external device and allows door monitoring and alarm output to external alarm devices.

Nortech offers a flexible range of card and fob packs. Cards and fobs can be purchased as necessary, and individually enrolled into the NanoQuest when needed. For installations with many users, card packs are supplied in filing wallets, where each card comes with a duplicate administration/shadow card option. A batch enrolment card is also supplied to enable the enrolment of a whole batch of cards in a single procedure. If a card is lost or stolen, then the corresponding administration card can be used to remove that card from the NanoQuest.

Key fobs are also available with a corresponding batch enrolment card and administration cards.

Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind.

Further information is available from Nortech on 01633 485533 or by emailing sales@nortechcontrol.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.nortechcontrol.com

Nortech is supported by Vantage PR

SALTO launches revolutionary SVN-Flex access control technology at IFSEC

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SALTO is excited to be showcasing the latest in access control technology at IFSEC, the UK’s premier security event, taking place at ExCeL London 18-20 June. SALTO is on Stand IF2810.

SVN-Flex provides access management with increased security, more convenience and at lower cost. It makes hard-wired update point’s obsolete, thus introducing completely wire-free access control with online functionalities.

It provides a range of benefits to operators and end users, especially by removing the need to go to specific doors or locations to update cards. Now users can update their access rights anytime and anywhere as any wireless door can be activated as an SVN-Flex updater.

SVN-Flex is based on two core technologies, the SALTO Virtual Network and SALTO BLUEnet. Since all new SALTO escutcheons are equipped with Bluetooth for mobile access, SVN-Flex combines SVN and BLUEnet in such a way that updated access rights can be transferred wirelessly via Bluetooth to defined escutcheons and cylinders.

SALTO has also strengthened its position as the cloud access market leader with additional functionality in its SALTO KS app. Now, with new SALTO KS Mobile keys and any SALTO BLE lock, SALTO KS users can select a floating button in the app and just tap their smart phone on the lock to securely open a door. It enables their smart phone to operate as a tag, opening the lock without the need for an active internet connection; making Mobile Keys as secure and easy to use as a physical tag.

Other innovations at the show include the brand new SALTO NEO Cylinder which is built with the absolute latest in technology. Compatible SALTO SVN, SALTO BLUEnet Wireless and SALTO KS – Keys as a Service – cloud-based technology, it enables users to decide which technology fits better with their security, operational and IT needs.

The SALTO NEO Cylinder is one of the few; if not the only, electronic cylinder to be BLE enabled which makes it compatible with both with iOS and Android mobile phones. So whether you use Salto KS in a co-working space or are a student in a university that uses JustIN mobile, you will be able to use your mobile phone to get access into the door you need.

The SALTO NEO Cylinder will be available in a variety of local standards including European, ANSI, UK, Swiss, Australian, RIM, Deadbolts, etc. It will also be available for different applications like padlocks, swing handles for server racks, cam locks, and the like and is also IP66 rated meaning its built to withstand even the harshest environments. But what’s really impressive is that one set of batteries can last for up to four years!

Joining these innovations are updates to the SALTO KS product platform, which is now more complete than ever with the integration of SALTO BLUEnet communication technology and a new opening mode based on Personal Identification Number Codes (PIN) in order to offer more convenience to users. With these new features SALTO KS now offers 4 different ways to access a building: SALTO KS tag, Mobile key, Remote opening and PIN code.

Videx Apprentice Shines Bright In New Project Manager Role

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Videx Security has appointed James Gray to Project Manager, as the business looks set to grow its client base. The appointment follows an even greater focus for the business in working with more local authorities and housing associations and educating and advising them on the most appropriate entry systems to use for their building requirements and residents’ needs.

In his role, James will be managing and taking care of customers from the very beginning of a door entry installation, the estimation stage, through to the end of the process when the system is finished, wired and installed. He will also spend a lot of time on development sites to ensure a smooth installation process and offer hands on support to customers and engineers so that the system operates to the best of its ability, to meet the needs of its users.

James joined Videx in 2009 as an apprentice in the repairs and production team. Following a successful apprenticeship, he moved into the technical department where he handled trouble shooting and technical issues and ensured any problems customers encountered were resolved swiftly and appropriately. As we enter 2019, James is now Project Manager, a national role which will see him manage large scale specialist projects that particularly focus on housing association and local authority access control and the entry and security challenges the sector faces.

