Author Archives: news

1. Accurate and Secure Identify Verification is a Must for High-Profile Technology Research Centres

   2 July 2020 9:07 am Leave a Comment

   Deploying a secure access control solution fully capable of ensuring rapid identification and streamlined access is a must for any high profile technology research facility such as the future space tech incubation centre set to be developed by the European Space Agency at Space Park Leicester, a £100m facility being built in the shadow of the National Space Centre.

   Space Park Leicester joins a UK-wide ESA BIC programme, alongside the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, Sci-Tech Daresbury in the North West and the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh – each one with strong links to the world leading specialisms that companies joining the programme can benefit from.

   The University of Leicester, lead partner in the Leicester space park, has a global reputation for satellite research.

   The first part of the space park to open will mainly be used for research into “Earth observation” – for instance, how satellite data can be used for anything from studying air pollution to looking at illegal logging in the Amazon or helping the transport and logistics sector.

   Global players such as Lockheed Martin, Thales Alenia Space, Hewlett Packard, Airbus and Amazon have already signed up to phase two of the space park, to be called the Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology and Earth Observation Research Centre – or METEOR. It will work on the practical applications of satellite technology and the data they capture.

   At its other sites, the ESA incubation programme – a collaboration with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the UK Space Agency – has already helped 87 start-up companies turn their ideas into viable products and services.

   Of those, 73 have graduated from the centre and raised more than £72 million in investment.

   Companies joining the programme will have access to the university’s research and development capabilities in areas including earth observation, environmental monitoring, high performance computing, data science, AI and space engineering.

   Access Control UK – the go-to company for secure, reliable and affordable access control systems

   Access Control UK employs a variety of access control technologies in order to create advanced solutions, enable users to exert solid, reliable and accurate control over the access to specific premises or zones.

   An UK-based manufacturer, we have over 30 years’ experience in designing, installing and commissioning outstanding security solutions. We take great pride in our commitment to provide the best possible customer care and adhere to the highest British and International security standards, which is why we’ve been formally accredited by several accreditation bodies (visit our Accreditations page for more information).

   The Access Control Systems supplied by Access Control UK are modular and fully scalable in design, thus allowing you to build your access control system to match your specific requirements, whether you’re a small company with under 250 personnel or a large multinational corporation.

   If you’d like to find out more about the range of solutions supplied by Access Control UK, both in terms of hardware (smart card readers, biometric time and attendance readers, turnstiles, etc.) and software (access rights management software solutions, etc.), just contact us, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

2. Deploying a Modern Access Control System Is a Must for Any Smart Home

   23 June 2020 2:55 pm Leave a Comment

   Security is a must for any smart home, as the advanced technology contained within can often represent a magnet for thieves. For this reason, it’s extremely important to secure one’s private space from unwanted visitors while providing a streamlined entry experience for friends and family, experts have argued.

   Modern home security systems make use of credentials such as codes, FOB, key cards, or biometrics to provide convenient and quick access to people you authorize. They also monitor and record the movement of people entering the house.

   Video Based Access Control Systems have evolved from simple video doorbells to more elaborate ones make use of multiple CCTV or IP cameras to monitor and record the main entrance and other areas of the house.

   Some of the video based access control companies may be able to provide automatic entry by integrating their systems with key cards, electric locks, biometric scanners, or smartphones, depending on your needs.

   Facial recognition based touchless home entry system enables you and other users to unlock doors and enter the house or apartment just by looking at the face reading device. Advanced neural networks work behind the scenes to record, store and match face credentials and grant instant access when there’s a correct match.

   Access Control UK – expert suppliers of Access Control Readers and Access Management solutions

   Access Control UK employs a variety of access control technologies in order to create advanced solutions, enable users to exert solid, reliable and accurate control over the access to specific premises or zones.

   Our access control readers are supplied ready to install and can operate across a cable or Ethernet network. They can also be mounted next to your barriers or turnstiles enabling you to quickly set up a powerful computer controlled security infrastructure.

   The contactless smart card access readers can be configured in many different arrangements, controlling a smaller number of doors at first and then more at a later date as need and/or budget permits. Supported card formats include EM, HID Prox™, HID iClass™, MiFare™, and DesFire™.

