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How to combine environmental design with perimeter security

environmental design

Many people assume that perimeter security is simply about installing tough and imposing measures that deter crime. But those who are experienced in the matter will know that criminal behaviour theory underpins the best approaches.

The Broken Window Theory

Properties that are shabby, unkempt, or in perpetual states of vandalism are more likely to be targeted by criminals. This is known among behavioural experts as the Broken Window Theory. It states that properties that are not maintained send out a message to other criminals that this is a safe space to commit their crimes.

Guiding your visitors

Another key part of creating a safe and secure site is managing both foot traffic and pedestrian traffic. Supermarkets are well-known for their techniques to subtly guide footfall. For instance, many supermarkets will change tile shape and distance to slow down the movement of trolleys around specific displays or offers. This is another approach that can be utilised in perimeter security strategy. Flower beds, pathways, and turnstiles can be used to direct pedestrian traffic, while road markings, barriers, height restrictors, and speed ramps can guide traffic.

Keeping on top of maintenance

Security installations can be damaged by the elements, by vehicular traffic, sabotage, or simply worn down over time. Not only does this make them ineffective, but if left unattended it also sends out a message to criminals that you do not take your security needs seriously. Having a regular cleaning routine, as well as a reactive call-out service on hand to attend to any major issues will help to address this risk.

Combining approaches

Sites that are well-designed, cared-for, and approachable are not only likely to avoid falling victim to the Broken Window Theory, but they also can encourage a reaction from members of the community. They may be more invested in the building, and more likely to intervene or report problems to security services.

Part of environmental design means that you should try where possible to make your property appealing and sympathetic to its surroundings. This might mean incorporating friendly features such as lawns, trees, bushes, and flower beds.

However, it’s important to balance this with robust and effective perimeter security measures. While barbed wire fences may seem a little too imposing in certain surroundings, there is nothing wrong with a tough security gate, barriers, and turnstiles as measures to protect yourself.

Start with a risk assessment

Balancing these two opposing ideas can be difficult without experience to lean on, and this is why your starting point should be a thorough risk assessment. A professional company should be able to take into account the nature of your business, your surroundings, your access needs, and other elements to provide you with recommendations.

Whether your business runs from small retail premises or a large industrial site, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey, and quotation to assess your perimeter security requirements. We also provide a nationwide reactive callout service with engineer response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days which means that any problems can be dealt with quickly.

For more information or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here.

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The Importance of maintaining perimeter security systems

The Importance of maintaining perimeter security

“A chain is no stronger than its weakest link”. We can learn much from old proverbs and sayings. This particular literary mechanic demonstrates a subtle idea that rings true in many environments, but particularly so in the world of perimeter security.

When preparing your site against the risk of criminal activity, it is important to take a holistic approach whenever possible. Relying too heavily on one particular tool, or dismissing the need for upkeep and maintenance are two very risky – but all-too-common mistakes that businesses make.

Modern technology has revolutionised the way that modern businesses operate. AI, and expensive camera equipment, are now a common sight at premises up and down the country, looking to protect their goods. Yet, as technology develops so does the sophistication of criminals, and the techniques that they employ. Machine learning is developed in a narrow field, and this often lacks the nuances required to offer adept protection.

The same can be said for established forms of security such as CCTV. Cameras can be a strong deterrent but they aren’t entirely foolproof. If a criminal can mask their identity or is confident that they can make a quick getaway then CCTV alone is unlikely to prevent trouble.

This is not to say that technology is not able to assist perimeter security measures at all. Access control equipment, for example, can be used to enhance a great many of the tried and tested tools like gates, barriers, and turnstiles. However, businesses must adopt an approach that looks at vulnerabilities across the board, rather than in just one area.

Maintenance and repair

Procuring the right systems is the first step to resting easier at night, but just as much effort should be put towards maintenance and repair needs.

All things degrade over time and with the impact of high traffic, usage, exposure to the elements, you do not want to be caught short. For example key, external measures like gates and barriers can attract grease, grit, and dirt, as well as other debris.

You can slow down natural degradation through regular maintenance and upkeep. This means putting into place cleaning measures and plans to check your security tools for any issues, but also knowing when to call for support from experts.