“I joined Videx as an apprentice 10 years ago and, during this time, I have gained a vast amount of experience, knowledge and skill in the access control market which puts me into a strong position to fulfil the potential of the Project Manager role,” said James. “A key regulation in the social housing market is Secured by Design (SBD), the UK police initiative for designing out crime by physical security, that aims to reduce crime through effective environmental design. The scheme calls for the installation of security products that meet police approved standards to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour using the principles of SBD. Videx were the first door entry manufacturer to achieve Secured by Design accreditation in 2013 with a range of products tested to STS202 BR2 level of burglary resistance, and it continues to be a vital part of our advice and assistance especially with social housing installations.”

As Project Manager, James will also explain how Videx systems can integrate seamlessly with other technology to provide a complete security package. This includes demonstrating how Videx systems can work with other providers such as Milestone CCTV software and Holywell burglary alarms, so that end users receive a holistic and all-inclusive service.

Neil Thomas, National Sales Manager at Videx, added: “It’s great to see how James has risen through the ranks at Videx, starting out as a young apprentice a decade ago, and now taking on a vital role within the company that requires extensive and specific knowledge and understanding of key issues within the access control market as well as specific sectors like social housing. James has a wealth of technical experience and skills that enables him to manage our larger scale projects, where education and guidance on key issues such as regulations, specific requirements and common security challenges form a vital part of the job. 2019 has a lot in store for us – we cannot wait to get started!”

For more information about Videx’s work with local authorities and housing associations, visit www.videxuk.com or contact James Gray on jgray@videxuk.com

Next generation of ANPR to be showcased at Parkex

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Nortech, UK specialists in long-range identification solutions, will be launching and providing live demonstrations of Nedap’s next generation of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera at this year’s Parkex.

The ANPR Access V2 short-range keeps up with the rapid growing demand for effective number-plate reading. It is purposely designed for vehicle access control applications whilst ensuring customers benefit from the latest developments in ANPR technology.

The ANPR Access V2 has also been selected by the Parkex 2019 panel of industry experts as one of 10 prime examples of cutting-edge innovations that have emerged within the market in the last 12 months.

In a relatively short period of time, number-plate recognition technology for vehicle access control has become very popular. Nedap’s ANPR cameras identify vehicles by capturing their number plates, making it the perfect solution for applications where it is undesirable or not possible to issue (RFID) tags. It is ideal in situations where vehicles need to be granted continual or temporary access to a site such as in employee or visitor parking applications.

The ANPR Access V2 supersedes Nedap’s ANPR Access offering better performance, power over Ethernet, built in Wiegand modes and it now has 28 European libraries preloaded by default. Furthermore, it is still fully backwards compatible with existing installations.

This new camera can also easily integrate with any third party security, parking and traffic management systems by accessing the built-in Wiegand options.

The ANPR Access V2 cameras take the effectiveness of using ANPR for vehicle access control to the next level. Its available options for configuration and interfacing have been enhanced and extended, making ANPR now a viable option for installations all over the world, including the Pacific and the USA.

Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind.

Visit Nortech at Parkex 2019 on 2-4 April at Birmingham’s NEC to find out more about the many systems available and how they can benefit the future of people and vehicle control solutions.

Further information is available from Nortech on 01633 485533 or by emailing sales@nortechcontrol.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.nortechcontrol.com

Aston University rolls-out unified SafeZone protection and assistance solution for all staff and students worldwide

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Aston University, Birmingham, is transforming security and safety with the introduction of SafeZone® for students and staff on campus and those travelling globally.

The SafeZone solution, from CriticalArc, will put users directly in touch with the university’s security control room using their mobile phone, enabling them to request help, trigger an emergency response, receive rapid notifications in the event of emergencies and benefit from a wide range of customer-care services.

SafeZone was selected following a detailed comparison of alternative systems, says Mark Sutton, Head of Security and Emergency Planning at Aston University.

“While some alternatives offered individual features that were attractive, none of them combined all the functions and benefits in the way that SafeZone does,” he says.

“What we are investing in is a comprehensive solution that allows our security team to engage much more closely with students and staff, and to work in a more integrated way with the university’s various departments and within its senior management structure. It also gives us important additional functions including lone worker protection and resource management capabilities.”