   If you’d like to find out more about the range of solutions supplied by Access Control UK, both in terms of hardware (smart card readers, biometric time and attendance readers, turnstiles, etc.) and software (access rights management software solutions, etc.), just contact us, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

3. Contactless Door Access Control – Secure Credentials Verification, Complete Touch Free Entry and Exit, Lower Risk Of Infection

   15 June 2020 1:09 pm Leave a Comment

   We are comitted to help our customers reopen their businesses safely, in line with Government guidelines. This is is why we can supply contactless, touch-free access control solutions that aim to ensure a higher level of hygiene and reduce the risk of infection with COVID-19 and/or other dangerous viruses or bacteria.

   These comprehensive, cost-effective solutions include: 

   • Tensor Proximity Card Readers
   • Facial Recognition Terminals
   • Automated Door Drives
   • S-1-EXITIR Contactless Exit Buttons

   Touch-Free Entry

   Tensor Access Control Systems offer a variety of contactless solutions that enable users to securely verify their credentials and gain access through a door without touching any surfaces. These include:

   Tensor Proximity Card Readers: Slim, sleek and attractive, proximity smart card readers deliver multi-card format compatibility with extensive functionality. They are designed to work perfectly with Tensor contactless smartcards, as well as EM, HID Prox™, MiFare & HID iClass™ (depending on model), meaning that users never have to touch the actual reader in order to gain access.Manufactured using high quality materials and sporting an attractive design, Tensor readers are perfect for installations where aesthetics are of paramount importance, but where security is vital.

   Facial Recognition Terminals: The Facial Recognition Terminals are among the world’s most compact face recognition stations, offering very high matching speeds, accuracy, and level of security.Non-Contact Facial Recognition Access Control Technology provides a fast, highly accurate biometric solution for identifying employees and/or visitors and granting or denying them access to site.Packed in a compact and an ergonomically-designed structure, these terminals provide exceptional performance and usability for diverse access control and time attendance applications of any size.

   Latest versions of the Tensor Mobile Self-Service Module (SSM) iOS/Android app: The “Door Status” feature implemented in the Mobile SSM App Version 3.803.26 and available when used in conjuction with the 4.2.0.x Series of Tensor.NET software provides users with an overview of the current status of the access doors controlled by Tensor access controllers and also enables the automatic door locking or unlocking directly from the app.

   Automated Door Opening

   Automatic door drivers are the key elements in a truly contactless door entry access control solution. These systems (also known as automatic door closers) increase the level of safety within a building by allowing touch-free entry through the door itself.

   Automated doors also help prevent the forming of long queues at the access door – yet another important element in preventing the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace.

   Contactless Exit Buttons

   The Tensor S-1-EXITIR Contactless Exit Buttons are the perfect hygienic access control exit solution for all the locations where a no-touch functionality is required.The infrared detection system within the S-1-EXITIR contactless exit button allows users to activate the switch with just a hand being in close proximity, without needing to make contact with the device.

   The surface-mounted S-1-EXITIR features an easy-to-clean, single gang stainless steel back-plate and an illuminated red and green changing LED. and allows users to modify the door open period, as well as the proximity range per their specific requirements.

4. Vehicular Access Control Market set for Strong Growth Until 2025, Research Reports

   10 June 2020 8:40 am Leave a Comment

   The global vehicle access control market size was valued at USD 8,624.5 million in 2018 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 10.6% until 2025, a recent market research report has been able to suggest.

   The report from Trusted Business Insights suggests that the increase in the rate of vehicle theft across developing and developed countries is emerging as one of the major factors that are anticipated to drive the market growth over the forecast period. Technological innovations that have led to the development of advanced vehicle access control systems to provide an exceptional driving platform are also encouraging consumers to opt for a vehicle boasting the latest access control system.

   The need for advanced safety features that can control any unauthorized access to a vehicle is growing. At the same time, the security requirements at the entry gates of commercial and residential buildings are also growing. Research & development centers, power plants, and nuclear power zones, among other establishments, happen to be vital for the economy of a nation. Such establishments often house confidential information and hence they need to be protected from any unauthorized vehicular entry. These are the major factors that are driving the demand for advanced vehicle access control systems.