Act Quickly

Equally, your perimeter security measures may be impacted by criminals themselves – perhaps in a failed attempt to gain access to your site. When this happens, you should be able to act quickly to have your defences restored, and avoid a time where you may be unprotected and criminals may try once more to take advantage of gaps in your coverage.

Here at Gateway, we offer a nationwide reactive callout service to offer quality servicing and repairs for gates, barriers, and other perimeter security equipment. We also provide free, no-obligation quotations and feasibility surveys to find the best solution to your security needs.

For more information please visit our website http://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/ or call us on 01522 682 255.

/ By admin / business security/ 0 Comments

How to keep your business secure at Christmas

christmas business security

While this time of year sees many businesses winding down for the end of the year, it is important to remain vigilant in the face of crime, especially for those businesses who will leave their premises unoccupied during the holidays. Here are some tips and advice to keep your business secure at Christmas and avoid a festive headache.

1 – Establish a presence during closures

It is a sensible first step for businesses to assign keyholding duties to trusted staff members during periods of closure. You should decide in advance whether they will be required to visit only on an emergency basis or be asked to visit at various points through your closure to check for any problems. Even an infrequent presence could be enough to put off any would-be intruders who may be surveilling your property.

2 – Maintain standards during your wind-down

Understandably, the festive season often results in a more relaxed atmosphere at work. However, it is important that you don’t let your usual security standards slip. Your typical checks at the end of the day should still be carried out, and any guests such as at an office Christmas party should be logged and monitored. For sites that handle deliveries and pickups, the festive season can be the busiest period of the year, so it’s important to stay on your guard.

3 – Create a safety checklist

Nominate a member of staff to run thorough safety checks during your last day in the office. This should include but not be limited to checking perimeter security tools are working, turning off electric items to avoid fire risk, checking heating and temperature controls, and reviewing access points to ensure they are locked. It is important to do a trial run prior to your final day in the office, up to a few weeks in advance, so as to highlight any problems that may take a little time to amend.

4 – Avoid posting Christmas hours online if you are closed for a long period

While communicating your holiday hours to customers and clients is a good idea, you should avoid posting them on social media where criminals could take advantage. It only takes a simple search of Google or social media for criminals to find potential targets in their local area and begin to plan an intrusion. Instead, you should reach out directly to customers through email or phone, or post a holding message that asks clients to contact you via phone for details of your opening hours.

5 – Avoid a blackout

There’s no surer way to signal to intruders that a building is empty than turning out all the lights. You should consider timed lighting that will turn on at key hours and invest in triggered security lighting as deterrents. Criminals are much more likely to target premises with weak lighting and darkness to obscure their attempt at gaining access.

6 – Treat perimeter security as a priority

Perimeter security should not be left to the last minute. Establishing strong barriers and deterrents to crime should be high on your agenda the whole year-round. Tools like security gates, bollards, and barriers can be used to restrict access, as well as vehicular tools like road blockers and rising kerbs. You can also use access control equipment with turnstiles and barriers, enhanced with keypads, proximity cards, or intercoms to further reduce interior access.

7- Consider having manned security

Consider whether you should have manned security during the time you and your staff will be away from the business Manned security can work in tandem with your perimeter security measures to ensure the most effective and efficient level of protection for your site.

To find out more about how we can help with your business security needs, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no-obligation call and feasibility survey to assess your business needs.

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5 Key things to ensure end to end perimeter security

perimeter security

The security of your site is only as strong as its weakest element. And an organisation that relies too heavily on one individual component should do so at their own peril. Businesses should not overlook the importance of a robust, multi-layered perimeter security solution when establishing their defences against criminal threats. Here are five ways they can ensure end to end perimeter protection moving forward.

1 – Begin with a risk assessment

To combat vulnerabilities you need to work with the facts, not rely on gut instincts or guesswork. Too many organisations follow market trends, or simply copy competitors to create their site protection plans. However, without undertaking a proper risk assessment, it’s likely that you will choose the wrong products, for the wrong price, and will leave innumerable holes in your strategy that leaves you vulnerable. A professional perimeter security company should be able to take into account the nature of both your business and your premises in order to defend your infrastructure – as no business is the same.