The technology works by letting Aston’s control room operators pin-point the locations of individuals who elect to check-in using a simple app on their smart phones, including staff, students, service users and members of the security team.

This app makes it easy for students, staff and school’s using the system to communicate directly with security responders, calling for help, asking for advice, reporting suspicious activity etc. And in return security teams can send out alerts and safety instructions to groups or individuals, in specific locations, as individuals or by specified user type. Notifications can range from helpful advice to alerts regarding specific threats.

Officers responsible for emergency response management can also monitor activity patterns of those who choose to check-in, seeing where people are gathering during an incident for example. And they can co-ordinate resources, keeping track of where known first aiders are, or seeing exactly how team members are deployed, minute by minute.

The benefits of SafeZone bring together features found in an assortment of systems – including lone-worker protection – making them available in a unified, scalable package. There are also new options for users to collaborate with the growing global network of SafeZone system operators.

At Aston University stakeholders such as the students’ union, staff and department heads have been fully engaged in the roll-out of the new system.

“Safety is a big issue, particularly for city centre campuses,” says Mark Sutton. “Prospective students and parents want to know how well we look after our community, so we see SafeZone as an important new benefit.”

Aston also has a growing international reputation and a significant placements programme, with students and staff travelling around the world to work.

With the ability to ‘geo-fence’ any location in the world that has a signal, the university’s security team will now extend the same level of customer care and safety monitoring to all users, whether they are on campus, in accommodation blocks or associated sites around the city, or working abroad, says Darren Chalmers-Stevens, Managing Director EMEA and APAC for CriticalArc.

“We are delighted to be working with Aston University’s security and emergency response team to help them provide the best available monitoring and protection for all their people, in all situations and wherever they are. In addition, they are benefiting from a wide set of extra functions which would otherwise have to be purchased separately – including lone worker protection and health & safety compliance.”

There are also important, emerging benefits which CriticalArc is developing alongside its community of users, confirmed Darren Chalmers-Stevens. “These were discussed during our recent two-day user group conference in February.”

For more information on CriticalArc and SafeZone go to www.criticalarc.com or email contact@criticalarc.com. Stay up to date with news and information by following CriticalArc on Twitter and LinkedIn.

A First In security: Stanley Security Achives BIM Level 2 Accreditation

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STANLEY Security, is delighted to announce it is the first security company to achieve BIM Level 2 accreditation in the UK.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a shared knowledge resource, providing all of the information about every component of a building, in one easy to access place.  It enables construction professionals to digitally model a building and use the BIM data to reduce the risk of mistakes or discrepancies at an early stage, making for more cost-effective, safe construction, improved carbon performance and predictable planning.

As one of the UK’s leading security companies, STANLEY Security’s customer base extends from small businesses with a single intruder alarm system through to large integrated security systems operating across multiple sites in the commercial and public sectors.  Achieving BIM Level 2 accreditation has become increasingly important not only for full participation in public sector projects – construction suppliers tendering for centrally procured government projects must be working at BIM Level 2 – but for organisations in the commercial sector looking to reap the benefits of this advanced approach to construction.

Jason Wescombe, Design Manager – GB at STANLEY Security, explains: “From early in 2017 we noticed increasing customer enquiries relating to BIM services, ranging from design and construction, including COBie, to the provision of BIM Object Libraries. There was also increased Pre-Qualification Questionnaires relating to BIM Level 2, which was very much a new turn of events.  STANLEY Security is a proactive company that has its finger on the pulse of the security sector to identify where the market is going. We very much focus on identifying technology solutions that minimise financial outlay for a client; in this sense we are very much aligned with the BIM philosophy.

“We went out to the market to actively engage customers on the subject of BIM and it quickly became clear that BIM Level 2 capabilities had to be developed to meet future client requirements, and not just in the public sector.”

STANLEY Security worked with Excitech, a technology solutions and services provider to the construction sector, to undertake a BIM Level 2 Accreditation GAP Analysis and provide consultancy and training in BIM Level 2.  The transition to BIM Level 2 processes was achieved over a period of 18 months and, following a full Lloyds Register BIM Level 2 Assessment to ensure all processes were in place, understood and adopted, culminated in full accreditation.

