Access Controllers

Amthal has been awarded a new support contract with global technology leaders Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V, to upgrade and maintain security solutions at its UK Head Office, and across its regional UK offices. As one of the world’s leading names in the manufacture and sales of electrical products and systems, Mitsubishi Electric has eight regional offices, including its UK Head Office in Hatfield, supporting over 700 staff members. New Contract Details The new contract with Amthal covers the provision of support and maintenance across each of Mitsubishi Electric’s sites, to ensure security arrangements, including CCTV, intruder alarm and access control, are maintained to the highest level and upgraded quickly where required. Karen Kelsall, Mitsubishi Electric Business Services Team - Facilities Coordinator said, "Each of our UK office locations has its own security arrangements that must be maintained on a regular basis.  We needed to source a reliable company that could not only achieve this requirement but also ensure we continue to offer our staff and visitors complete peace of mind at their place of work. Amthal proved themselves even before the contract was signed, responding to several different site requests quickly, with true technical capability and professionalism.  Plus, being a local company to our head offices makes a difference to ensuring an efficient and sustainable supplier service that we look forward to building." Highest Levels Of Operational Excellence This contract award is extremely significant for Amthal, not only to be associated with such a global brand, but also to demonstrate our commitment to our customers" Jamie Allam, Commercial Director Amthal Fire & Security added, "This contract award is extremely significant for Amthal, not only to be associated with such a global brand, but also to demonstrate our commitment to our customers, both new and existing the team’s knowledge, experience and expertise together with an ability to react quickly and get the job done, contributed to our appointment. And as per our core mission, vision and values, that run through everything we do, we will continue to work in partnership with Mitsubishi Electric to deliver the highest levels of operational excellence and continuity of service, both on a local basis to its main offices and regionally, across all sites." Independently owned, Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security safety and convenience offering design, installation, service and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire and security solutions, including intruder, Fire, Access and CCTV systems.  Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE.)

Where does the time go? Before you know it, here we are at mid-year reflecting on an eventful first half of 2018 in the physical security market. It’s also a good time for our Expert Panel Roundtable to pause and look ahead at what we might expect in the second half of the year. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What technology development will have the greatest impact in the second half of 2018?

ProWire Unified Power Systems from LifeSafety Power is a pre-wired, UL/ULC certified power solution that is ready to install, simplifying and standardizing access control installations across an enterprise. The precision wiring design of ProWire eliminates field wiring variability so end users can establish equipment installation standards for consistent, professional and repeatable results across multiple sites, campuses and locations. ProWire eliminates hours of internal panel wiring, including controller power, lock control and communication wiring. ProWire is compatible with LifeSafety Power’s Multi-Site Manager (MSM) Enterprise, which yields advanced analytics and critical data so end-users can actively network, monitor and remotely manage connected power solutions for greater uptime and system wide reliability. Network-connected ProWire systems also can interface directly into the Mercury Security or Software House C●CURE 9000 platforms, allowing users to seamlessly receive, manage, monitor and control alerts and notifications of connected power solutions. LifeSafety Power will be exhibiting during GSX 18 at booth 2765.

VIZpin, designer and manufacturer of the VIZpin smartphone-based, Bluetooth-enabled access entry system, has announced the appointment of Wendi Grinnell to the newly-created position of Vice President, effective immediately. Grinnell, of Elizabethtown, is a graduate of Rutgers University and has 20 years of marketing and sales leadership experience. She joined VIZpin in January 2017 in the role of marketing director. Wendi’s extensive industry experience in customer-focused technology solutions and technical marketing make her a natural fit for the role of VP" Grinnell Appointed VIZpin VP According to VIZpin President and CEO Paul Bodell, the role of Vice President was added to the company’s organization to support VIZpin’s rapid growth and market expansion. He notes, “Wendi’s extensive industry experience in customer-focused technology solutions and technical marketing make her a natural fit for the important role of Vice President. Her contributions as marketing director have been invaluable, and we are eager for her to apply her innovative thinking and vision in her new, expanded role to continue enhancing VIZpin’s strategic direction and driving additional growth and profitability.” As Vice President, Grinnell will work closely with Bodell to determine VIZpin’s overall business strategy. She will have an integral role in the development and execution of the company’s growth strategy to achieve strategic business objectives, including leading sales and marketing efforts and team members to secure new business and expand existing business. Smartphone Access Control Grinnell comments, “Since joining VIZpin, it has been exciting to see such a dramatic shift in the industry with the adoption of smartphone access control. There are many new opportunities to explore, and as Vice President, I am looking forward to helping to create and execute new strategies to continue to expand our brand and grow the business.”

