Knowing who is on your premises when, why and for how long, is one of the biggest security challenges faced by security and facilities managers managing busy buildings. Overseeing the security of businesses with multiple sites and a large volume of visitors is a daily challenge in itself.
Controlling access to a building is not a new concept and has been used for many years in the simplest of forms such as gates and locks. Over the years however, the term ‘access control’ has evolved to cover more advanced technology solutions ranging from simple video entry and keypad access, to highly sophisticated biometrics, swipe cards and even computer systems based on Internet Protocol (IP) – whereby the physical solutions are integrated directly into existing IT networks.
Visitors to IFSEC International (www.ifsec.co.uk, 14–17 May 2012, NEC Birmingham), will leave with a comprehensive overview of the access control market and have the opportunity to touch and feel new products, services, technologies and source new suppliers.
“The economies of Europe and the UK have been noticeably impacted by the on-going saga that is the Euro crisis. Growth across Europe is a challenge in the wider economy, but the access control sector seems to be holding up well if our year on year sales growth is typical across the sector,” says John Davies, managing director of TDSi (Hall 4, Stand 4/G20), a global leader in access control systems for all sizes of businesses and organisations.
Davies continues: “Whilst we are seeing growth both in the UK and Europe for our systems we are seeing a lengthening of the sales cycle and some new dynamics in the market, such as the increasing entrance of IT players into the security space and moves by FM and M&E contractors to come direct to manufacturers for kit rather than via distribution. There is still growth in the Middle East, South East Asia and China. We have also continued to invest in new product development activities, having launched and about to launch some exciting new biometric and network video recording software products to further augment our offering and increase our ability to take advantage of growth opportunities as they arise.”
Access control innovation
IFSEC International will bring together many of the world’s leading access control companies including ievo, Gallagher, Kaba, TDSi, Paxton Access, Salto Systems and HID – all set to showcase the industry’s latest innovations.
Davies believes that rapidly evolving integrated technology, such as video analytics cameras which count people and prevent tailgating (one of the biggest access control issues), will increase security and reaction times. “Multiple application smartcards at one end of the scale and biometric reader developments at the other will continue to evolve and offer affordable and highly usable solutions,” he says. He is also keen to stress that “beyond the technology, access control, like every other business expense, will be expected to continue to offer tangible value for money. The age-old consideration of total cost of ownership will continue to be a key factor in where and how customers spend their budgets.”
ievo (Hall 4, Stand 4/H47) will be showcasing its brand new biometric solution – ievo micro internal only fingerprint reader. This clever technology includes a spoof detection feature, where the reader is able to differentiate between live human fingerprints as opposed to synthetic fabricated prints and optimum retention of functionality even with types of creams and powders on the skin as well as some types of latex gloves. With the global launch taking place at IFSEC this May, ievo plans to integrate a testing station on stand for both its micro and ultimate solution, whereby FMs can put different substances, liquids or latex gloves on their fingertips and try the products for themselves.
Showcasing at IFSEC International, TDSi’s DIGIgarde Plus solution is a compact optical fingerprint reader that is compatible with fingerprints, cards and PINs. It provides added security should a specific entrance require it, offering access using a combination of secure methods.
Kaba evolo the latest standalone electronic access control solution from Kaba (Hall 4, stand D140), will also be on show at IFSEC. Kaba believes this will offer FMs “the latest in technology, flexibility and future security”. Its wireless connection is Mifare-compatible allowing for integration with many security systems. With in-depth knowledge of critical infrastructures, technological expertise and a continuously developing range of bespoke products, Kaba’s fully integrated solutions are extensively used within education, stadiums, finance, manufacturing, transport, government, MoD and any other industry that considers security as part of its remit. Kaba’s product experts will be on hand throughout the show to discuss FMs’ specific business needs and security concerns.
Charlie Cracknell, event director at IFSEC International concludes: “Gone are the days when security cameras and lighting were sufficient enough to deter security threats. Access control solutions provide a safe, professional and cost-effective way to help security and facilities managers with their daily job of keeping their organisation secure. Visitors to IFSEC International 2012 will meet some of the industry’s leading access control suppliers who can tailor a solution to suit any building or site set up.”
To register to attend IFSEC International or for further information, please visit www.ifsec.co.uk/preview, follow us on Twitter @IFSEC or become a member of the IFSEC LinkedIn Group.
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