Videx Electronic Keypads for Access Control Systems  (17)

In daily work and life, various locks have always played the role of protecting asset safety. In different usage scenarios, the most appropriate lock must be selected to maximize benefits. In the past applications, the difficulties encountered by managers are as follows. Unlocking authority is difficult to control, unclear access records, emergency unlocking, and troublesome upgrade and installation. Through the following points, how the key-centric access management system solves such problems. Access management system The key-centric access management system, also known as intelligent passive electronic lock system, which is based on three elements: electronic keys, electronic cylinders and management software, can provide powerful and traceable access control. Each smart key is unique and cannot be copied, and in the event of loss or theft, these keys can be quickly disabled. Each smart key is unique and cannot be copied, and in the event of loss or theft, these keys can be disabledIn the process of using traditional mechanical locks, it is not difficult to find that it is quite complex to realize the access control of unlocking. The difficulty is that the keys can be copied at will, the use records are not clear, and the credibility of employees cannot be guaranteed... etc. For managers, this is a safety issue that cannot be ignored. Mechanical lock system And through the key-centric access management system, we can accurately assign access authority for each user, and set different access authority for locks in different areas. For example, we can set the XX user to have access to the archive room (A) from 10:00 on May 1, 2021 to 17:00 on June 1, 2021, within this time range. Outside this time range, there will be no unlock authority. The flexibility of the traditional mechanical lock system is insufficient. There is no clear record to determine who entered the area. It is usually a simple paper record that records the unlocking records of the employees. The authenticity and validity of the system need to be examined. In the key-centric access management system, when an employee unlocks the lock, the unlock record will be synchronized to the management terminal. Remote authorized unlocking With the key-centric access management system, remote authorized unlocking can be realized Through secondary records, managers can easily track employees and supervise employees' visits to each area. In daily work, there are often emergencies that require temporary visits to certain specific areas. If you encounter a situation where the distance is extremely long, and you don’t have the key to that area, you can imagine how bad this is. The process of fetching the keys back and forth is time-consuming and laborious. With the key-centric access management system, remote authorized unlocking can be realized. You can apply for the unlocking authority through the mobile APP, or you can temporarily issue the unlocking authority for the area on the management terminal, which saves time and effort. When faced with the failure of ordinary mechanical locks to meet management needs, some managers can already think of upgrading their management system, that is, the intelligent access control system. Passive electronic locks But before making this decision, the manager will inevitably consider the various costs brought about by the upgrade, including installation costs (cable cost), learning costs, and maintenance costs. Since most of the universal intelligent access control systems on the market require wiring and power supply, the cost of transformation and upgrading is quite high for managers who have such a huge amount of engineering. The key-centric access management system is the ‘gospel’ for managers. Since passive electronic locks and ordinary mechanical locks have the same size, they can be directly retrofitted to existing hardware, and they can be replaced step by step simply and easily. At present, the key-centric access management system is being known and applied by more and more managers and enterprises. Application industries include, such as power utilities, water utilities, public security, telecommunication industry, transportation, etc.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has made us all more conscious of who is coming and going from our property. Whether it is a family home, business premises or public building, property owners want full control over access for protection and peace of mind. As a provider of access control technologies, we are seeing a growing demand for automated gates with a variety of access control systems. There are a number of considerations that buyers need to make when investing. And as an installer, there is advice that you can offer to help your clients make the right choice for their property. Here are some of the key considerations you’ll need to make and discuss with your client. Whomever you buy from, you should be offered more than a simple instruction manual. Electronic locks, magnetic locks and code security In the first instance, you’ll need to advise on the type of lock and access control available. Electronic locks release on the operation of the automation system to allow the gates to open. Locks are required for all non-locking (also known as reversible) operators and are recommended for any gate on a multi-user site or any gate over 2.5m. Apply the same logic to an automated gate as you would to a domestic door – for example, you wouldn’t fit your front door with a lock on the same side as the hinges or a drop bolt at the hinge end of a manual gate so why dispense with this logic when the gate is automated? Electronic locks release on the operation of the automation system to allow the gates to open There are a number of locks on the market including magnetic locks, drop locks that “shoot” a bolt into the ground and side latching locks. These are all designed for external use. While the gate itself will provide physical security, the customer will want to feel in control of who enters their property, when and for what purpose. Consider access for mail and deliveries, waste disposal and visitors