   Apart from commercial and residential buildings, vehicle access control systems can also be installed across tollways. The traffic management capabilities of these systems can help in reducing traffic congestion at tollways. Moreover, advances in technology are helping in increasing the acceptability of vehicle access control systems by enabling various combinations of non-biometric systems and biometric systems. The growing acceptability of these systems bodes well for the market growth over the forecast period.

   Access Control UK – always in the forefront of reliable, affordable access control solutions

   Our access control system also include provision for an entry made under duress. A normal PIN can be programmed as a feature of a normal access permission, working in tandem with the smartcard, but there can also be a special duress code set up. When this is entered, the cardholder (and any potential threat) notice no difference in the way that the door opens for them, but it triggers a silent alarm and sends an alert to the necessary people.

   The other method by which people can use our access control system is through their personal biometrics.

   The type of biometric identification that we offer for access control is the fingerprint reader, for employers who, due to security concerns, want to be absolutely certain that the relevant person is accessing the door. The image of the fingertip pattern is converted into a code through a secure algorithm, which is then stored on a database for future comparison and authentication.

   These modern methods of access control should be the minimum used by all businesses, yet many premises still rely on lock and key. Contact us on 020 8242 9695 for more information on our products and services, or by using our contact form.

5. Sharp rise in demand for IP-based access control systems during COVID-19 pandemic

   1 June 2020 10:40 am Leave a Comment

   The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a sharp rise in demand for IP-based access control systems and intercoms, a recent news report has been able to suggest.

   The very high level of contagiousness of the coronavirus coupled with the high volume of patients admitted to hospital with the disease has increased the need to secure specific wards and departments. At the same time, GP practices, pharmacies and other healthcare organisations have also had to look at their entry provision to minimise the risk of the virus spreading.

   There is also a heightened need for controlling access to the general public. As a result, demand in the IP-based video intercoms range has grown, especially for one-way, single button entry units where a member of staff can grant access from their desk via videophone.

   The videophones can also intercommunicate and cascade calls to other locations if they are not answered. What’s more, an event call log can be viewed on the videophone with a video capture feature to see missed callers.

   Helios IP Force – The Perfect IP Intercom for Touch-Free Access

   The Helios IP Force – IP intercom offers a smart and effective solution for the secure access control and monitoring of a building entrance. Voice and video transmission is provided by standard SIP/RTP/RTSP protocols, which guarantee the best compatibility and integration with third-party IP systems.

   The Helios IP Force is designed for operation in the most demanding conditions. The robust mechanical construction offers the highest protective coverage rating against dust and water and protection against mechanical damage (vandal resistant). Numerous deluxe features of the Helios IP Force provide high user comfort and guarantee secure access control for any extreme environment.

   The intercom targets organizations from a variety of sectors and verticals, including business (offices, shopping areas), education (universities, campuses, schools, sports areas), healthcare (hospitals, laboratories), logistics & transportation (airports, parking lots or garages), government (prisons), industries (manufacturing & production, energy, metal & mining, chemicals).

   HELIOS IP FORCE – IP INTERCOM – KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

   • Full integration with Facial Recognition Access Control
   • Maximal resistivity against dust, water, and mechanical damage
   • High clarity and volume in noisy environments
   • Wide-angle colour camera with night vision
   • Illuminated buttons and backlit keyboard
   • Integrated RFID card reader
   • Wide-angle colour camera with night vision
   • Illuminated buttons and backlit keyboard
   • Integrated RFID card reader
   • Secure admission to the building of authorised people at selected times
   • Entrance monitoring and following the movement of people
   • Interconnecting with other security systems in the building
   • Easy installation and integration into the existing LAN
   • Visual & Voice navigation – suitable for disabled people

   If you’d like to get further details on the very comprehensive solutions supplied by Access Control UK and just how they can help your company become more efficient and save money, just contact us or Book a Demo, our team of dedicated representatives will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and queries.

6. Contactless Biometric Access Control Systems – Challenging Implementations, Rewarding Results

   22 May 2020 1:04 pm Leave a Comment

   Contactless biometric access control solutions are beginning to gain a lot of traction around the world, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighting once more the dangers modern workplaces can pose when hygiene measures are not properly taken into account.

   The main goal of any contactless biometric access control system is to provide a solution that required no physical contact, is almost fully automatized and flexible enough to incorporate into existing access control systems.