Johnson Controls, announces the release of CEM Systems AC2000 v10.0, which offers users a new modernized look and feel along with new features such as enhanced enterprise capabilities that increase the performance and scope of the AC2000 access control system suite from CEM Systems. Enhanced Enterprise System CEM Systems AC2000 v10.0 workstation client applications have been re-styled with a modern, clean and intuitive interface. The restyle has focused on the user experience with improvements to all visual elements of the applications. Operators are now able to select their preferred theme (light or dark) to run their AC2000 Workstation Client applications in. The enhanced enterprise system provides superior centralised access control and monitoring capability A major feature of AC2000 v10.0 is the enhancements to the AC2000 Enterprise offering for AC2000, AC2000 Lite and AC2000 Airport editions. The enhanced enterprise system provides superior centralized access control and monitoring capability where wide geographical distribution occurs, or where departmental or business unit separation is necessary. The new architecture improves device configuration, reporting, alarm processing and personnel management across multiple site locations. Visitor Escort Functionality A business or organization can scale its single site AC2000 access control system to a multi-site enterprise solution, while at the same unifying policy requirements and reducing administrative and operational costs. Each business unit can be administered at a local and/or centralized level. Other features of AC2000 v10.0 include new visitor escort functionality to ensure visitors are not left unaccompanied around secured areas, and unrestricted AC2000 Authorization levels to reduce configuration times for users and user groups. Building on the range of ID scanner integrations, AC2000 now offers a new interface to SnapShell ID and passport scanner.

ADME, Inc., parent company of Apollo Security Access Control has announced creation of a new division for sales and support exclusively for its Software OEM and Integration partners. This new division, named ApolloEM, will be responsible to provide support for industry partners that use Apollo’s hardware platforms along with their own software solutions. “Providing hardware-only solutions to our partners has been a significant part of Apollo’s business since the very beginning,” explained William Lorber, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Establishing a separate division to strengthen our role as an Access Hardware OEM became logical as more partners are coming on board to utilize our new product line.” Lorber went on to explain that Apollo’s new ASP Series Controllers allow easy integration as well as post-factory customization with App Scripting.” ASP-4 Integrated Controller/Reader Interface The flagship of the new hardware series, ASP-4 is a four-door integrated controller/reader interface designed for secure, high volume applications. In addition to expansion options via OSDP to support up to 20 readers, the ASP-4 can work in a network device cluster to support up to 128 doors working as a single management unit. Other features such as a native Open Platform SDK, on-board app scripting and 3rd-party serial device support make ASP Series an attractive choice for system integrators and software OEMs in the security industry. ApolloEM ApolloEM will provide support for existing partners as well as market to potential new partners. Upcoming events for 2018 include Security Essen and ASIS/GSX as well as product and technical seminars worldwide.

Vicon Industries Inc. (VCON: OTCQB Venture Market) ("Vicon"), designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components, announced today that Louisa County Public Schools, in Northern Virginia, has completed installation of a district-wide Vicon Valerus video management solution that encompasses its six school buildings and connects nearly 400 cameras. The system includes multiple application servers and NVRs running Valerus VMS software, as well as a wide range of Vicon IP megapixel camera models. The district has opted to share camera access with the Louisa County Sheriff’s Department, whose officers can use iPads and smartphones to immediately call up video through the Valerus VMS interface in case of an emergency. This allows them to visually assess any situation and locate the perpetrator before sending in officers. Vicon Sponsored Training Class The Valerus solution was chosen by Louisa County Public Schools because of Vicon’s willingness to provide the district’s in-house electricians and technical team with as much autonomy as possible in setting up and managing the system. After participating in a Vicon sponsored training class, the district has been self-sufficient in its ability to install, program and troubleshoot Valerus. David Szalankiewicz, LCPS Facilities Director, says "Vicon’s technical team has supported our in-house guys directly with training and certification so that we feel completely in control." Ron Lapsley, Vicon’s Regional Sales Manager who worked on the project, explains, "Vicon understands that the technical capabilities and service needs are different for each customer, and we’re glad to provide the right level of support that makes sense. In many cases, the manufacturer relationship is as important as the product itself in making sure a customer is satisfied."