arriving on foot etc. There is a range of options available. Intercom systems will allow the user to vet visitors, keypad entry can allow remote access for visitors with a specific code, remote controls allow an oncoming driver to open the gates without getting out of the vehicle, and a timer control can be used to open or close the gates at certain times of the day. Vehicle detection loops can be installed discreetly under the tarmac allowing the presence of vehicles to exit the gates and prevent closing while obstructed. Sliding gates versus swinging gates There are a number of locks on the market including magnetic locks, drop locks that “shoot” a bolt into the ground and side latching locks Gates can be automated to either swing or to slide open and in the case of swinging gates, the opener may be concealed underground or gate mounted. The most suitable opener for your installation will depend on the space available and the type of gate selected. Concealed underground automation is ideal for highly ornate gates. However, where gates are fully infilled (typical of many timber designs), gate mounted openers are concealed from the front of the gate by the gate leaf and present a cost-effective option. The choice between slide and swing is largely down to space - swing gates require a clear space for their opening arc while sliding gates require space to one or both sides of the gate. Sliding gates are perhaps the best choice where the drive slopes or when drive space is limited, as they use the least space when opening. Voltage Most swing gate and sliding systems are available in 24v or 230v. The 24v systems still need 230v mains power – there is a transformer built into the 24v control panels. Deciding which voltage to use can include a combination of factors such as the material of the gates, the location of the system and the safety features you want. Concealed underground automation is ideal for highly ornate gates With wrought iron gates, the wind can pass through them whereas with fully boarded wooden gates (popular because they give full privacy) the wind has nowhere to go, so they act like sails. For commercial or industrial applications with larger entrances and a heavy gate, you may need 3 Phase 400v power (sliding gates only). Installing gate motors in confined spaces The environment in which you are fitting may well influence which gate and motor you recommend. Will it be in an exposed area which is subject to the elements? Will it be positioned on a slope? Sliding gates are perhaps the best choice where the drive slopes or when drive space is limited Installers have always faced the challenge of installing gate motors in confined spaces. When fitting a pedestrian gate, there is often limited space in which to work – potentially making an installation time consuming and technically demanding. If this is the case for you, consider a gate operator which is designed specifically for installations with limited space for maneuver. An example of this is the E5 compact gate operator. The operator is not only small but has an optional slide lever attachment designed for installations where there is extremely limited space, meaning that just 8cm of the pillar is needed for installation. What’s more, improved fixing points and a simple ‘hook and fasten’ process means assembly is safe, quick and straight forward. Ultimately, you’ll be looking for a good quality, reliable product with good service. Work with a supplier that offers more than just a manual. If they are happy to offer training, their time and advice when you buy, the chances are you’ll get their support long term.

The safeguarding of premises through the monitoring of entrance and exit points has traditionally been a very manual aspect of security. Human operators have been relied on to make decisions about who to admit and deny based on levels of authorization and the appropriate credentials. The access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation But the access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation; one where the protection of premises, assets and people is increasingly delivered by interconnected systems utilising IoT devices and cloud infrastructure to offer greater levels of security and protection. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification, right through to complex networks of thermal cameras, audio speakers and sensors. These systems, connected through the cloud, can be customized and scaled to meet the precise requirements of today’s customer. And it’s the ease of cloud integration, combined with open technologies and platforms that is encouraging increasing collaboration and exciting developments while rendering legacy systems largely unfit for purpose. Remote management and advanced diagnostics Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution.Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution. For example, as the world faces an unprecedented challenge and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruption, the ability to monitor and manage access to sites remotely is a welcome advantage for security teams who might otherwise have to check premises in person and risk breaking social distancing regulations. The benefits of not physically having to be on site extend to the locations within which these technologies can be utilised. As an example, within a critical infrastructure energy project, access can be granted remotely for maintenance on hard to reach locations. Advanced diagnostics can also play a part in such a scenario. When access control is integrated with video surveillance and IP audio, real-time monitoring of access points can identify possible trespassers with automated audio messages used to deter illegal access and making any dangers clear. And with video surveillance in the mix, high quality footage can be provided to authorities with real-time evidence of a crime in progress. Comprehensive protection in retail The use of connected technologies for advanced protection extends to many forward-looking applications. Within the retail industry, autonomous, cashier-less stores are already growing in popularity. Customers are able to use mobile