Biometric mercy flights

November 2012 Access Control & Identity Management

The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) was established in 1966 by the Red Cross Society and provides air ambulance, rural outreach and emergency rescue services to metropolitan areas and remote rural communities via fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. The air ambulance and rescue helicopters are crewed by teams of specially trained pilots, flight paramedics, doctors and rescue specialists.

“In 2009, AMS began building a new office next to its existing premises. The organisation approached Trac-Tech to add an access control system, as well as a time and attendance component to the new building. Trac-Tech installed Virdi biometric readers and the Time Register software with a VIP Payroll Translator for this application,” said Trac-Tech sales manager, Marj Valasek.

When AMS completed the renovations of its old premises at the end of 2011, it again approached Trac-Tech to offer a solution for its access control. This involved the installation of Virdi biometric readers at various doors within the renovated area.

Farhaad Haffejee, corporate development manager at AMS, explained that the main reason for instituting an access control system was to restrict the access by unauthorised people into the hangars. “The aircraft need to be ready to fly at a moment’s notice and we simply cannot afford to have the possibility of people tampering with them or any components that may be in the hangar. In addition, the system provides our own employees with the assurance of a high level of security.”

Haffejee said that it was essential for the installation to take place at the end of 2011 when the annual shutdown takes place at Trac-Tech and they operate with a reduced staff component. “The Trac-Tech team were absolutely amazing. Their willingness to accommodate us over the festive season was beyond the call of duty. The installation began on 21 December 2011 and continued for seven working days.”

The buildings, which cover an area of 1000 m², and the 1800 m² hangar, house 100 employees, all of whom are registered on the Trac-Tech system. One of the buildings has eight AC2100 Virdi readers with door accessories; while the other building has nine AC2100 and SR100 (slave) readers as well as one AC2100 reader with door accessories. Two employees from AMS underwent training on the Virdi readers and Trac-Tech software in order to ensure a smooth transition to the system.

“The service and equipment provided by Trac-Tech has been excellent. In addition to being very flexible and knowledgeable in their approach, they offered us a 65% discount on the system cost. This gesture has allowed AMS to take advantage of a system we would otherwise have struggled to afford,” said Haffejee. “The professionalism of the installation means that we are able to concentrate on our core business, while our access control system ensures that only authorised people are allowed into the sensitive areas within the buildings and the hangars.”

“We maintain the stance that an investment in community plays a major role in the success of the company. We have identified a number of non-profit organisations that we support in a number of ways, as our contribution to corporate social investment,” said Valasek. “Trac-Tech began a social responsibility association with AMS in 2007 when we supplied them with an access control system for their offices near Cape Town Airport. Understanding the critical nature of the services that AMS performs, Trac-Tech has maintained a strong relationship with the organisation.”

For more information contact Trac-Tech, 0861 100 199, [email protected], www.trac-tech.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Who has access to your face?
Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
While you may be adjusting your privacy settings on social media or thinking twice about who is recording you at public events, the reality is that your facial features may be used in other contexts,

Read more...
Smarter security for safer estate living
neaMetrics Suprema Integrated Solutions Surveillance Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry)
The expansion of residential estates has led to many communities being constructed with security as an afterthought. Unfortunately, fencing, cameras, and a guard at the gate only create a false sense of safety, which vanishes after the first incident.

Read more...
Visitor management views
Entry Pro ATG Digital Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry)
Visitor management is always changing, taking technology and legislation into account. SMART Security Solutions examines the latest trends with input from ATG Digital and Entry Pro.

Read more...
Securing your estate beyond the gate
ATG Digital Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
Protecting gated communities and lifestyle estates requires a modern, intelligent approach. A truly intelligent system protects both physical and digital perimeters, it must be a fully integrated ecosystem.

Read more...
Reliability, innovation and flexibility
Entry Pro Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry) Products & Solutions
Through constant innovation and advancement in technology and systems, Entry Pro strives to provide its clients with not only the most suitable, but also the most advanced solution.

Read more...
Smarter security with automated visitor management
LD Africa Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry) Products & Solutions
Automated visitor management solutions, like LD Access, are transforming this process by reducing human workload, while enhancing security and efficiency.

Read more...
Paxton enhances installer loyalty programme
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
Paxton has made it easier for security installers to benefit from its popular loyalty programme, Paxton Rewards, with points now added automatically when purchasing through approved distribution partners.

Read more...
Identity, Security & Access Alliance focuses on intelligence and integration
SMART Security Solutions Ideco Biometrics BoomGate Systems Bosch Building Technologies Technews Publishing Integrated Solutions Surveillance Access Control & Identity Management
The Identity, Security & Access Alliance (ISAA) hosted several launch events in Johannesburg in August, showcasing the participating companies’ technical solutions with a primary focus on the solutions made possible by integrating high-quality systems to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Read more...
Rethinking access control in high-risk logistics environments
ATG Digital Access Control & Identity Management Transport (Industry) Logistics (Industry) Facilities & Building Management
South Africa’s logistics sector is under constant pressure, not only from external threats like hijackings and cargo theft, but also from internal vulnerabilities, operational blind spots, and limited support.

Read more...
Nice unveils MyNice Smartgo
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Nice SA has announced the release of MyNice Smartgo, a compact access automation solution, designed specifically for the South African market, combining an easy-to-install device with a user-friendly smartphone application.friendly smartphone application.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.