2 – Securing entry and exit points

Securing your boundaries is imperative in true end-to-end coverage. Rather than relying on CCTV or alarm systems to alert you of threats or simply document them, your plan should enable you to rely on physical tools that will prevent unauthorised access in the first place. This can be achieved through several tools from gates, and barriers, to road blockers and bollards.

3 – Responding to threats

With dwindling local police budgets it would be unwise to rely solely on local services to respond to instances of crime on your business site. While the police are a valuable asset to our communities, it is important that you can have measures in place to respond to threats in a safe manner yourself. For instance, two-way intercom systems can allow you to make audio/visual contact with an unwanted visitor and engage them in conversation. For instance, a group of vandals may be told that the authorities have been notified, which may be enough to move them on their way.

4 – Deter and delay

It is well-known that criminals are often opportunistic in nature. With this in mind, it is plain to see that businesses that neglect the basics of perimeter security can quickly land themselves in hot water. A premises that employs strong tools like gates and barriers or even turnstiles are less likely to be chosen as a ‘soft target’ by a criminal gang. They will see that both their attempt to gain entry, and subsequently leave quickly will be hampered, and so will likely move their targets elsewhere.

5 – Maintenance is vital

Building strong defences is not just about choosing new equipment – it’s also about maintaining what you already have. Tools that are rarely inspected are primed for degradation, wear and tear, and damage from the elements. If these problems are spotted quickly, through programmes of scheduled maintenance, then you can be sure that you have full coverage. This is a far more sensible approach than only discovering problems after an incident has occurred.

Whether your business runs from small retail premises or a large industrial site, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey and quotation to assess your perimeter security requirements. We also provide a nationwide reactive callout service with engineer response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 7 days which means that any problems can be dealt with quickly.

For more information or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here.

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What do you need to know when buying turnstiles?

turnstiles

Turnstiles are among the most popular forms of perimeter security across the UK. They provide businesses and organisations with a robust and highly secure way of managing access to a site – without the need for costly security staff. However, every business is different, and there’s no such thing as a one size fits all approach when it comes to perimeter security. Here are some points to consider before making a decision.

Location, Location, Location

The first thing you will need to discuss is the location that your turnstile will inhabit. Turnstiles are commonplace in football grounds, theme parks, sports stadiums, and military bases. However, the turnstiles used in these circumstances may be quite different to those at an apartment building, hotel, or even a train station. While for some businesses, security is paramount and aesthetics less important – for others, there is a need to balance out effectiveness with a welcoming and friendly vibe.

Fit For Purpose

What will you be using your turnstile for? There are a variety of different turnstiles available. As well as the environment of the turnstile, you need to think about other factors like traffic. For busy sites, with high numbers of footfall such as train stations – it’s important that access can be granted safely but also in a quick manner. Whereas for a warehouse holding sensitive or high-value goods, extra credential checks might be more important than flow rate.

Tailgating

Tailgating is when a person illegally gains access to a site – either by following in quickly behind an authorised visitor, or having a card passed back to them by another visitor who is in on the scam. This is a headache for many businesses, who only realise what has happened later on as they review CCTV footage. Or worse, when they have to clear up the mess left behind. You can combat tailgating with anti-passback features. They effectively prevent tailgaters ‘passing back’ security cards or fobs used for entry.

Cost

A good provider knows that businesses have to keep in line with budgets and should be able to provide you with a few different options.

Turnstiles can be integrated with a number of different access control options including proximity cards, tokens, keypad entry, and voice/video intercom control and can be customised to meet your needs. Whereas a more simple form of turnstile may cost you less.

While turnstiles can vary in cost, the important thing to keep in mind is the long-term savings they could provide. Turnstiles allow you to have better control over the entry points of your site, and provide a physical barrier that stops criminals and unwanted guests in their tracks. Not only this but turnstiles can often be controlled automatically and are an effective alternative to the hiring of in-person security guards.