technology to self-scan their chosen products and make payments, all from using a dedicated app. From an access control and security perspective, connected doors can be controlled to protect staff and monitor shopper movement. Remote management includes tasks such as rolling out firmware updates or restarting door controllers, with push notifications sent immediately to security personnel in the event of a breach or a door left open. Remote monitoring access control in storage In the storage facility space, this too can now be entirely run through the cloud with remote monitoring of access control and surveillance providing a secure and streamlined service. There is much to gain from automating the customer journey, where storage lockers are selected online and, following payment, customers are granted access. Through an app the customer can share their access with others, check event logs, and activate notifications. With traditional padlocks the sharing of access is not as practical, and it’s not easy for managers to keep a record of storage locker access. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers. The elimination of manual tasks, in both scenarios, represents cost savings. When doors are connected to the cloud, their geographical location is rendered largely irrelevant. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers They become IoT devices which are fully integrated and remotely programmable from anywhere, at any time. This creates a powerful advantage for the managers of these environments, making it possible to report on the status of a whole chain of stores, or to monitor access to numerous storage facilities, using the intelligence that the technology provides from the data it collects. Open platforms powers continuous innovation All of these examples rely on open technology to make it possible, allowing developers and technology providers to avoid the pitfalls that come with the use of proprietary systems. The limitations of such systems have meant that the ideas, designs and concepts of the few have stifled the creativity and potential of the many, holding back innovation and letting the solutions become tired and their application predictable. Proprietary systems have meant that solution providers have been unable to meet their customers’ requirements until the latest upgrade becomes available or a new solution is rolled out. This use of open technology enables a system that allows for collaboration, the sharing of ideas and for the creation of partnerships to produce ground-breaking new applications of technology. Open systems demonstrate a confidence in a vendor’s own solutions and a willingness to share and encourage others to innovate and to facilitate joint learning. An example of the dynamic use of open technology is Axis’ physical access control hardware, which enables partners to develop their own cloud-based software for control and analysis of access points, all the while building and expanding on Axis’ technology platform. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification Opportunities for growth Open hardware, systems and platforms create opportunities for smaller and younger companies to participate and compete, giving them a good starting point, and some leverage within the industry when building and improving upon existing, proven technologies. This is important for the evolution and continual relevance of the physical security industry in a digitally enabled world. Through increased collaboration across technology platforms, and utilising the full range of possibilities afforded by the cloud environment, the manufacturers, vendors and installers of today’s IP enabled access control systems can continue to create smart solutions to meet the ever-changing demands and requirements of their customers across industry.

Videx Security appoints James Rose, an experienced professional in the access control and door entry market, to National Projects Manager. In the newly created role, James is responsible for Videx’s large-scale access control and entry projects, predominately in the social and private residential sector. A key element of his role involves onsite leadership for the project team, taking ownership of the full project life cycle from initiation to completion. Developing strong relationships James is an integral part of the Videx team and has been working at the company for over 10 years. He has a strong technical and sales background with extensive knowledge and expertise of the Videx range of access control and entry systems. John Rickard, Managing Director of Videx, said: “James not only has an in-depth understanding of the business, our products, and the industry generally, but he also has developed strong relationships with key partners - installers, distributors and integrators - through his technical and sales roles at Videx over the years. Together with his passion for innovation, James will be able to create new business opportunities with large scale, expansive projects in his new role.” Prioritizing technology innovations Both James and James will work closely together in securing larger contracts for Videx “At Videx, we pride ourselves on providing a bespoke security solution and understanding a customer’s specific requirements which sets us apart from other entry manufacturers. Building on this USP, James will help us to secure more projects where the specification required is highly bespoke and tailored to specific customer needs.” The news follows the appointment of James Gray to National Sales Manager. Both James and James will work closely together in securing larger contracts for Videx, focusing on those sectors that provide the most growth potential to the business. Of particular focus this year are local authority and housing sectors as well as the healthcare industry which is calling for increased door entry and access control measures as they focus on bringing the current pandemic under control by reducing the spread of COVID-19. James added: “I am looking forward to taking on a challenging, but exciting, role as we push forward with our growth plans, prioritizing technology innovations and best-in-class customer service.”

