Tina Baker

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is pleased to announce a raft of new features for its GARDiS range of integrated software and hardware security systems. Additional features for 2021 include integration options for Lift Control, Area Occupancy, and ANPR – which are all designed to assist with not only security, but also ongoing safeguarding of health and social distancing requirements. Common security needs Tina Baker, TDSi’s Software Project Manager commented, “The new functions are available as licensing options right now, making them an easy and highly affordable addition for any size and type of security and safety project. The expanding GARDiS range provides end users with powerful options to scale their security and safety systems to meet rapidly changing needs and circumstances, whilst protecting budgets by ensuring capital expenditure costs are kept to a minimum.” The expanding GARDiS range provides end users with powerful options to scale their security and safety systems" Whilst developed to support common security needs, the new Lift Control integration, Area Occupancy, and ANPR features are particularly well suited to the evolving safety requirements of workplaces in the wake of COVID-19. Lift Control for instance can be used not only to make moving between floors more efficient (and secure) around a building, but also to limit the direct contact of authorized passengers. Granting secure access Area Occupancy provides obvious benefits in reducing the numbers of people within a secure area (including support for ‘traffic light’ systems), and ANPR additionally provides further records of those present at a facility to enhance Track and Trace data, as well as granting secure access to vehicles. The new features join a raft of other security and safety functions which are now an integrated part of the GARDiS offering. With the original version of the GARDiS software launched at the end of 2019, TDSi launched Version 2.0 in October 2020 which added further functionality including Fire Door release and Site Lock Down functions, along with integration with ASSA ABLOY Aperio and SimonsVoss SmartIntego wireless locks. It is available in two versions - Express which is free of charge and enables the inclusion of 20 doors, and PRO, which enables the end user to add as many additional door licenses as required at one site for one organization. Browser-Based application The PRO version provides security installers with the perfect base to provide Software as a Service (SaaS) from a single-installation web browser-based application that is fully modular and scalable. It also features a REST API (‘Fusion’) option and full Software Development Kit (SDK), enabling it to be fully integrated with a wide variety of Video Management (VMS), Time & Attendance or third-party control systems. The ability to add four door slave units to these master controllers ensures a highly cost effective system To make the integration between the powerful GARDiS software and secured access points even easier, TDSi’s GARDiS Access Controllers are also designed to integrate seamlessly with it. With a web server embedded in the hardware, these controllers are fully cyber secure and easy/quick to install (with one, two or four door versions to suit all requirements and budgets). The ability to add four door slave units to these master controllers ensures a highly cost effective system. Secure online approach Tina concludes, “The latest enhancements are joined by the ability to update the GARDiS firmware directly through the software’s online connection. By doing away with this previously manually-intensive process, we now ensure reduced downtime and remove the inconvenience for the installer and help support social distancing too.” “By building the GARDiS ecosystem around a secure online approach, TDSi is providing installers and end users alike with a highly flexible, secure, user-friendly, reliable and future-proof integrated solution which is constantly enhanced, refined, and improved. We look forward to announcing further enhancements later this year!”

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is pleased to confirm its continued program of Table Talks sessions for its partners and end users. TDSi began hosting these regular sessions during the Lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, to deliver technical and informational content to interested parties. TDSi’s Table Talks are free online discussion and training sessions with a Roundtable of its key technical and commercial team members. Each session features TDSi’s security experts, on hand to answer questions from attendees and to discuss relevant topics on integrated security systems, installation, and specification. System architecture and design TDSi’s Managing Director, John Davies, who chairs Table Talk commented, “The COVID-19 restrictions have made it harder than normal for us to speak directly to our installation partners and customers, so we wanted to find a way to address this and Table Talk was born.” Our friendly panel of experts are on hand to offer advice on system architecture and design" John added, “The sessions are designed to fit the needs of our audience and we welcome questions posed beforehand (and during the sessions), so we can ensure the content is tailored directly to the needs of participants, rather than us jumping on a soapbox and regaling the audience with all things TDSi. Our friendly panel of experts are on hand to offer advice on system architecture and design, to talk about the latest technology or to answer questions on specific projects and installations.” Non-Contact touchless systems Table Talk is presented once a month and chaired by John, who is accompanied by varied members of TDSi’s expert panel, typically including: Head of Development Tina Baker, Product Engineer Russell Marande, Sales Director Alex Rumsey, and International Business Manager Mica Negrilic. John adds, “The COVID-19 restrictions have seen big changes for everyone in security, with greater demand for non-contact touchless systems (including proximity readers and biometrics). The team and I will be on hand to answer any questions on the options, benefits and suitability of our systems and the integration potential they offer in working with security systems from other suppliers too.”

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is proud to announce the launch of the latest enhanced version of its new GARDiS software. GARDiS Version 1.1 provides extra functionality and support for installers and end users. Tina Baker, Software Development Manager at TDSi commented, “The latest version of the GARDiS software adds considerable additions to the platform. These include Multiple Access Levels per person, an Office Mode (featuring a Double Tap) and the facility to import people details and keys rapidly to facilitate onboarding of new authorized users.” User-Friendly And Fully Integrated Security The GARDiS software and hardware range is designed to give powerful, yet highly user-friendly and fully integrated securityThe TDSi GARDiS Access Management Software was launched at the end of last year, before the demonstration of its new prototype GARDiS Controller in April. The GARDiS software and hardware range is designed to give powerful, yet highly user-friendly and fully integrated security, utilizing web-based software and integrated hardware. Further new functions of GARDiS Version 1.1 include ACU Holidays, which can be set against Door-Free access, Access Modes (Card Only/Card+PIN/PIN Only) and specific doors within access levels. There are new screens for ease of use, including ‘Assign multiple access levels to doors’ and ‘Assign multiple people to access levels’. Multiple Access Levels Per Person It is also now possible to assign multiple access levels per person and temporary access level assignment, for example allowing specific people to unlock the required doors for meetings and then reverting to controlled access when finished. The GARDiS Installer program is also included and ready to use when the system is activated to ensure security is up and running as soon as possible. Tina added, “The latest version of the GARDiS software shows the rapid pace of development and evolution that the whole range embodies. Flexibility and enhanced security are vital to combat the latest threats and ensure that end users feel safe and can continue to go about their daily business unhindered by the systems that protect them and delivering peace of mind.”