Gateway Automation can help businesses and organisations to protect their assets from serious crime with minimum disruption while maintaining safe and comfortable working environments for clients. For a free no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey please contact Gateway Automation on 01522 682255. Alternatively, our brochure can be downloaded here

 

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The Advantages of road blockers and rising kerbs

road blockers

We all want to protect our businesses from crime and there are a great many tools out there to help us on our way. Gates, barriers, bollards and turnstiles are just a few of the resources that can help develop an effective security strategy. However, when it comes to meeting the challenges of vehicular traffic there may be other tools to consider too. Here we explain the benefits of road blockers and rising kerbs.

Managing Traffic

Gates and barriers should be the foundation of any worthwhile perimeter security plan. They help you to monitor and shut off access to unwanted vehicles and check over the credentials of your visitors before allowing them access to your site. But there may be other factors to think about here too.

Easy Access

For some sites, it is important to be able to maintain easy access to your site and this can sometimes prove to be a conundrum for businesses that simultaneously want to protect themselves from crime.

It might be that you operate in a customer-facing environment such as retail. In this case, you wouldn’t want to slow down the entry of customers or trade vehicles. This would have a negative effect on both trade, and customer satisfaction.

Even if your business is not customer facing, it might be important for you to maintain rapid access in order to meet targets and maintain your operations to a high standard.

There is a solution though. You can avoid negative feedback by keeping gates open during opening hours and using alternative tools such as rising kerbs and road blockers which can allow you to control traffic in specific areas – for instance by blocking off a loading bay.

Quality Protection

Allowing easy access is one thing, but for highly sensitive sites you may want to limit access as much as possible. Government buildings, financial institutions, data centres, and those working in defence all require a sophisticated approach to perimeter security.

Road Blockers, in particular, are a go-to for many high-profile organisations around the world looking to reduce the threat of unlawful access, and even terrorist attacks.

Hydraulic road blockers prevent vehicles from gaining access to restricted areas while simultaneously doubling up as a deterrent.

They are available in widths of 2.0 to 5.0 metres and three heights for varying security levels. 340mm height for cars & vans, 500mm height for high security & 800mm height ultimate security against HGVs.

A visually intimidating presence, road blockers are uncompromising in nature and can be fitted with yellow and black chevrons to send out a stark message to would-be intruders that you take your security needs seriously.

Terrorists want to impact the most devastation and disruption they can, and if they feel that your site is too well protected to have an impact then you may well no longer be considered a key target.

Gateway Automation provides a range of perimeter security systems to help businesses and individuals to secure their sites and also provides nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers and other perimeter security equipment. To find out more, please contact us on 01522 68255 or take a look at our brochure which can be viewed here.

/ By admin / gate security • gates • perimeter security/ / 0 Comments

Should my business install Pedestrian gates?

Pedestrian Gate When it comes to security gates, a large degree of attention is typically given to vehicular gates and managing the traffic that arrives at a site. While this is very important and needs to be given full consideration, it would be unwise to neglect pedestrian traffic. Crime comes in many shapes and forms, and it is important for businesses in the modern environment to be able to maintain effective control over their entry and exit routes at all times, and avoid the presence of unwanted visitors who may seek to exploit vulnerabilities. However, not all businesses are the same, and while pedestrian gates may be suitable for some, there may be other situations where alternative forms of security are better suited. Let’s take a brief overview to discover more.

Managing pedestrian traffic

There are a variety of different tools at your disposal when it comes to managing pedestrian traffic. Turnstiles, and barriers can be used to prevent tailgating for instance. They can be fitted with access control enhancements such as tokens, pins, or fob systems, or manned by a physical security officer to check credentials and approve access. Elsewhere, access control equipment like intercom systems might be used with controllers able to grant or deny entry from a remote location. Pedestrian gates are another tool that can be added to your arsenal.

