Author Archives: news

1. Turnstiles and Leisure Centres – A Match Made in (Security) Heaven

   22 July 2019 3:59 pm Leave a Comment

   Without a doubt, the use of turnstiles for streamlining – and in the same time, securing – access to leisure centres should come as standard nowadays, given the huge economies of scale and also enhanced security and safety these solutions can provide.

   Security turnstiles integrated with membership management systems (and a strong access control component) prevent the risk of unauthorized entry into the facility by non-members and “friends of friends”, especially during peak times, when reception teams can sometimes be overwhelmed by the number of people trying to access the premises.

   When turnstiles are present, members can bypass the reception desk, walk up to the turnstile, present their credentials, and upon authorization from the membership management system, proceed through the turnstile. If there are two or more turnstiles, the amount of traffic throughput is incredibly efficient compared to using reception staff to register members at the desk. Members will appreciate not having to wait, as most turnstiles can handle about 30 people per minute.

   Turnstiles by design allow only one person to enter per authorization. The 3-arm, tripod turnstile only rotates an arm 120 degrees, enough to let one person pass, and then it locks. In addition to tripod turnstiles, optical turnstiles, once only found in Class A office building lobbies, are becoming popular with rec centers.

    Optical turnstiles make a great choice because of their automatic, quiet barrier operation (swinging or sliding glass), aesthetically pleasing design, and their ability to sense when two people rush through on a single authorization, which will generate an audible alarm.

   Access Control UK – Expert Suppliers of Turnstiles and other Pedestrian Access Restriction Solutions

   Access Control UK can provide you with a system that allows rapid communication enabling maximum flow capacity across multiple areas of your site. Our access control turnstiles (including coin operated toilet turnstiles) fully integrate with our smart card and biometric access control systems, giving you full jurisdiction over movement and access in and around your site.

   Durable in design, all turnstiles supplied by Access Control UK come complete with a full two-year guarantee, giving you peace of mind that your physical security equipment will provide your site with security well into the future.

2. Access Control Systems Market Set to Grow at a CAGR of 9.8%

   16 July 2019 11:12 am Leave a Comment

   Driven forward by the global increase in crime rates and the need for enhanced public security, the access control systems market is set to record a very strong level of growth over the next 6 years, a recent market research report from ResearchAndMarkets has been able to suggest.

   The “Access Control Market – Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2019 – 2024)” report suggests that this particular market vertical is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 9.8% during the forecast period 2019-2024.

   It points out that access control systems play a major role in urban security by enabling end users to exercise greater control over their sites – after all, the most effective way of protecting personnel and assets from theft or harm is to limit physical and virtual access to only those individuals who can be identified and evaluated.

   Further growth factors include the launch of new and cost-effective security systems, as well as the preference for wireless as well as IoT based security systems in various applications.

   Access Control UK – specialising in deploying advanced access control system tailored to your specific requirements

   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.

   The access control systems supplied by Access Control UK also support an effective Fire Roll Call feature, which will enable employers to evacuate the personnel off the premises in a very orderly and clear manner, should a fire, explosion or some other type of catastrophe occur.

   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 hit the contact button at the top of the screen, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

3. Enjoy enhanced security and ease of use via an integrated access control system

   9 July 2019 3:43 pm Leave a Comment

   Making sure that only authorized members of staff are able to access an organization’s site is just the first step in securing access to an organization’s premises. In fact, for total peace of mind and complete security, organizations need to deploy and integrate a variety of systems, such as video surveillance (CCTV), visitor monitoring and management, fire roll call, alarms and many more.

   Integrating multiple systems together will make monitoring, updating and reporting much easier, while the business insight the systems provide will let you use time and resources more efficiently and improve health and safety for personnel and visitors.

   An integrated system will act as a hub, allowing users to integrate and operate all their systems from one place and seamlessly control access via doors, turnstiles, lifts, car park barriers as well as monitoring real-time events via CCTV, controlling access to assets and areas via HR and active directory systems and tracking assets and personnel if need be.

   The advantages of using an integrated system include the ease of use – all aspects of security and access are manager from one place through one programme – while integration with visitor management systems means you can save time for reception staff.