Derwent London, a FTSE 250 Index British-based property development and investment firm with a property portfolio worth £4.9 billion, acquired the White Chapel Building in central London in December 2015. The firm is renowned for using design-led approaches to create inspiring office space and began a two-phase project to regenerate the eight-storey commercial building. The White Chapel Building Derwent London’s complete refurbishment of the building meant they required a new security system Situated on an acre of land opposite Aldgate East Tube station, the White Chapel Building is valued between £100million and £200million and is home to various well-known brands including international mobile call company, Lebara, and global architecture and design firm, Perkins+Will. The lower floors, which are still being completed, are due to become home to a major new photography museum, Fotografiska. Derwent London’s complete refurbishment of the building meant they required a new security system that delivered solutions for all their own and potential tenants’ needs. These included: Intelligent IP-based access control system. Tenant access to assigned floor/s and approved areas only. Efficient system to manage visitors. Ability to restrict unapproved visitors to lobby area. Installation of 35 CCTV cameras with remote monitoring facilities. Panic button and lock-down facilities in case of emergency. Latest Industry Standards Antron Security is an installer of bespoke security solutions and provides security installations for past 28 years Antron Security project managed the design and installation of the access control and security system for the White Chapel Building and acted as the ‘go to’ contact for client, Derwent London. Antron Security is an installer of bespoke security solutions and has been providing security installations to organizations for the past 28 years. Taking care of the supply, design, installation and maintenance of security systems, Antron Security is NSI approved - meaning all staff and systems installed need to comply with the latest industry standards and are regularly inspected. Inner Range provided the core access control and intruder detection system that enabled Antron Security and Derwent London to build the bespoke solutions they needed. Inner Range is a pioneer of integrated access control and intruder detection systems. It’s been a world leader in the design and manufacture of intelligent security solutions since it was established in 1988. More than 130,000 Inner Range systems have been installed in over 30 countries. Inner Range’s award winning integrated security systems offer smart building management at local, national and global levels. “The flexibility of the Integriti system makes it future-proof as we can continue to meet the ever-changing requirements of the landlord and tenants via Inner Range’s ability to integrate with third party systems and devices such as lifts, intercoms, lighting and building management devices.” Jamie Crane, Commercial Director at Antron Security. Provides Core Security Integriti allows around 2,000 people troublefree access to their approved parts of the building Inner Range’s award-winning access control system, Integriti, provides the core security solution for the White Chapel Building. The intelligent system integrates with a host of thirdparty products to become a PSIM system, managing not only security and building automation but also people and business continuity processes. In this instance, Integriti allows around 2,000 people troublefree access to their approved parts of the building, as well as managing visitors efficiently and allowing security managers to monitor events easily and remotely. Key Integrations 35 CCTV cameras to allow security managers to view live and recorded events across the site. This includes remote monitoring, if security managers are off site. Access via four IDL Fastlane lobby turnstiles to ensure only permitted persons can access areas beyond the reception and lobby area. Lift integration – Tenants and visitors can only access approved floors using security credentials on their access card or smartphone. Central Security Team Smartphone access - Tenants and staff were set up to use their smartphones to open doors and other smart devices with the HID Mobile Access ‘Twist and Go’ mobile app. The Integriti system can read and check security credentials from users’ mobile phones to determine whether they are allowed access. BluePoint passes can be read by Integriti at entrance turnstiles and lifts to ensure visitors can access areas agreed by the ‘host’ A BluePoint visitor pass system was installed and integrated with Integriti to ensure a secure, reliable and trusted method of managing visitors. It allows ‘hosts’, such as tenants, to issue temporary passes for their visitors without needing to pass every request through a central security team. The passes can be issued on paper or via email. They can also be issued as Apple Wallet or Google Pass credentials. These appear on the visitor’s smartphone with a QR code without the visitor having to search their phone for them. Location and time-based information included in the pass ensure it appears when and where it is needed. The BluePoint passes can be read by Integriti at entrance turnstiles and lifts to ensure visitors can access areas agreed by the ‘host’. Integriti Features Easy to use Smartcard entry system integrated for access via doors, lifts and entrance turnstiles. Cards issued to 500 users initially. Panic button and lock down procedures for emergency situations. Gigabytes of on-board memory at controller hardware level to ensure the system maintains complete functionality even if offline. Seamless IP-based multi-controller system architecture options. Easy plug-and-play in UniBus, an innovative in-cabinet bus which allows the connection of expansion modules, communications modules, and door and reader modules to extend the range and scope of the Integriti system. Productive And Efficient Staff Trouble-free tenant access to their approved parts of the building. The improvements in access and security means reception staff are more productive and efficient. Security managers are able to monitor events easily and remotely. More accurate reporting on who is where in the building helps with health and safety as well as security activities. The Integriti system allows the landlord to manage operational costs more effectively while providing tenants with a more secure working environment.

Security is important for any construction project, but the stakes are higher when the tenants are a team of professional athletes, the parking lot is filled with sports cars and luxury vehicles, the property includes a multi-million-dollar turf field, and a professional training facility where exercises held there must be guarded as corporate secrets. To meet these challenges, Vicon recently completed work with a professional national sports team to install an end-to-end, tightly integrated video management and access control solution that relies exclusively on Vicon software, hardware and cameras. Due to sensitive security demands the team remains anonymous in this piece. The professional team’s Security Director says that he needed a system that would capture footage of everything going on, inside and around the perimeter of the facility, and make sure that access was limited to only authorized personnel. At the same time, the technology needed to make it easy for players and employees to get through security. “It doesn’t do anyone any good if a system is so difficult to use that people just prop the doors open. We had to blend those two things together,” he says. VAX Access Controllers Twenty-six doors, including both exterior exits and interior doors throughout the building, have been secured with VAX access control door controllers. Employee’s permissions are based on their jobs. Administrators can’t enter the locker rooms or training areas and players can’t enter the marketing offices. Many of the players come to the facility wearing athletic apparel and prefer not to carry around a wallet and key card, so Vicon created customized proximity tags embossed with the team’s logo, designed for players and employees to stick on the back of their cell phone cases. This turned out to be a popular solution, as the players always carry their cell phones with them and the tags are attractive and support the team’s branding. VAX Door Panels The panic buttons are wired to open inputs on the nearest VAX door panels In the world of professional sports, athletes must sometimes be protected from overly aggressive fans. This particular training facility is equipped with panic buttons at several spots within the building that allow anyone who notices a problem to immediately instigate a lock down. The panic buttons are wired to open inputs on the nearest VAX door panels, eliminating the need for long electrical runs back to the server room. The player’s practice field is accessible through an external gate that’s used by the media, and VAX provides the ability to control visitors who enter there. As needed, members of the press are given temporary credentials that can unlock the gate only for a designated time period before expiring. Parking Lot Video Surveillance The players’ parking lot also leverages the VAX system The players’ parking lot also leverages the VAX system. The transmitters that players use to open the parking lot gate from their cars are integrated with VAX, providing a record of each time the gate is activated, and by whom. In addition, a 12MP camera captures very high-resolution video of the vehicle entering and exiting, along with the person driving it, and that video is linked to the respective access control event. “Very expensive cars are left in the lot for extended periods, when the team is traveling, and this makes sure that absolutely nobody gets into that parking lot who shouldn’t be there – not even the office staff,” says the Security Director. The facility’s surveillance system includes close to 50 cameras, inside and outside the building, connected to Vicon’s Video Management System, Valerus. They range from 2MP to 12MP, depending on their use, and all are from Vicon. Any doorway equipped with a VAX controller has a dedicated camera mapped to it, so that video verification can be made of anyone entering a restricted area. Valerus VMS and 360-degree Network Cameras Special 360° cameras are mounted high on each of the exterior corners of the building Special 360° cameras are mounted high on each of the exterior corners of the building. Valerus VMS software dewarps their fisheye image and breaks it into four separate views from each camera. Those