Author Archives: tensor_accesscontrol

1. US public schools implement extensive RFID-based identification solution for staff and students

   24 September 2013 11:22 am Leave a Comment

   Following the recent fire arm incidents that plagued multiple schools and universities across the UK, the new Jersey’s Belleville Public School District is implementing an active radio frequency identification solution to locate students and faculty members within its schools, as well as students on its 21 buses.

   According to a news report on this matter, the new tech is being implemented as part of an extensive security system that the district believes will make its students and staff some of the best-protected in the United States. The use of RFID, cameras with built-in analytic software, and a new phone system—as well as the posting of armed officers and a new director of security—is intended to prevent tragedies like the December 2012 shooting in Newtown, Ct., and to provide location data for use in generating attendance reports, or during a problem such as a medical emergency or fight.

   As part of the program, the district is installing 190 readers throughout its schools, and plans to provide RFID tags to its 600 staff members and 4,800 students. RFID readers are also being installed on its 21 buses, each with GPS units to identify the location of each tag read, and to forward that data to the software residing on the district’s database via a cellular connection.

   Staff members’ tags come with two buttons. Pressing one of the buttons indicates that help is required (the software can forward an alert to employees onsite), while the other signals a 911-level event (such as a shooter being in a room), and can also trigger a call to police and other emergency services.

   Furthermore, staff members’ tags, as well as those of middle- and high-school students, will also come with passive low-frequency (LF) RFID inlays to enable access control. Teachers, for example, could use the LF inlays to enter restricted areas, while older students would utilize the proximity function to access bathrooms. If an excessive number of students attempted to enter the bathrooms, they could be denied entrance. Moreover, the software could identify if the same individuals were repeatedly visiting the bathrooms simultaneously, possibly suggesting a drug-use or fighting issue.

   Last, but certainly not least, it’s interesting to mention that the technology may also eliminate the need for teachers to take attendance at the beginning of each class.

   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 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. ASOS and Norbert Dentressangle set for extensive expansion of Barnsley centre operations

   23 September 2013 12:11 pm Leave a Comment

    

   As part of one of the most important logistics-related agreements in Europe, Norbert Dentressangle has managed to secure a contract worth more than £100m for the management of ASOS’ giant distribution hub in Yorkshire.

    

   According to a news report in the media, the Barnsley warehouse, a central pillar for ASOS’ online clothing distribution business, currently provides more than 1.1 million sq ft of floor space and is the size of six football pitches.

    

   However, in order to support the retailer’s expansion plans, ASOS is keen on extending the facility by an impressive 25 per cent, effectively doubling storage capacity at the site.

    

   Furthermore, as part of this new contract, all 1,200 staff employed by ASOS’ former service provider Unipart Logistics were offered the opportunity to transfer to Norbert Dentressangle.

    

   Martin Palmer, Norbert Dentressangle business development director, said: "We have a proven track record in taking on and improving complex, high-volume e-fulfilment operations and look forward to working with ASOS to introduce new strategies and solutions to support continued volume growth and geographical expansion.

    

   "Our experience in successful major TUPE transfers also comes into play and we have worked closely with all parties to ensure a smooth transition, both for ASOS and those working on the contract.

    

   "Both we and ASOS operate on an increasingly global basis and we are confident that this new contract marks the beginning of a long-term, strategic partnership between our two companies."

    

   Since they’re facing quite a serious extension of their available storage space, the implementation of a very reliable access control solution is also a very good idea, and that’s exactly where Access Control UK can put its extensive experience to very good use.

    

   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.   

3. HID Global expands pivCLASS product portfolio of credential authentication solutions

   20 September 2013 11:15 am Leave a Comment

   HID Global has recently announced it has expanded its pivCLASS® product portfolio with an extensive family of credential authentication solutions that enables customers to comply with government physical access control mandates.

   According to the company’s statement, their pivCLASS suite now incorporates a comprehensive family of software solutions from Codebench, part of HID Global, with HID’s pivCLASS Authentication Module (PAM), readers and credentials that offer a complete solution for end-to-end compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive -12 (HSPD-12) and FIPS 201 to PIV-enable a physical access control system (PACS).

   The pivCLASS Government Solutions portfolio supports credential verification of FIPS 201-based credentials (PIV, PIV-I, CAC, CIV, TWIC, FRAC) and physical access control registration into more than 30 different PACS head end products. The portfolio enables government agencies to comply with FIPS 201 requirements by leveraging their existing technology and eliminating the need to rip and replace existing systems. pivCLASS now includes a complete range of Personal Identity Verification (PIV) registration, verification and reader products, allowing government agencies to use PIV-enabled cards for strong public key infrastructure (PKI)-based validation for physical access control.

