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Total opts for integrated security

Acta Non Verba (ANV) Holdings recently completed a comprehensive security system technology upgrade for Total SA’s head office in Rosebank. The project, which kicked off in November 2015, included a wide-ranging access control, CCTV, visitor monitoring and blood alcohol testing system. Integration of the systems allows for complete transparency in each individual system component and provides increased safety and security levels, with a complementary risk reduction.

ANV company director, David Neaves, says that the access control system comprises a number of card and Sagem biometric readers located throughout the facility. These readers are linked to two double-lane glass Speedstile turnstiles, two full-height bi-directional turnstiles within the building and four boom gates that are located in the parking areas. Visitor, contractor and driver management software provides conclusive validation of all information gathered by the readers and also includes a time and attendance element.

A biometric blood alcohol testing device overcomes the issues encountered with traditional devices wherein a third party is able to blow into the device. By integrating the device provided to Total, this problem is overcome as the employee or visitor is required to place his/her finger on the reader, which then reads his/her blood alcohol levels via direct contact with his/her vascular supply.

ANV has developed its own IP-based access control platform – BioMaster – that works hand in glove with Sagem’s MA, MAVP and Sigma readers. In order to provide maximised access control capabilities, the platform has been customised to suit Total’s exact needs. Neaves explains that the system does not make use of controllers, and is able to provide anti-passback, zone routing and time masks (zones).

The zone saturation feature will allow only a certain number of employees access into an area at one time. This ensures that both health/safety and security compliance is adhered to. A further OHS and security benefit is provided with the roll call and emergency mustering feature whereby, in an emergency, employees are required to biometrically clock in at pre-determined mustering points. In this way, management is able to ensure that no employees remain in the buildings.

The system additionally provides custom expiry management. Neaves points out that this means that in instances where induction, driver’s or PDP licences or forklift compliance certificates are not up to date, the system will not allow the employee, visitor or contractor to enter the site.

The Total system currently employs some of the elements within the BioMaster profile and will eventually include the remaining items. These are BioAccess, BioInduction, BioCentral, BioMobile, BioCheck and BioMatch. All elements are geared around ease of use and will provide a totally integrated access control platform solution that allows different access groups to be set up. In all instances, email notifications and reporting are provided for the convenience of management.

BioCheck is a particularly useful module for Total that allows the company to perform background checks on employees. This is made possible by linking the system to different various databases to provide identity, criminal, driver licence validation, and educational qualification checks.

The BioMaster system has Active Directory integration which complies with corporate network security and policies. If an employee is removed from the corporate network then that employee’s access profile will be automatically removed, ensuring confidentiality and governance.

BioAccess has a visitor and contractor self-service touchscreen terminal where they are able to easily and quickly enrol themselves and complete any mandatory Total safety induction and compliance training courses.

The BioCompliance platform allows Total to access the web-based training platform to create custom courses that can be played as compulsory induction sessions by inserting company-specific questions and answers, with accompanying media. Users are able to log in from anywhere in the world and complete the various training and compliance courses. Access control and restrictions are updated accordingly.

The BioMobile solution will allow Total employees to clock and in and out by plugging the Sagem reader into their Android device. The system makes use of Geofence technology which restricts employees to checking in and out only in a pre-specified area.

In addition to the comprehensive access control system, ANV also provided a mixture of HD dome, box and licence plate recognition (LPR) cameras. “We have received extremely positive feedback and Total is currently considering rolling out similar systems throughout the entire group,” Neaves concludes.

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