four cameras provide the security team with 16 different camera views from around the building’s perimeter, providing a very cost-effective way to cover such an expansive area. The same type of cameras is used within the team’s equipment room, where warehouse style racking is filled with valuable inventory. The system is managed by the team’s head of security and head of IT. Valerus’ thin-client web-browser interface provides monitoring access to support staff, including the team’s receptionist. The system’s video search capabilities have made it easy for them to conduct investigations. Video has helped to identify vehicles that were improperly driving on the turf field, document a theft on the property, and trouble-shoot when the parking lot gate had mechanical problems. Motion Activated Cameras Special motion-activated 2MP cameras are positioned at every door that provides access between the players’ area and the field One of the more unusual uses for the system is not related to security at all. The team’s professional athletic league requires team management to retain a full year’s documentation of the time each player spends on the practice field. To do this, special motion-activated 2MP cameras are positioned at every door that provides access between the players’ area and the field. Anyone walking from the field to the building triggers the motion sensor and is recorded in high-definition video. That way, if a player initiates a legal battle saying he practiced too long, there is clear documentation of exactly when he was on and off the field. Vicon’s Valerus delivers powerful, end-to-end security solutions that are easy to manage. Its work with this professional sports team also highlights its ability to deliver convenience to employees and operational efficiencies to management.

Comelit has provided bespoke black-finish video door entry panels to The Metalworks, a former Victorian factory site that has been transformed into an exclusive gated residential development with a private courtyard and garden. Set in the heart of vibrant and fashionable Old Town in Clapham, The Metalworks, established by boutique property development company The Malins Group, now presents twenty four loft style design apartments – which are all now sold - and two commercial properties. To maintain the iconic feel of the twentieth century factory, Comelit, working with installation partner ATI Fire and Security Limited, was specified for the door entry system, utilizing its specialist ViP IP Network solution, with a bespoke black finish; installed to operate with Comelit’s premium touchscreen Icona Monitor. Comelit’s color Icona Monitors is fitted in each apartment to present residents with hands-free full-duplex audio from each external entrance Comelit’s ViP System Says Sandra Brownlie, Operations Director at The Malins Group: “The founder of the original 1904 factory, William Bainbridge Reynolds was a pioneering arts and crafts designer whose work remains highly collectable today.  He insisted on everything being “as flawless as he could make it, yet absolutely individual.” “This is a philosophy we have carried through to every element of grand restoration of The Metalworks, right through to the door entry system.  With Comelit Group renowned for style and high specification solutions, we had no hesitation in reaching out to create a solution that would complement the look and feel of the development.” Comelit’s ViP system includes Comelit’s color Icona Monitors, fitted in each apartment to present residents with hands-free full-duplex audio from each external entrance. Bespoke Door Entry System Simon Robinson, Managing Director at ATI Group added: “The Metalworks is a unique development, whereby every detail has to be carefully considered in line with the design principles and traditions of the historic factory restoration program. This is even down to the security on site, which is why we called in the expertise and style of Comelit Group, to create a bespoke door entry system.”   Tailored to suit homeowner’s preferences, Comelit’s Icona Monitors include customization of ringtone and video memory functionality where missed callers can be recorded on the apartment monitor when the resident returns. Residents can communicate with each other on the system if desired, as the system allows unlimited call traffic at any time without becoming engaged. When presented with our VIP offering, it offers a powerful security solution that provides residents the convenience of audio and visual updates" Powerful Security Solution Francesca Boeris, Comelit UK Managing Director concluded: “Comelit worked closely with ATI Fire & Security Limited and The Malins Group to ensure the door entry systems installed, achieved the desired balance between style and technology, as is synonymous with the legendary designs of William Bainbridge Reynolds.” “When presented with our VIP offering, it offers a powerful security solution that provides residents the convenience of audio and visual updates. We believe, finished in bespoke black, it is the perfect blend of smart door entry to add the finishing touches to the beautiful restoration of The Metalworks.” With backlit touch-sensitive controls and a 4.3 inch color LCD screen, the Icona Monitor is available in flush-mounted, surface-mounted or desktop versions and in white or black finishes.