   Based on market research reports, facial recognition solutions are poised to dominate as the biometric recognition method of choice. And with coronavirus pandemic, even places using fingerprint as a main modality will now be under pressure to replace it with a touchless alternative. The accuracy of face recognition is now luckily close to the fingerprint one.

   For access control purposes, facial identification has to be so quick that the reaction time feels immediate. This comes handy in high-volume situations such as morning peak when most of the employees come to offices. Low speed would create traffic jams, hampering seamlessness.

   Liveness Detection is another very important feature in any facial recognition access control solution. For a fully automated (and more secure) use scenarios one more element is necessary: the ability to detect liveness of a person. For a seamless access control, the liveness check has to be passive, i.e. not requiring any extra input, just judging from seeing a face.

   Access Control UK – suppliers of choice of advanced access control and facial recognition systems

   Given the level of security required for stadia and sporting arenas, implementing a very solid access control and surveillance system is really a must, and this is specifically where Access Control UK could leverage its extensive experience in this field.

   Access Control UK employs a variety of access control technologies, including here facial recognition, to create advanced solutions, enable users to exert solid, reliable and accurate control over the access to specific premises or zones.

   If you’d like to find out more about the range of solutions supplied by Access Control UK, both in terms of hardware (smart card readers, biometric readers, turnstiles, etc.) and software (access rights management software solutions, etc.), just contact us, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

7. Long-range access control to help improve staff safety during the COVID-19 pandemic

   4 May 2020 6:24 pm Leave a Comment

   Long-range access control solutions can prove to be very effective in preventing the further spread of the COVID-19, especially as far healthcare facilities are concerned, experts argue.

   The pandemic is driving the need for a technology that will help healthcare facilities to battle and beat the coronavirus, but this crisis has also managed to highlight the need for better healthcare safety and security technologies that will avoid the spread of the viruses happening in the first place. One of these technologies is long-range RFID system.

   Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) utilises electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track various objects. Most RFID systems include a microchip with an antenna (tag), a reader with an antenna and an access control server.

   Value offered by long-range access solutions goes beyond security and safety. The right solution can not only help to minimise health risks for patients and medical staff, but also improve workflow and efficiency, as well as having enough data on hand in cases of crisis.

   Viruses can live for over 24 hours on plastic and metal surfaces, so it only takes one carrier or one infected person to potentially spread the virus to everyone who enters through the door. Hence, the busier the facility, the higher the risk. The right access control solution can help minimise this risk and help protect both medical staff and patients.

   Access Control UK – expert suppliers of RFID-based access control solutions

   Access Control UK employs a variety of access control technologies, including here RFID, to create advanced solutions, enable users to exert solid, reliable and accurate control over the access to specific premises or zones.

   If you’d like to find out more about the range of solutions supplied by Access Control UK, both in terms of hardware (smart card readers, biometric time and attendance readers, turnstiles, etc.) and software (access rights management software solutions, etc.), just contact us, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

8. Security Compliance Requirements to Drive Growth in the Physical Identity and Access Management Sector

   21 April 2020 9:50 pm Leave a Comment

   Increasingly strict government regulations and compliance related to security, as well as the increasing demand from organizations for diverse security systems to streamline security management of an entire organization or business will be some of the main growth drivers in the physical identity and access management sector, a recent market research report has been able to suggest.

   The “Physical Identity and Access Management Market by Component (Software and Services), Organization Size (Large organization and Small & Medium Organization), Industry Vertical (IT & Telecom, BFSI, Retail, Healthcare, Government & Defense, and Others), and by Region, Global Forecast, 2018 to 2025” report forecasts that his market sector will reach over USD 1 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of over 13%.

   Furthermore, the increased adoption of physical access control systems is anticipated to create lucrative opportunities for the global physical identity and access management market in upcoming years.

   Based on industry vertical, the market is bifurcated into IT & telecom, BFSI, retail, healthcare, government & defense, and others. In 2019, the BFSI segment captured the highest market revenue and is anticipated to dominate the physical identity and access management market throughout the forecast period.

   The dominance of this segment is mainly attributed to increasing rigorous authorization and authentication procedures across the financial sector. On the contrary, the healthcare industry is anticipated to gather the highest growth rate throughout the forecast period.