According to the BSI, BIM Level 2 facilitates well-informed decision making for greater clarity, better communications and better efficiency. Cost savings of around 33% across CAPEX and OPEX are possible by following a Level 2 BIM process. As the cost of operating and maintaining buildings and facilities can represent up to 85% of the whole-life cost, savings can pay back any upfront premium in construction expenses in just a few years.

For more information, please go to https://www.stanleysecurity.co.uk/blog-resources/blog/382-bim-level-2-accreditation

New Ways Of Controlling Access

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Amer Hafiz, Technical Director At Nortech Control Systems, Reviews The Evolution Of Identity Credentials In Access Control.

Access control is defined as “the selective restriction of access to a place or other resource”. For an automatic access control system to function, it requires a means of identifying individuals to determine their access rights. The form of identification can be anything from a memorised password or PIN (personal identification number) to biometrics (measurement of a human characteristic).

Since the early days when access was granted when an authorised PIN was entered into a keypad, access control systems have evolved to support many forms of ‘physical’ credentials. Generally referred to as “pass cards”, these credentials have taken many forms:

Barcodes – where an identity number is printed on the card in the form of a machine-readable series of variable width bars. Although more secure than a memorised number, a barcode can be easily copied or reproduced.

Magnetic Stripe – where a magnetic stripe on the card stores an identity number within a designated track. A special magnetic card reader is used to read the number from the track.

Proximity Card – where an electronic chip on the card holds the identity number and a built-in antenna enables a compatible proximity card reader to read the identity number using radio frequency technology. The card simply needs to be held within a few centimetres of the reader.

Smart Card – using a similar radio technology to that of proximity cards, smart cards can hold a variety of data within the chip. The data can be read and/or written to the card using compatible readers/writers depending upon the application. For access control applications, an identity number can be stored on the card and read by a compatible access control card reader.

In each of these technologies, it is necessary to issue a uniquely numbered card (or key fob) to each authorised person. The unique number on the card serves as their identity on the access control system. Without the card, they would not be able to gain access to the restricted areas. This makes it necessary for them to keep their identity cards with them whenever they need to move around the building or installation.

Recent technological advances have made the need to carry identity cards unnecessary. Two completely different approaches have been used.

Biometric readers – The first was the development of Biometric readers, where the recognition of unique human characteristics such as fingerprints or retina patterns are used for identification, precluding the need for identity cards. To support these systems, authorised users must ‘enrol’ on the system, where their biometric data is read and stored in a database. Whenever the user needs to access a restricted area, they must present themselves to a biometric reader at the access point (e.g. places their finger on a fingerprint reader). The data obtained is then compared to the database to find a match to determine their identity and check their access rights before granting entry. Although this provides a high level of security and avoids the need to issue credentials, the readers are very expensive and the process of looking up complex data with a large database can be slow and limiting.

Virtual credentials – The second alternative is to use Smartphone-based ‘virtual credentials’ to replace physical cards and fobs. A virtual credential is a unique identity code that can be securely sent from a cloud-based server to an App on the user’s smartphone. Several virtual credentials can be stored on the smartphone for different access applications. A smartphone with its virtual credential can be used to gain access to restricted areas, making it unnecessary for the user to carry cards or fobs. As most people now carry their smartphones everywhere they go, they are far less likely to lose their credentials or forget to keep them handy.

The app can present the credentials to readers using one of the smartphones built-in communication technologies such as low power blue tooth, NFC or QR Code. The technology used would depend on the capabilities of the reader and the type of smartphone being used.

If Bluetooth is used, it can offer a further benefit as it can be used at distances of up to 15 metres from the reader, effectively replacing long-range, hands-free reader technologies.

Where might credentials go next?

In the short to medium term, identity cards will continue to be used, with contactless smartcard gradually replacing older technology proximity cards. Virtual credentials on mobile devices will become far more widespread. The ever-increasing levels of security being required will most likely lead to a wider use of facial recognition as the main biometric credential. With advances in Bluetooth technology providing increased bandwidth, more information can be quickly retrieved from smart devices, making the combination of high-security biometrics and smartphone apps a real possibility for controlling access.

Further information is available from Nortech on 01633 485533 or by emailing sales@nortechcontrol.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.nortechcontrol.com

SP Energy Networks set UK utilities trend with largest ever smart key project

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Electric high-power station and powerful transformers

Scottish Power Energy Networks is leading the way with its security and access management control, using a unique key-centric access control solution, from smart electronic key manufacturer, LOCKEN. The leading name in smart key solutions has just signed a contract with SP Energy Networks to secure its electricity supply infrastructure, across more than 17,000 sites.