Evolution has an established reputation for excellence having worked on many high-profile projects, designing, specifying, integrating and maintaining systems in some of the most demanding environments. Some of these projects have specified Third Millennium readers. Its brief was to deliver a solution that not only provided the highest levels of security, but also served to showcase Third Millennium readers and their capabilities in the best possible light. Two cameras monitor the front and rear entry points, with access controlled by four Third Millennium RX Series RFID readers Security Management System Peter Jones, Managing Director of Third Millennium, chose Evolution both for its proven technical prowess, and its reputation for working in highly sensitive areas: “We have been operating for some 20 years, and due to the nature of the business we have always been relatively covert,” he explains. “You won’t find our name emblazoned on the building, in fact we are situated in a business center, in a multi-tenanted building. Our part of it has always been secure but it was time to upgrade to a higher level of security.”            Evolution devised a solution based on the S2 NetBox VR Quatro, a security management system which allows all access control, event monitoring and video surveillance to be managed through a single, user-friendly browser interface. Key personnel can therefore quickly and easily manage who comes in/out of the premises, with a full audit trail. Two cameras monitor the front and rear entry points, with access controlled by four Third Millennium RX Series RFID readers. Third Millennium employees can choose a traditional Third Millennium card, while others are using an app on their mobile phone or their smart watch Evolution RX Series Range The RX Series is a range of readers that combine sophisticated technology with clear aesthetic appeal, available as a gloss finish polycarbonate/ABS in either black or white. A subtle feature of the reader is the shadow line backplate, a simple design mechanism which offsets the reader a few millimeters from the mounting surface, making the unit appear to ‘float’ against the wall. Being Bluetooth-enabled readers, Third Millennium employees can choose what type of pass they use. Some are opting for a ‘traditional’ Third Millennium card, while others are using an app on their mobile phone or their smart watch. Standalone IP System Having specified Third Millennium readers on many occasions, Evolution knows the technology well, including its integration capabilities. John Wust, Joint Managing Director at Evolution, says that they also understood their client’s need to keep the existing IT infrastructure separate: “We centered the solution around the S2’s Quatro since it can be deployed as a standalone IP system that does not require software or client licences, ideal for this kind of site. Keeping it separate from the IT system was also something that the Third Millennium team wanted.” With a single box design, which minimizes installation and maintenance costs, and with a license for up to four cameras, the system has proven both being flexible and economical.