   Access Control UK – expert suppliers of end-to-end Physical Identity and Access Management solutions

   Access Control UK employs a variety of access control technologies in order to create advanced solutions, enable users to exert solid, reliable and accurate control over the access to specific premises or zones.

   If you’d like to find out more about the range of solutions supplied by Access Control UK, both in terms of hardware (smart card readers, biometric time and attendance readers, turnstiles, etc.) and software (access rights management software solutions, etc.), just contact us, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

9. Coronavirus lockdown brings about surge in break-is affecting closed commercial properties

   17 April 2020 10:52 am Leave a Comment

   The coronavirus lockdown has brought about a significant rise in the number of break-ins affecting commercial properties such as pubs, shops, offices and construction sites, a recent report can reveal.

   Police forces across the UK are having to carry out extra night patrols in empty city and town centres, as burglars target shops, pubs and other commercial premises during the coronavirus lockdown.

   Last week the British Security Industry Association confirmed that the current definition of key critical workers includes regulated security professionals. Roles essential to supporting law and order, with the potential to reduce demand on policing, also meet the critical worker definition. This includes the guarding and CCTV monitoring of empty or closed commercial, retail or office premises, and the provision of alarm response centres including mobile units.

   “When the March UK crime statistics are published soon, it would be worth checking to see if one area has witnessed a greater rise in criminal activity on commercial premises than another. That would be one indication of greater vulnerability for shops and pubs, for example, and may highlight where additional security measures might be needed,” one expert believes.

   Access Control UK – expert suppliers of end-to-end  Physical Identity and Access Management solutions

   Access Control UK employs a variety of access control technologies in order to create advanced solutions, enable users to exert solid, reliable and accurate control over the access to specific premises or zones.

   If you’d like to find out more about the range of solutions supplied by Access Control UK, both in terms of hardware (smart card readers, biometric time and attendance readers, turnstiles, etc.) and software (access rights management software solutions, etc.), just contact us, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

10. Smart cards and role-based access control – the solution for enhanced security during the COVID-19 pandemic

    6 April 2020 12:05 pm Leave a Comment

    The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a number of safety measures being put in place, one of the most important being that all business review the use of biometric authentication solutions that require touch (fingerprint readers and hand scanners), a recent news report has been able to suggest.

    Many businesses are managing to adhere to recommendations for their staff to work remotely, however there is also a large proportion of organisations having to stay open. These critical businesses are thereby forced to disinfect pin pads and secure fingerprint readers on office doors or secure facilities, amongst other stringent hygiene policies. This uncertain time has made it clear that the access devices touched by all members of staff can actually represent a safety risk.

    It is unlikely that biometric solutions will become less popular, as Gartner predicts that by 2022, 40 percent of businesses plan to adopt biometric technology for information security. However, until then and until the COVID-19 pandemic becomes a thing of the past (whenever that might happen), intermediary measures need to be put in place.

    This is where individual role-based access control solutions can help. Fingerprint access has often been used to bolster security for high-security areas – helping businesses embrace the ‘zero trust model’ in the workplace and ensuring that sensitive corporate information and office spaces remain protected. But with health concerns front of mind, businesses are realising that it is preferable to do this without having to rely on communal fingerprint sensors or hand scanning devices, and assigning specific security roles to individual smart card holders.

    Access Control UK – the go-to company for secure, reliable and affordable access control systems

    Access Control UK employs a variety of access control technologies in order to create advanced solutions, enable users to exert solid, reliable and accurate control over the access to specific premises or zones.

    An UK-based manufacturer, we have over 30 years’ experience in designing, installing and commissioning outstanding security solutions. We take great pride in our commitment to provide the best possible customer care and adhere to the highest British and International security standards, which is why we’ve been formally accredited by several accreditation bodies (visit our Accreditations page for more information).

    The Access Control Systems supplied by Access Control UK are modular and fully scalable in design, thus allowing you to build your access control system to match your specific requirements, whether you’re a small company with under 250 personnel or a large multinational corporation.

    If you’d like to find out more about the range of solutions supplied by Access Control UK, both in terms of hardware (smart card readers, biometric time and attendance readers, turnstiles, etc.) and software (access rights management software solutions, etc.), just contact us, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.