The energy supplier is looking to roll out the customised solution over the next three years using electronic locks to protect 23,000 access points with over 1,000 users.

The contactless electronic smart key combines the advantages of a traditional mechanical lock with a state-of-the-art electronic solution, with the information exchanged between the key and the cylinder by magnetic induction, rather than by an electrical contact. This allows almost instantaneous opening of the lock and a high reliability of the hardware without disruption by presence of rust, wear or dust.

The solution includes a Bluetooth module, which means the mechatronic key communicates with the user’s smartphone, using the MyLocken app. It is capable of offering centralised control and case-by-case, real-time access control, reaching standards of security that are usually only available from on-line access control systems.

The system does not require any on-site cabling or batteries for the lock, because the key supplies the cylinder with the energy and the information required to open the lock. In this way, users working on large infrastructures or complex sites with multiple points of access can make do with a single key. The solution is made even more flexible by its purely mechanical component, which can be used to open conventional mechanical cylinders, wherever the two types of locks co-exist within the same system.

Nick Dooley MD at LOCKEN UK Ltd explains: “This innovative electronic solution will enable the power supply network to support the improvement of health and safety procedures for the power group’s employees and subcontractors and deliver maximum performance to its customers.

“LOCKEN’s advanced access control solution helps DNOs to comply with Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR). The solution allows simple, flexible, efficient access management, which can be integrated with SP Energy Networks’ existing software system, giving improved operational efficiency which equals enhanced profitability.”

For further information about LOCKEN, visit www.locken.co.uk, find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn or telephone 0203 691 1610.

ISO 9001:2015 provides PACOM with a competitive edge

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PACOM, a STANLEY Products and Solutions company and leading provider of security and access control solutions, has confirmed its commitment to best in class quality management by gaining the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification. This significant achievement is part of the company’s continuing efforts to make its processes as agile as possible and set the standard in an increasingly competitive market.

Since it was first published in 1987, ISO 9001 has become the world’s most established quality management framework and is currently used by over a million companies across the globe. PACOM was previously certified to ISO 9001:2008, which ceased to apply from the middle of September 2018, and began its transition process to ISO 9001:2015 well in advance of this deadline. Certified through an external certification body, a rigorous audit was conducted on PACOM’s quality management system to assess the company’s dedication to the ongoing improvement of its processes.

‘A desire to operate to the highest standards runs through everything we do and ISO 9001:2015 rubber stamps our credentials through better integration and alignment of our internal processes,’ explained James Ford, PACOM’s marketing director. ‘This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and results and defines a standard of operation that exceeds our customers’ expectations. It also helps to ensure that they consider us as the security and access control solutions supplier of choice.’

ISO 9001:2015 takes into account a number of principles and is based on ISO’s Annex SL, which consists of 10 clauses that act a basic set of generic requirements to follow, in addition to the Plan, Do, Check, Act structure pioneered by W. Edwards Deming. The standard makes companies assess risks, identify opportunities for improvement and

effectively manage and measure performance across all levels of the company. As such, senior management must now be able to demonstrate a greater commitment to, and direct involvement in, a company’s quality management system.

PACOM’s James Ford concluded, ‘I would like to congratulate the team for all the hard work that has gone into attaining ISO 9001:2015 – it’s a milestone achievement that reflects our growth and development. Our culture of continuous improvement is vital in maintaining a market leading position, while the discipline and framework provided by our quality management system creates an environment that will help us achieve our corporate objectives. Just as importantly, it means our customers have complete assurance that PACOM operates to the highest standards and that we meet all regulatory requirements for our products and services, which we will strive to maintain and improve upon.’

For further information please contact James Ford, Director Global Marketing.
Email: james.ford@sbdinc.com; Tel: +44 (0) 1753 500537; or visit www.pacom.com

Nortech’s uPass Target monitors traffic flow at St. James’ Market

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People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech has recently seen St James’ Market in central London update and improve access to its site using Nedap’s uPASS Target system.

Supplied by Nortech, Nedap’s uPASS Target was installed by leading supplier of integrated security systems Total Support Services (Security) Ltd, which was selected to supply the robust solution for long-range identification to its recently installed security gates at the market.