   “With the latest additions to our pivCLASS portfolio, HID Global provides a single source for government agencies to upgrade their existing physical access control systems with PIV capabilities,” said John Fenske, vice president of product marketing, Physical Access Control with HID Global. “As the industry’s first comprehensive FIPS 201-compliant solution for migrating to PIV, pivCLASS makes it easy for agencies to meet compliance requirements, and implement higher security by enabling a phased deployment approach that meets their security and budgetary needs.”

   Access Control UK employs a variety of access control technologies, including the ones developed by HID Global, 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.

4. Tesco to invest in Rainmaking Loft tech hub for start-ups

   16 September 2013 2:26 pm Leave a Comment

   Tesco, one of the UK’s (and the world’s) largest retailers, has announced plans to actively participate in the development of a start-up incubator on the fringe of Tech City, next to Tower Bridge.

   According to a news report on the matter, Tesco plans to sponsor The Loft in St Katherine’s Docks, which opened at the start of July and is currently home to about 60 young media and technology developers.

   "We provide financial support to set up the infrastructure and in return we get to draw on the collective creativity of the entrepreneurs and technologists there from time to time," Robin Terrell, multi-channel director at Tesco, wrote on the company’s blog.

   The 10,000 square foot, not-for-profit facility is said to be able to accommodate up to 170 technology entrepreneurs looking for desk space, support and collaborative partners.

   Given the nature of the activity being carried out on the premises, the implementation of a very reliable access control solution is also a very good idea, and that’s exactly where Access Control UK can put its extensive experience to very good use.

   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.

5. HID Global to enable the use of access control cards for IT systems’ authentication

   12 September 2013 3:37 pm Leave a Comment

   HID Global, a major name in the field of smart card -based access control solutions, will showcase a very innovative authentication and access control solution at Intel Developer Forum 2013, which will enable users to use the same ID badge credential that is used for building access for IT authentication and login to their computer.

   The company will showcase its innovative IT security use cases of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and Seos, the industry’s first credential for complete enterprise-ready access control to everything from the door, to the data, to the cloud.

   As part of HID Global’s iCLASS SE®platform, Seos is a high frequency credential for increased security, flexibility and portability. Seos is a standards-based technology to manage and authenticate identities and it delivers maximum interoperability by supporting current, emerging and future technologies such as NFC-enabled smartphones and other mobile devices.

   "NFC will be a standard feature of many smartphones, tablets and laptops, where users will be able to tap a credential to login to their computer in the same way that they tap an ID badge to a door reader for building access," said Jerome Becquart, vice president of Identity Assurance with HID Global. "HID Global is well-positioned to couple NFC with our ground-breaking Seos credential already used for physical access control, which can extend the use of the credential into a wide range of IT authentication use cases in the future.

   Access Control UK employs a variety of access control technologies, including the ones developed by HID Global, 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.

    

6. PIV Card standard specification from NIST gets updated

   9 September 2013 4:49 pm Leave a Comment

   The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA has issued an updated version of its standard specification Personal Identification Verification (PIV) Card.

   The original FIPS 201 document from 2005 required all PIV cards to contain an integrated circuit chip for storing electronic credentials and protected biometric data — fingerprint specifics and, optionally, a photograph.

   The FIPS 201-2 revision includes a derived PIV credential option for use in mobile devices; optional on-card fingerprint comparison capability; use of iris alone or in conjunction with fingerprints; secure messaging through a protected channel between cards and readers as an option; and remote updating of a card’s credentials.

   The specification of the optional iris biometric is based on the ISO/IEC 19794-6 iris biometric standard published in 2011. These specifications can serve other iris-based authentication uses cases beyond the PIV program.

   The on-card fingerprint comparison may be used as an alternate to the Personal Identification Number in use currently.

   “Offering a strong credential provides better identity assurance as to who you are,” Hildegard Ferraiolo, a NIST computer scientist who co-authored the document said. “The standard can be updated every five years, if needed, and agencies wanted to incorporate their years of experience in a fresher revision.”

   Access Control UK employs a variety of biometrics-based solutions that 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. Biometrics to revolutionize the security of mobile payments, report suggests

   5 September 2013 3:15 pm Leave a Comment

   Biometrics are likely to become the solution that will help deliver a higher level of security and an intuitive customer experience in the field of mobile payments, a new research paper by Frost & Sullivan has revealed.

   “Protecting the mobile device itself is a first step, necessary to secure mobile payments. Although a personal identification number (PIN) can do the job, in 2011 more than 60 percent of smartphone users were not using a PIN to protect their mobile access,” noted Frost & Sullivan Global Program Director, ICT in Financial Services, Jean-Noel Georges.