   Enhanced security is yet another major advantage provided by integrated security systems, as they can be used to better identify who is where on site in an emergency situation, ensuring all personnel are evacuated safely if need be. Or, it can allow you to keep important training and accreditations on file and issue automatic renewal messages to ensure professional credentials and health and safety training are always up to date.

   Access Control Software from Access Control UK delivers comprehensive visitor monitoring functionality

   The powerful software supplied with all the Access Control UK solutions has a familiar Windows™ interface, providing quick and easy access to information. It is also highly scalable, from simple door and registration point control, through to a fully computerised global Networked Access Control System.

   Some of the most important features include:

   • Access Control Profiles easily created or customised to suit your particular site, and can be varied minute-by-minute
   • Real Time (near) graphical display shows doors being opened / closed, those with alarm status set and forced entry
   • Doors may be configured to open automatically on fire alarms and lock automatically on burglar alarms
   • Anti Pass Back facility limits the same card being used by more than one person
   • CCTV Tracking of video clips showing “evidence quality” footage of forced entries, alarm events, users of Smart Cards gaining access or being denied
   • Door/Barrier Access can be limited depending on the persons’ roll call status
   • Resilient System keeps running even when certain cables are cut or damaged or PC networks fail
   • Sensor Monitoring to detect forced entry
   • Audit Trail showing who gained access (or denied) at any location at any time
   • Biometric dermal fingerprint reading for maximum security and personnel authentication
   • Hardware Device Manager allows easy adding & editing of hardware device profiles
   • With our Access Control Software you can be assured that you will receive a simple to use, highly secure way of controlling access to areas or buildings, as well as monitoring who is present 24 hours a day.

   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 hit the contact button at the top of the screen, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

4. Access control systems can help prevent data breaches and hacks

   4 July 2019 10:25 am Leave a Comment

   The implementation of access control systems within an organization can help prevent dangerous data breaches, which, more often than not, can have a significant adverse effect on a company’s reputation and finances.

   A recent example from the UK, where one disgruntled supermarket employee leaked the personal details of 100,000 colleagues online, shows that companies are currently considered to be vicariously liable for the actions of their employees and the security of both employee and consumer data.

   It’s also important to mention that data breaches are often – perhaps predominantly – caused by simple, avoidable errors during day-to-day processes. For example, companies often fail to consider whether employees can still access this information once their employment has been terminated – in fact, a recent study has shown that half (47%) of employees who leave a job still have access to their former organisation’s data/

   The solution to this problem is through the intelligent automation of access. Choosing the right identity governance solution means that an organisation can manage access far more effectively, and also handle potential security and compliance risks, while ensuring that every digital identity throughout the organisation is kept secure.

   Access Control UK – specialising in deploying advanced access control system tailored to your specific requirements

   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.

   The access control systems supplied by Access Control UK also support an effective Fire Roll Call feature, which will enable employers to evacuate the personnel off the premises in a very orderly and clear manner, should a fire, explosion or some other type of catastrophe occur.

   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 hit the contact button at the top of the screen, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

5. Improve visitor monitoring and site security with an access control system

   21 June 2019 1:26 pm Leave a Comment

   Considering the serious security concerns affecting most companies and organizations nowadays, most of them need to set up specific restriction measures for certain areas of their site, ensuring the fact that solely authorised members of staff are allowed to access them.

   Quite obviously, a standard “lock and key solution” is always perfectly possible, but a modern approach is to implement a role-based access control solutions – in fact, assigning a specific set of clearances / access rights to each user of the system based on their credentials.

   However, an access control solution can do a lot more for an organization than simply restricting access through particular doors, and offers a lot more advantages over traditional systems.

   For example, most access control systems employ either biometrics or smart cards for access, which are a lot less difficult to lose than a pair of keys. Furthermore, it will keep an automated record of people coming and leaving the premises at all times. Each entry and exit is logged, so it becomes easy to track those that visit in non-business hours.

   Using an access control system will also lower the risk of trespassing on your organization’s site, ensuring that only genuine employees gain access, and prevent unauthorized individuals from entering without getting detected. A direct consequence of the above is an improved level of security to crucial areas, as well as a higher level of safety for staff.

   Our real-time graphical display shows doors opening and closing as it happens, recording the information to be looked at later if necessary, and our access control profiles can be changed within a minute if any suspicious activity is noticed.

   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.