Tina Baker, Software Development Manager at integrated security manufacturer TDSi, is celebrating 13 years of service with the company. Having reached this impressive milestone, Tina has also been reflecting on the developments and evolution of the security software industry and where it could lead in the future. The Move To Fully Integrated Software Tina commented, “Since I joined TDSi there have been enormous changes in the security industry, especially in the software systems and applications connected to them. TDSi has been leading the move towards fully integrated security software for a number of years and it is gratifying to see the rest of the industry has followed suit as well.” Tina began her career in security when she answered a job advert for a Summer placement on display at Bournemouth University, while nearing the end of a Software Engineering Degree. “I knew that software would dominate many industries and wanted a career that would allow constant growth. I wanted to gain more experience developing software using difference programming languages and TDSi offered me the opportunity I was looking for.” Tina’s personal development has fittingly mirrored that of TDSi and the security industry it supplies. “TDSi has really nurtured my personal development, right from Software Programmer to Development Manager. At the same time, the industry has become far more integrated with building management services, which now commonly incorporate intruder systems and CCTV as well as access control.” "TDSi has been leadingthe move towards fully integrated security software for a number of years" Future Developments For Security Software While reflecting on the past and present, Tina also has an eye firmly on the future and is clear on how she believes the security software sector will develop, “All the signs are that there will be continued and increased integration with building management systems, especially to comply with environmental legislation – such as intelligent elevator dispatch technology, to reduce wasted energy.” Tina continued, “We will also see further Biometric integration to heighten security and remove the need for ID cards. The market is also demanding more bi-directional integration, with security systems working even more closely with one another. More and more we are being asked for our SDK, so other security companies can integrate our systems into theirs.” Advice For Younger Generations Tina also has advice for young people looking for a career in security software development. “You need to enjoy continually learning new skills if you are to keep up with the changes in technology. It is also important to have a keen understanding of the close connection between physical access security and software security - further systems integration means prevention of cyber-attacks is essential.” When asked what has kept her focused and interested in working for TDSi, Tina concluded, “The company champions professional development of employees and personally I really enjoy the interesting challenges that TDSi faces with ever-increasing integration needs. It’s a great company to work for and I very much look forward to seeing what the future will bring in terms of technology and progress!”

GARDiS features an intuitive interface, designed and built directly around the needs of users and operators Integrated security manufacturer TDSi will be giving a sneak preview of its new forthcoming GARDiS software on stand F1200 at this year’s IFSEC International. TDSi will also be demonstrating how its systems can integrate with those of other key manufacturers including Milestone, ASSA ABLOY, Texecom and SimonsVoss at show, which runs from 21 to 23 June at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre.Web-based Application Tina Baker, Software Project Manager at TDSi commented, “We are excited to be giving the first details of our brand new GARDiS software solution at this year’s IFSEC International. To offer even greater flexibility and suitability to modern applications, GARDiS is a web-based application. One software install is all that is required to provide complete access control security for your business or organization’s needs.” Tina continued, “The new product offers all the benefits of a highly secure web-based application – it is easily adaptable for an increased workload, provides easier maintenance and installation, is more secure and is accessible from anywhere on any device. GARDiS also features a simple-to-use and intuitive interface, that we have designed and built directly around the needs of users and operators.” Regulation Standards GARDiS has also taken into account upcoming regulation standards requirements, as Tina added, “The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) has adopted ONVIF Profile A and C as the de-facto new international standard for access control. This ushers in the era of open platforms for access control, and accordingly GARDiS has been designed as an ONVIF Profile A and C compliant platform.”  Integration Options Software and systems integration are key topics on the TDSi stand this year Software and systems integration are key topics on the TDSi stand this year. The company recently launched its plugin for Milestone’s XProtect Video Management Software (VMS) using the XProtect Access add-on. This integrates directly with TDSi’s EXgarde Access Management and Integrated Security Systems Management software. EXgarde also offers security operators a number of additional integration options with specialist systems from other manufacturers. Full integration with ASSA ABLOY’s KS100 server cabinet wireless electronic lock for example, allows the physical security of servers to be included in the wider remit of protection across one or a number of secure sites. TDSi’s EXgarde can control and work with a number of complementary security systems such as Texecom’s alarm control panels, ASSA ABLOY's Aperio wireless locks, SimonsVoss’ SmartIntego wireless door locks, and Microsoft Active Directory (to ensure core business systems can interact, compare and record security data as well). Range Of Security Solutions Also on display on the stand this year will be TDSi’s SOLOgarde, MICROgarde and EXcel controllers, as well as the company’s enterprise solutions, along with the integration possibilities between its own software products, including EXgarde security management and VUgarde CCTV VMS. The solutions being featured will be of interest to anyone who works with or uses integrated security, as Tina added, “We have an impressive array of the latest security technology on stand F1200, so if you are attending IFSEC International why not visit us to discuss all your security needs and the potential solutions.”