TDSi - Experts & Thought Leaders

Integrated access control and security manufacturer TDSi is delighted to welcome Damian Garner to the team. Damian joins as New Business Sales Associate and brings over 20 years of sales and commercial leadership experience across B2B and B2C markets, strengthening TDSi’s commitment to customer partnerships, innovation, and sustainable growth. Long-term success Reflecting on Damian’s appointment, Alex Rumsey, Sales Director at TDSi, commented, “Having built his career on helping organizations enhance their commercial performance, holding senior customer-facing roles in business development, strategic account management, and high-value client engagement, Damian is the perfect person to further develop our new business campaign." "Renowned for his people-first approach and sharp commercial instinct, he has developed a strong reputation for strengthening partnerships and driving long-term success.”  New commercial opportunities and strategies Damian’s broad career experience spans diverse industries. After establishing himself in corporate sales, Damian founded and led his own recruitment business, deepening his understanding of client needs, service excellence, and trusted relationships.  He later expanded internationally into the sports industry, working between the UK and Italy on networking and knowledge-sharing events covering stadium design, operational innovation, and enhancing the fan matchday experience.  In this role, he connected suppliers with end users across elite sports - including NFL franchises, Premier League football clubs, major cricket organizations, and national bodies bidding to host international tournaments - identifying new commercial opportunities and strategies to boost profitability. Methodical approach Damian has also managed a Connells estate agency branch, gaining valuable leadership experience and building a strong foundation in performance-driven team management. Adding a distinctive dimension to his expertise, he holds a degree in forensic archeology , equipping him with a uniquely analytical mindset, exceptional attention to detail, and a methodical approach that he applies across every role. TDSi’s market presence Speaking about his appointment, Damian commented: “Customers trust TDSi because the products perform, the technology is robust, and the support behind it is second-to-none. I am excited to be joining at such a pivotal time, bringing fresh perspectives from outside the security sector and helping strengthen collaboration between TDSi and its Hirsch Group (formerly Vitaprotech Group) sister companies." "I look forward to driving new customer and partner relationships, expanding TDSi’s market presence across new sectors, and supporting strategic initiatives that will shape the company’s next phase of growth.”

Integrated access control and security manufacturer TDSi now announces that from 1st January 2026, it will operate under the new name: TDSi by Hirsch. The change follows the global transformation of its parent company, Vitaprotech, into the Hirsch Group, unifying its security brands worldwide under one trusted name.  TDSi’s integrated access control For more than 40 years, TDSi’s integrated access control solutions have been at the heart of thousands of installations across education, healthcare, government, and commercial environments in the UK and around the world. This proven expertise remains the foundation of what we deliver. Building on that strength, our further integration with Hirsch enhances what TDSi already offers. Customers will now benefit from access to Hirsch’s portfolio of high-security Access, Perimeter and Video solutions. Together, these additions create one of the most comprehensive and cohesive security offerings in the UK market, reinforcing and extending the trusted solutions our customers rely on. The new TDSi by Hirsch brand reflects Hirsch Group’s vision of harmonising, innovating, and internationalising its security solutions, while ensuring continuity and reliability for long‑standing customers. Hirsch’s global platform Richard Huison, UK Managing Director of Hirsch Secure and TDSi, commented: “TDSi has built a strong reputation in the UK and beyond, with installations in some of the most demanding environments worldwide. Becoming TDSi by Hirsch strengthens that legacy by combining our proven access control expertise with Hirsch’s global platform." "For our customers, nothing changes in terms of service or support, it is very much business as usual. What does change is the breadth of solutions we can now offer, from perimeter to core security, giving our partners and end‑users access to a truly unified security portfolio that is scalable, interoperable, and future‑ready.”  TDSi moves into next chapter TDSi joined Vitaprotech Group in 2019, followed by Hirsch in 2024. The group of security specialists will adopt the globally recognized Hirsch name on 1st January 2026, instantly conveying premium positioning, federal-grade trust, and worldwide ambition. Eric Thord remains CEO, with Steven Humphreys as Deputy CEO, driving a clear vision: global strategy, local execution, delivering innovative, interoperable security solutions precisely tailored to each market. As TDSi moves into this next chapter as TDSi by Hirsch, its commitment to its customers, partners, and the wider security community remains unchanged. All existing products, services, support channels, and points of contact will continue as normal, ensuring complete continuity throughout the transition. Customer-first approach Customers can expect to see the TDSi by Hirsch Logo begin to roll out from early next year, marking the start of a gradual evolution rather than an overnight change. With the strength of the Hirsch Group behind it, TDSi is poised to deliver even greater value while continuing to operate with the same reliability, expertise, and customer-first approach that have defined the business for over four decades.

Integrated access control and security manufacturer - TDSi has announced the release of GARDiS Pro Version 3.1, the latest enhanced iteration of its GARDiS Access Control Management Software. GARDiS 3.1 introduces expanded biometric support and intelligent credential management, delivering improved hardware reporting capabilities and new third-party integration options to further enhance system performance and flexibility. Latest update for GARDiS Pro Tina Baker, Software Development Manager at TDSi commented, "We are excited to announce this latest update for GARDiS Pro which delivers practical and meaningful upgrades that enhance both day-to-day operations and long-term scalability. Whether you're securing a single site or managing complex, multi-layered environments, GARDiS Pro v3.1 provides the tools to do it more efficiently and confidently than ever." Key enhancements in GARDiS Pro Version 3.1 The latest update to TDSi’s GARDiS Pro Software introduces a range of new features designed to enhance security, performance, and user experience. Version 3.1 adds support for the Digitouch Biometric Reader, enabling fast and cost-effective fingerprint authentication, and introduces automatic credential status updates to strengthen access control management. Administrators also benefit from customizable event log retention, improving compliance and system performance. Duress PIN alert function New third-party integration with Nettla allows facility bookings to automatically trigger secure, time-limited access permissions, while updates such as accented character support, enhanced expander and door status reporting, and lift button press logging further improve system flexibility and monitoring precision. Additional refinements include a new Duress PIN alert function for discreet security responses and multiple backend performance enhancements that deliver greater stability and responsiveness across the platform. Latest version of TDSi’s GARDiS Pro Software The latest version of TDSi’s GARDiS Pro Software builds upon the release of Version 3 earlier this year, which introduced a wide range of new features and enhancements including intuitive access control tools, advanced reporting, streamlined setup processes, a simplified licensing workflow, new multi-factor authentication options, and improved data import and user interface refinements. GARDiS Pro Version 3.1 is available now and can be downloaded from the TDSi Product Registration site. TDSi installers and customers are encouraged to upgrade to Version 3.1 to take full advantage of the latest features and performance improvements.

Installing physical security systems requires integrating diverse technologies (e.g., cameras, access control, alarms) that often use different protocols and must be adapted to a building's unique physical layout and legacy infrastructure.  Specialized technical expertise is required for seamless networking and proper configuration. Hopefully, no important factors are overlooked in the installation process. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?

The healthcare industry faces unique and significant security challenges. Healthcare security professionals must balance an open, welcoming environment for patients and visitors with the need to protect valuable assets and personnel in a high-stress, 24/7 setting. These requirements direct the physical security technologies deployed in medical facilities. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the healthcare market, and how should the physical security industry adapt?

A system's lifecycle is the journey it takes from planning and design through to decommissioning. Considering the entire lifecycle of a system can encourage integrators and end users to embrace higher-quality technologies with an eye toward maximizing their value over time rather than focusing on lower-priced equipment. For additional insights, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How does consideration of system lifecycles impact the choice of physical security technologies?