6. ACCESS CONTROL UK’S PARENT COMPANY, TENSOR, WINS OFFICIAL SUPPLIER STATUS ON THE ESPO SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT/SERVICES FRAMEWORK

   5 June 2019 2:42 pm Leave a Comment

   Following an intensive competitive tender process, Access Control UK’s parent company, Tensor plc, has been placed on the ESPO public sector Surveillance Equipment/Services Framework (No. 628_19) for the provision of both Private Space Surveillance Systems (Lot 2) and Access Control Systems (Lot 3).

   The framework is extensively used nationally by any UK public sector body including, but not limited to:

   • Schools & academies
   • Local authority establishments
   • Police & emergency services
   • NHS & HSC bodies
   • Central government departments & their agencies
   • Registered charities

   The ESPO Security and Surveillance Equipment/Services Framework offers public sector bodies a quick, simple and competitively-priced way of purchasing Tensor products without having to run a full tender, as the framework is compliant with all the relevant UK/EU procurement legislation.

   Prospective customers will have the peace-of-mind that Tensor is a financially stable company, whose track record, experience and technical & professional abilities are second to none.

   Furthermore, they can rest assured that they’ll be obtaining the best-possible pricing for products and services – ESPO suppliers are assessed on their price and non-price credentials and only the most competitive suppliers are appointed onto the framework.

   Ashley Smith, Tensor Chief Executive, said “We are delighted to be part of the ESPO framework where we were selected based on our extensive expertise and suitability.

   This will enable public sector buyers to choose Tensor as their access control and surveillance systems’ supplier without having to run a full tender, all while knowing that the competitive pricing and quality of our products and services is guaranteed.”

   For more information on how you can purchase Tensor products and services using the ESPO framework, please call us on +44 (0)1480 215530 or email us at espo@tensor.co.uk.

   ………………………………………………………………………………………………….

   About ESPO

   ESPO is a public sector owned professional buying organisation (PBO), specialising in providing a wide range of goods and services to the public sector for over 35 years. ESPO offers a comprehensive, one-stop shop solution of over 25,000 catalogue products, 120 frameworks and bespoke procurement services, all with free support and advice available from our expert teams.

   Originally established in 1981 to provide a comprehensive procurement service to Leicestershire County Council and Lincolnshire County Council, ESPO has since grown into a well-known, respected organisation for customers from all areas of the public sector.

   Today they are one of the country’s largest PBOs owned by six member authority councils: Leicestershire County Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Norfolk County Council, Warwickshire County Council, and Peterborough City Council.

   For more information, please visit https://www.espo.org

7. Commercial sector to continue driving growth in the access control market

   31 May 2019 2:26 pm Leave a Comment

   The commercial sector will continue to be the main factor driving growth in the access control market, which is to set to reach USD 13.55 Billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period 2018-2025, researchers from Fiormarkets have suggested.

   Commercial sector users such as enterprises and data centers, banks and financial centers, hotels, retail stores and malls, and entertainment area require access control systems for protecting people and assets by preventing unauthorized access. They have dominated the market with the highest share of 26.90% in 2017 and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

   The implementation of IoT-Based security systems with cloud computing platforms and rising incidences of identity theft are two factors propelling the growth of the market.

   The market is analysed on the basis of five regions namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa. The North America region is dominating the market with the highest share of 39.80% in 2017. The North America region is dominating the market because of the rise in crime rates, cyber-attacks, and terrorist attacks. High implementation of access control systems in U.S. had dominated the North America market.

   Access Control UK – specialising in deploying advanced access control system tailored to your specific requirements

   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.

   The access control systems supplied by Access Control UK also support an effective Fire Roll Call feature, which will enable employers to evacuate the personnel off the premises in a very orderly and clear manner, should a fire, explosion or some other type of catastrophe occur.

   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 hit the contact button at the top of the screen, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

8. Access Control UK’s Parent Company Tensor is appointed as an official supplier on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) RM6089 Workplace Services Framework Agreement

   15 May 2019 2:52 pm Leave a Comment

   Following a competitive tender process, Access Control UK’s parent company, Tensor plc, the UK based, award winning designer, manufacturer and installer of security, access control, attendance monitoring and energy management & monitoring solutions, is proud to announce that we have been appointed as one of only 19 official suppliers on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) RM6089 Workplace Services Framework Agreement for Technical Security.