Total Support Services (Security) Ltd, TSS, which designs and engineers its own brand of security products and equipment, was able to use its 26 years of experience in specialised security products and services to provide the ideal security and access system that fitted the client’s needs. TSS selected the uPASS Target as it is easy to integrate with any existing access control systems so users don’t need to get out of their vehicles to get into the development.

Guy Bulmer, Director at Total Security Services commented, “We use Nortech as they are our ‘go-to’ provider for access control and vehicle identification systems. We have had a great relationship with them for nearly 20 years, ever since we were asked to install a Norpass system for some clients, and it just went from there.”

He continued, “We certainly recommend Nortech products to others and we are very happy with the end result achieved for the client. We have our core products that we use because they are easy to install and they just work. Any issues are dealt with in a helpful and friendly way by the tech guys and we always get a reliable system at the end of it.”

The uPASS Target is a robust solution for long-range identification of vehicles, people and rolling stock. It is ideal both for access control to gated sites and for close monitoring of traffic flow activities at industrial sites and logistic depots. Its Plug-and-Play features enable it to be installed in just a few simple steps, and its variety of industry-standard communication interfaces support seamless integration into any existing or new third party systems for access control, logistic operations, security and parking.

Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind.

Further information is available from Nortech on 01633 485533 or by emailing sales@nortechcontrol.comor by visiting the company’s website at www.nortechcontrol.com

Nortech is supported by Vantage PR

Videx Enhances Portal Plus Offering

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Videx, the experts in door entry and access control, has enhanced its Portal Plus access control range by introducing a lift interface relay unit that enables the operation of a lift to be controlled by the access control system.

Portal Plus is Videx’s networkable access control system that supports proximity, keypads and bio access readers. It’s used in many applications across the private and public sector and is scalable from simple one entrance systems through to multiple entrances with local or remote management facilities.

The lift interface relay unit enables the calling of the lift and the restricted use of the lift to users programmed on the access control system. It can be used to enable the lift buttons or allow direct floor selection. It’s an ideal access control solution for the management of a lift in commercial premises and residential developments.

Neil Thomas, National Sales Manager at Videx UK, said: “The RB0408 unit is a great addition to the Portal Plus range because it means access can be restricted to certain floors as well as certain rooms within a building, offering additional security to those who live or work within the building. This can be especially useful in shared buildings, such as office blocks, where each floor might be occupied by different tenants where they’re only allowed access to their own floor, and also in residential developments for restricting entry to tenants to the floor they live on, in high rise flats for example.”

The RB0408 includes 8 relays to control up to 8 floors. Using more than one RB0408, it’s possible to control lifts for up to 32 floors. The RB0408 also includes LED indication when a relay is active which is useful for an engineer to see which floors have access when a user operates a reader. Four inputs are also included to enable, disable and override the lift control.

Neil added: “Users of the access control system can choose either an access code, proximity fob/card or their finger print to call the lift. Programming is carried out using the Portal Plus Pros CS management software where the lift control integrates seamlessly into user access level programming enabling each user to be independently programmed so that they can gain entry to one or more floors based on their access rights and time restricted access.”

The lift controllers are simple to connect and setup, utilising an RS485 bus to connect to the Portal Plus EWSi controller and includes dip switches to address the unit. The unit can be added to the system control cabinet, directly wall mounted or mounted on a DIN rail.

For more information on the RB0408 relay unit and how it enhances Videx’s Portal Plus offering, please visit www.videxuk.com

Videx Adds New Matt Black Monitors to Hands Free 6700 Video Entry Series

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Videx, the experts in access control and door entry, has enhanced its popular range of hands free colour video monitors with a new matt black soft touch finish.

The monitors, which feature a 7-inch-high resolution colour LCD screen are now available in both a matt black or satin white finish for a number of our popular door entry systems.

Neil Thomas, National Sales Manager at Videx, said: “Video door entry is a very popular access control choice because it enables a resident to see and talk to a caller prior to opening the door which offers additional peace of mind and security as they have the option to deny access to a caller without having to open the door first. Our 6700 series of hands free monitors carry a number of advanced features such as entrance recall, door release, a do not disturb function and an optional video clip record facility while maintaining ease of use and installation.”