Videx Security has appointed a new National Sales Manager following the departure of Neil Thomas. James Gray, who has been with the company for over a decade, becomes the firm’s National Sales Manager after Neil left the company following a 20-year career at Videx. Neil has moved out of the access control industry, relocating to Cyprus. In his role as National Sales Manager, James is responsible for maintaining and growing Videx’s sales pipeline across the UK. He will manage and oversee the Videx team of Regional Sales Managers, Key Account Managers, and Sales Estimators. James will also play a key role in developing Videx’s existing relationships with the company’s network of distributors, wholesalers, and security installers. Business growth and product range Focused on bringing new products to market and building on the success achieved through in-depth knowledge of the industry John Rickard, Managing Director at Videx, said, “James has been with the company for a considerable time and, as well as being highly skilled and experienced, he fully understands how Videx operates and is committed to the long-term future of the business.” “James’ tenacity and desire to drive us forward even during tumultuous times is an asset to Videx as we continue to grow the business and develop a wider range of products to a larger customer base. This year, we’re focused on bringing new products to market and building on our success which we’ve achieved through our in-depth knowledge of the industry and relationship-focused approach to growth.” Experience Prior to his new role, James was the Senior Projects Lead, responsible for managing the firm’s biggest access control and door entry projects. Because of this, James has an extensive understanding of the access control market and in-depth knowledge of Videx and the services and products it provides. Raising profile James added, “It’s great to be appointed as National Sales Manager and I am looking forward to developing our relationships with distributors and installers across the UK.” “Working closely with my team of regional sales managers and senior leadership, I’m focused on raising our profile, particularly with local authorities, to help meet the entry needs of a wide range of public sector organizations including schools, hospitals, and housing developments.”

Milton Keynes University Hospital has installed a Videx VX2200 system, one of the UK’s renowned access control manufacturer’s flagship door entry systems with 5178 hands free audio units and touch free entry points. Through opting for a touch free entry solution, the hospital has been able to reduce physical contact between people to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Four independent units were installed by ST Fire and Security in different buildings of the hospital. One was installed at The Campbell Center, a 38-bed acute inpatient mental health unit, another system fitted at the hospital’s dental surgery, a system fitted at the entrance of urgent care and a final one at Eaglestone Health Center which is a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) facility. Audio apartment station Simon Turpin, Owner of ST Fire and Security, said: “The Videx VX2200 system with hands free audio apartment station and touch free entry points delivers huge benefits to the hospital by safeguarding patient, visitor and NHS staff safety as well providing easy and convenient access. The new system reduces waiting times as when a visitor uses it, someone in the building is immediately notified and will come to see them to complete entry.” “The Videx kit is the only one on the market currently that can offer convenient access in a touch-free way - they’re highly useful in helping the hospital ensure people stick to the designated one way system in place.” Touch free access Proximity access control can be added allowing authorized personnel to enter buildings touch free" As well as providing touch free access, the Videx system has replaced an existing system that had failed, affecting secure and convenient access to and from The Campbell Center. The Videx solution means no patient or member of staff is waiting for access into the secure mental health unit, safeguarding patients and employees. Ben Davies, South East Sales Manager, Videx UK, said: “Our touch free access control range has proved hugely popular in recent months as minimal contact remains key to reducing the spread of the coronavirus. The range offers both exit buttons and entrance panels in a touch free format using infrared sensor technology, providing a no touch solution for businesses as they focus on creating a COVID secure environment for their employees, partners and customers.” Bespoke entry panels “Proximity access control can be added allowing authorized personnel to enter buildings touch free, which is particularly useful for hospitals and other NHS buildings such as GP surgeries and urgent care facilities. We can also provide fully customized options, offering bespoke entry panels and exit buttons that are in keeping with the surroundings of the building whether that’s a specific hospital ward, GP surgeries, or dentist practices.”