Wolverhampton Homes manages and maintains over 23,500 homes on behalf of The City of Wolverhampton Council. In order to provide residents with the highest standards of security and safety, it has installed access control and door entry products from GDX by STANLEY. Wolverhampton Homes is a not-for-profit organization that was formed in 2005 with a mission to provide good quality homes and great customer service for The City of Wolverhampton Council’s tenants and leaseholders. It is responsible for letting the homes through a scheme called Homes in the City and chose GDX door entry solutions due to the flexibility the system would provide for their tenants. We aim to respond to the changing needs and expectations of our customers" Deliver Excellent Services The last 13 years have been a genuine success story for Wolverhampton Homes and in 2010 it became one of the first Arms Length Management Organizations (ALMO) to be given an ‘excellent’ company rating. “We aim to deliver excellent services to our customers by continually improving the work we do and the services we provide,” explains Darren Baggs, assistant director for housing at Wolverhampton Homes. “We aim to respond to the changing needs and expectations of our customers. The safety and security of residents is high on our list of priorities and is supported by the close relationship we have enjoyed with GDX.” Robust Yet Simple Prior to the formation of Wolverhampton Homes, GDX worked directly with The City of Wolverhampton Council and the first GDX system was installed on its behalf in 1995. GDX5 is designed for residential projects requiring control of multiple door entry panels. Lloyd Palmer, area manager at GDX, explains, “The system can manage a maximum of 255 handsets per block with the option of central control from a concierge. The control equipment contains all of the necessary electronics that can be split into distribution units to simplify and can reduce wiring.  The result is a robust yet simple to install door entry system with audio only or video options.” Wolverhampton Homes has adopted all the various versions of GDX5Remote Monitoring Wolverhampton Homes has adopted all the various versions of GDX5 as they have been introduced, and there are now over 700 door entry systems in low-rise blocks of flats across the city, while 3,000 tenants that live on our high-rise estates utilize a concierge service.  Commenting on the developments over the years, John Hopkins, Neighborhood Services Manager at Wolverhampton Homes, states, “In 2006 we made our first steps into remote monitoring by enabling each GDX5 system to be monitored from a single location within each building. However, with the help of GDX, in 2013 we developed a remote monitoring and Concierge Control Room in Bilston, which allows a dedicated team of operators to monitor CCTV and control door access into buildings and provide what is now a highly-valued concierge service.” Development Of New Technologies The ability to expand the scope of the GDX5 system into a remote monitoring platform is down to the use of internet protocol (IP). The IP revolution has had a dramatic effect on the physical security equipment industry, allowing the development of new technologies that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. GDX’s Lloyd Palmer says, “IP means that not only can access control technology be managed remotely, specific personnel can even be granted or denied access to certain areas at different times, making it not only good for security but also, in some environments, for health and safety. Also, in the event of a theft or antisocial behavior, it is possible to pinpoint exactly who was where.” All the information traditionally gathered by an on-premise IP access control system is then stored and retrieved from its database"Virtually Unlimited System Expansion IP based access control offers virtually unlimited system expansion capabilities that, in turn, enables an abundance of cost saving and centralization benefits. This scalability also means that existing systems can simply be added to, offering Wolverhampton Homes the benefit of knowing that the cost of their system will be proportional to the number of doors it needs to control. “Similarly, the use of IP means that Wolverhampton Homes can access information via their remote monitoring operation,” comments Lloyd Palmer. “All the information traditionally gathered by an on-premise IP access control system is then stored and retrieved from its database. Remote diagnostics, technical issues and servicing can be carried out, and it’s also possible to remotely view status, reset a system and access an event log. It also offers other practical benefits, e.g. if someone loses their fob we can access their personal information, carry out an authorization check, let them into their abode and deactivate the missing device.” Alert Based System GDX5 has made a huge contribution toward ensuring that each building is kept clean, safe and secure. With audio communication between the Concierge Control Room and all the buildings, Wolverhampton Homes can monitor traffic, address antisocial behavior and take appropriate action to minimize the impact of any events by deploying personnel or, if required, notifying the emergency services. Wolverhampton Homes has even worked with GDX to enhance features to the access control system. John Hopkins explains, “I wanted to implement a non-intrusive way that we could be notified if there was a potential problem within a home. In collaboration with GDX we have developed an alert based system that notifies the remote monitoring centre if a resident’s key fob hasn't been used for a specific period of time. If an alert is activated, we can send someone over to check on them, notify next of kin or the relevant authorities. We also have the ability to remotely open entrance doors to the block to allow access for the emergency services.” The design of the devices and good levels of availability means that any problems are quick and easy to resolve Problems Are Easy To Resolve Although vandalism is infrequent, GDX5 is particularly robust and if a component is damaged or any other type of technical malfunction occurs through normal use, a notification is sent to the Concierge Control Room, so remedial action can be taken. The design of the devices and good levels of availability means that any problems are quick and easy to resolve. The relationship between the two organizations continues to go from strength to strength and Darren Baggs of Wolverhampton Homes concludes, “There’s no doubt that GDX’s access control technology has helped to improve security, safety and protection across our estate and allows for a quick response to incidents. The ongoing developments and improvements GDX makes to its technology obviously has a big part to play in the success of our relationship, but so too does the level of help, advice, service and support we continue to receive.”