   Remembering PINs could become soon a thing of the past. With biometrics the user is the unique key to device, application, and payment security, making it a high rank of protection. But even if these technologies are ready, the cost and complexity of integrating them into mobile devices make widespread rollout a huge challenge.

   Moreover, the end user will need time to accept this new way of interacting with his or her device. Other projects have already appeared that use an individual’s personal magnetic field as an identifying signature. “We expect to see biometrics becoming increasingly prevalent over the course of the next 3-4 years, driven by a desire among vendors and consumers alike to be better protected when accessing mobile services,” summarised Mr. Georges.

   Access Control UK employs a variety of biometric time and attendance-based solutions that 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.

8. Marine Energy Park near Humber getting nearer to approval

   29 August 2013 3:30 pm Leave a Comment

   Plans for a £450m Marine Energy Park, set to be built on the south bank of the Humber, are about to receive the Government’s approval, Able UK has recently revealed.

   The Energy Park is planned to cover 906 acres, providing 1,279 metres of quayside facilities purpose-built for the manufacture, assembly and installation of offshore renewable technologies. Furthermore, considering the fact that the park is located at the centre of the largest enterprise zone in the UK, its developer expect it to attract about 4,000 jobs directly and act as the catalyst for establishing the Humber as a world-class centre for the renewable energy industries.

   Able UK group development director Neil Etherington said: "It is obviously good news that the panel which carried out the very detailed and complex examination of our application recommended granting consent.”

   "It’s also good news that in the announcement ministers do recognise the regeneration and economic benefits for both the local area and the wider development of the offshore renewable energy industry.” he added.

   Naturally, since we’re talking about a high-tech, advanced installation, implementing a solid and reliable access control system would also be a significant plus, and this is specifically where Access Control UK can put its extensive experience to very good use.

   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.

9. New engineering academy set to be built in Coventry

   27 August 2013 3:18 pm Leave a Comment

   The Coventry City Council has just approved plans for the construction of a new engineering academy on the grounds of the Westwood Academy, sources in the local media report.

   The 3-storey building will eventually cater for the educational needs of up to 640 students, and will also help create 50 new jobs in the process. The academy is intended to provide full-time education for students aged 14 to 19 and work with the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors, National Grid and Bosch.

   The Warwick Manufacturing Group, which submitted the plans, hoped the venue will open in September 2014. In a statement the group said: "The building will be more like a business than a school with flexible working spaces, and specialist dedicated engineering facilities. There will also be space for our business partners to come in and work alongside our students, truly embedding business and education."

   Given the technical nature of the new education centre, as well as the fact that it will most likely house expensive educational and technological equipment, installing a solid and reliable access control solution is really a must, and this is specifically the area where Access Control UK could easily leverage its extensive experience in the field.

   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.

10. Kitchen furniture seller takes up new distribution hub in Gloucester

    23 August 2013 3:04 pm Leave a Comment

    Kitchen furniture business Direct Online Services has revealed plans to extend to a new 75,000 sq ft warehouse building in Gloucester, Unit A at Mill Place, for a new distribution hub.

    According to a new article in the local media, the company employs more than 100 members of staff and has further plans for extension.

    David Aubrey of Robert Hitchins, the landlord of the building taken up by Direct Online Services, said: "We are pleased to welcome Direct Online Services Ltd to Mill Place. The site’s convenient location makes Mill Place an ideal location for a variety of businesses."

    Rob Holley of Alder King, who represented Robert Hitchins, added: "There is an imbalance between the level of demand and the availability of large industrial space across the region. This letting leaves the level of supply even more depleted.

    "The encouraging news is that Gloucestershire has a good supply of sites capable of delivering high quality buildings on a design and build basis and we are now seeing developers securing pre-lets and pre-sales at sites, including another Robert Hitchins site at Stonehouse Park" he added.

    Given the nature of the Direct Online Services’ business, installing a solid and reliable access control solution within their new distribution building should be something they seriously consider, and this is specifically where Access Control UK could help.

    The flagship offering in our extensive lineup is represented by the Access Lite.NET/Enterprise.NET systems, capable of providing from one access control point to a multi-site network of scanners and clocks.

    The systems are easily operated by contactless smart cards, which means that access is granted / denied instantly. Furthermore, the systems can also work with physical security devices and have no limits in terms of the number of employees registered.

    Additional extra features worth mentioning include two-factor authentication through biometrics, as well as the fast and easy integration with other systems. If you’d like to find out more about the access control systems developed by Access Control UK, just contact us, we’ll be sure to answer all of your questions and queries.