   The framework is available to all central Government departments and arm’s-length bodies, non-departmental public bodies, Executive Agencies and other organisations across the whole of the UK public sector including health, local government, education, devolved administrations, emergency services and not-for-profit organisations.

   The Crown Commercial Service, an Executive Agency of the Cabinet Office, is the largest public procurement organisation in the UK. It helps thousands of publically funded organisations in the UK to save hundreds of millions of pounds of spending each year by achieving maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services.

   Organisations who purchase Tensor’s products & services through the framework have the peace of mind that:

   • the framework agreements are fully EU-compliant, saving customers the time and money associated with conducting their own procurement exercises;
   • suppliers are carefully evaluated during the tender process, and pre-agreed terms and conditions offer customers sound contractual safeguards;
   • they are using a UK based ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001, NSI NACOSS Gold & Cyber Essentials accredited organisation;
   • they are purchasing from a British system manufacturer who are part of the ‘Made in Britain’ campaign, able to offer a full delivery service from system design to installation, commissioning and after-care & support;
   • they are using a company with a proven track record in the security industry spanning more than 30 years and with several thousand customer sites including a large number in the public sector;

   Ashley Smith, Chief Executive, Tensor plc, said, “The Crown Commercial Service is focused on sourcing first class suppliers delivering the best and most secure product ranges that offer the best value for money for taxpayers. Tensor is honoured to have been awarded a position on the Workplace Services commercial agreement for Technical Security. We have worked incredibly hard over the past few years to achieve the goal of becoming a supplier for the CCS. As a company which holds both the NSI NACOSS Gold and Secured by Design accreditations, alongside Cyber Essentials, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018, we feel that we are in the perfect position to offer public sector organizations the peace of mind that they are purchasing world class security products backed by a customer service that’s second to none. We are now determined to make the best out of this extraordinary opportunity “.

9. Electronic Access Control Systems Market value set to hit an estimated USD 31,187.8 million by the end of the year

   9 May 2019 1:53 pm Leave a Comment

   The electronic access control systems market is likely to reach an estimated USD 31,187.8 million by the end of the year, a recent market research report has been able to suggest.

   The “Global Market Study on Electronic Access Control (EAC) Systems: Biometric Systems to Witness Highest Growth by 2019” report from Persistence Market Research points out that the need for better security systems to tackle fraudulence, illegal immigration, and criminal activity have propelled governments to invest in better security systems.

   Furthermore, rising terrorist attacks, vandalism, and violence in public places such as city centers, educational institutions have made security as one of the major concerns for every individual, organizations and government agencies. Advantages such as high accuracy, convenience, and time efficiency of Electronic Access Control (EAC) systems increase its attractiveness in the global security market.

   Local and national government have instructed the private sector to invest in security systems for the prevention of population and property from illegal acts, while mobile devices with advanced sensor technologies is currently generating a shift toward biometric access control systems.

   Access Control UK – specialising in deploying advanced access control system tailored to your specific requirements

   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.

   The access control systems supplied by Access Control UK also support an effective Fire Roll Call feature, which will enable employers to evacuate the personnel off the premises in a very orderly and clear manner, should a fire, explosion or some other type of catastrophe occur.

   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 hit the contact button at the top of the screen, we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

10. Global market for biometric authentication as a service in the healthcare sector is set for strong growth

    3 May 2019 12:52 pm Leave a Comment

    The global market for the biometric authentication as a service sector is set for a very strong growth over the next 6 years, recent research by Qyreports has been able to suggest.

    The new research report on the global Biometric as a Service in Healthcare market is a complete overview of the market, covering various aspects product definition, segmentation based on various parameters, and the prevailing vendor landscape.

    The paper suggests that this market sector is estimated to grow at a CAGR of +22% during forecast period – between 2019 and 2025.

    Biometrics refer to an automatic recognition of people depending on their different anatomical characteristics such as face, fingerprint, iris, retina, hand geometry, and behavioral (e.g., signature, gait). Fingerprint recognition solutions are one of the most popular type of biometric solutions in this vertical.

    The adoption of biometric devices with more advanced and highly efficient features is witnessing a significant growth as compared to the conventional devices. These devices are connected to the computer in order to store the data in the cloud which further ensures data safety.

    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 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.