The monitors are available with a video memory feature that can be used with or without a Micro SD card to capture an image or short video of a caller enabling the occupant to see any visitors they may have missed throughout the day. Without the Micro SD card installed, the 6700 Series is able to store up to 100 still images of the caller while with a Micro SD card it’s possible to store up to 4096 still images or up to 512 15 second video clips of callers. The facility can be used manually where the user can press a button to either take a picture of the caller, start recording a short video clip or it can be used in an automatic mode where the picture/video clip will automatically be taken when a visitor calls – allowing the user to review any missed calls when they arrive home. The Micro SD card can also be removed allowing the images and video clips to be used in another device such as a mobile, tablet or PC.

Neil added: “Due to popular demand, we are now able to offer the monitors in a matt black soft touch high end finish as well as the standard satin white finish, so that they complement any surrounding area or environment, as well as providing a great access control solution. With the video monitors, there’s also a number of programmable features such as ring tone, privacy time and number of rings allowing each apartment to be customised to the client’s needs.”

Currently the monitors are available for the full video kit range, VX2200 6 wire system for low and high rise apartments and the VX2300 2 wire system enabling these monitors to be used in one apartment systems through to systems with up to 1000 apartments.

For more information about the new 6700 series video monitor range and the new matt black monitors, please visit:www.videxuk.com or call 0870 300 1240.

Stanley Security launches Stanley Onedoor Smartphone based access control system with UK startup doordeck

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STANLEY Security, one of the most trusted names in the world of security, has partnered with London-based security start-up Doordeck to launch the Stanley OneDoor smartphone-based access control system.  Stanley OneDoor can be used with existing STANLEY access control products and rolled out to an entire building in under one hour, without the need for any new hardware.

Designed to be quick and simple to use, Stanley OneDoor removes the need for keycards and tags and all the management and associated costs that entails.  Instead, users gain access via their smartphones through the Stanley OneDoor App, ‘reading’ Stanley OneDoor tiles using either a QR code, via the app, or an NFC chip, just like Apple Pay and Google Pay.  Highly flexible, the system is secured with bank-level encryption and can also be used with traditional cards and tags where required.

For STANLEY Security access control customers, Stanley OneDoor provides significant benefits with no capital expenditure.  Instead, there is a competitively priced monthly subscription fee per door, with unlimited users.  Furthermore, costs associated with managing an access control system are largely removed, making Stanley OneDoor even more cost-effective.  Access can be managed remotely, with no requirement to be present to issue a virtual key.  All administration functions are also managed online and are comparable to existing systems.

There are environmental benefits to be had from this approach as existing hardware is used rather than heading for landfill and plastic cards and tags become a thing of the past.

Stanley OneDoor is not only cost-effective and convenient but also highly secure: lost or misplaced keycards are a regular occurrence and represent a security threat.  People are far more mindful of their Smartphone and,even if they are lost or stolen, remain more secure as fingerprint and facial recognition means the Stanley OneDoor app doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.  For high-security sites, Stanley OneDoor can also be configured to use restricted wi-fi networks and GPS Geofencing as additional security layers. Plus, with immediately accessible usage logs and access data, administrators can see up-to-date statistics about who’s in their building and how it’s being used.

Matthew Marriott, General Manager for STANLEY Security Great Britain, considers OneDoor to be a breakthrough product in access control: “OneDoor is one of the first solutions to emerge from our new approach to product development.  We are partnering with tech start-ups and companies at an early stage to bring refreshingly innovative technology to the market in a commercially viable form.  We are pleased to be working with Doordeck on this project and are now in a position to take OneDoor to market.”

William Bainborough, Chief Executive of Doordeck, said: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with STANLEY Security for Stanley OneDoor. We feel STANLEY Security not only understands the commercial value that Stanley OneDoor can bring to our customers, but also truly appreciates the technological expertise behind it.”

Stanley OneDoor joins STANLEY Security’s comprehensive range of access control solutions including STANLEY NT500, Paxton, PLAN and in the enterprise level access control PACOM, Lenel, S2, Honeywell Prowatch, C-Cure Software House and Genetec. STANLEY’s team of security experts has decades of experience designing and installing effective access control systems in a broad range of industries.

For more information on STANLEY Security’s OneDoor, please go to www.stanleysecurity.co.uk/onedoor