Pedestrian gates

Pedestrian gates can be deployed at your site at key entry and exit points to bolster your protection against crime, and manage visitation. Pedestrian gates can be operated manually with fittings for padlocks, or fitted with magnetic locks and self-closers for automated use. For safety, they should be fitted with self-monitoring safety edges and twin photocells as standard, and can also be enhanced with flashing beacons and sounder capabilities. Pedestrian gates allow you to effectively shut off access to unwanted visitors who might otherwise infiltrate your property, causing damage, stealing assets, or impacting your business in other negative ways. By installing a pedestrian gate, you prevent this from happening, protect your business, and also show your employees and clients that you care about their well-being. Pedestrian gates allow you to control exactly who is allowed to enter your site. Although a large degree of this consideration should be geared around preventing crime, it also allows you to prevent nuisance callers, cold callers, and other types of distracting visitation. Of course, it is important to think about the suitability of a pedestrian gate for your company. If your business operates in a customer-facing environment, that aims to be open, approachable and friendly then a pedestrian gate may look too authoritative. In which case a turnstile may be a more appropriate option. However, even in these types of settings, there may be occasions where a pedestrian gate can be properly utilised without negatively impacting on the aesthetic of your business. Such as using a pedestrian gate to lock off a warehouse area, stock storage area, or another part of your site that is highly sensitive or holds high-value goods. Equally, you might wish to use a pedestrian gate to limit access to a rear yard, or bicycle shed.

First Steps

The first step when it comes to deciding your perimeter security measures should be to seek a risk assessment from an experienced and professional company. This is a sure-fire way to know that you are getting the most value out of your investment, and protecting your business in the most efficient way you can. Gateway Automation is a nationwide manufacturer and installer of perimeter security systems and devices. We undertake civil and electrical site preparation and automate existing perimeter security devices and equipment throughout the UK. For a free, non-obligation quotation please contact us on 01522 682 255 or visit our website for further information: http://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/.
/ By admin / gate installation • gate security • gates/ / 0 Comments

Benefits of Cantilever Gates

Cantilever Gate When it comes to perimeter security, what’s the first tool that pops into your head? For most people it will be the image of either strong security gates or of CCTV cameras mounted high above ground. While CCTV systems can be useful as an accessory to other forms of perimeter security, they aren’t without their drawbacks. CCTV systems can document a crime, but they don’t always prevent one from happening. A robust security gate on the other hand, is one of the best ways of creating a physical barrier to stop criminals in their tracks and prevent a quick getaway. Here at Gateway we offer a range of swing gates, sliding gates and bi-folding gates. Here we will look at cantilever sliding gates and why you might choose one for your business.

What is a cantilever gate?

Where swing gates and manual gates typically open through the middle, automatic sliding gates and cantilevers operate by moving the whole gate to the side of an entrance. The main difference between a standard sliding gate and a cantilever is the track system. Where sliding gates run across a track, a cantilever gate is supported by rollers.

Sending a message

Cantilever gates, and sliding gates are a very clever form of perimeter security. Not only do they send an immediate visual message to would-be intruders that you take security seriously, but they make the practicality of a break in difficult. These types of gates are harder to force open when compared with standard swing gates, and may deter opportunistic theft, especially when integrated as part of a wider perimeter security system.

Space savers

One of the key reasons to choose a cantilever gate is the space that it can save. If your entrance is limited by geographical or physical barriers – meaning a swing gate would not be practical – then a cantilever gate may be more suitable as they run horizontally, allowing you to fully utilise space that would otherwise be lost.

Weather proofing

The supported design of a cantilever gate means that weather conditions are less likely to impact on performance. Particularly during the colder months of the year, sliding gates may need to have ice and snow cleared from their tracks to maintain functionality.

Terrain suitability

Cantilever gates are also suited to a wider range of terrains and there are no problems caused by uneven or bumpy surfaces. This can be particularly useful for sites that are located in rural areas, or in industrial settings. Their supported design allows for this, and also means that they are able to operate on declines and elevations, and also adapt to wider entrances such as those used by heavy-duty vehicles.

Swift Access

In general, cantilever gates can be operated more quickly than traditional sliding gates. This can be particularly useful in settings where rapid access needs to be maintained: such as at hospitals and police stations. Gateway Automation is a nationwide manufacturer and installer of perimeter security systems and devices. We undertake civil and electrical site preparation and automate existing perimeter security devices and equipment throughout the UK. For a free, non-obligation quotation please contact us on 01522 682 255 or visit our website for further information: http://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/.
/ By admin / perimeter security • physical security • security/ 0 Comments

Physical Security Checklist for Businesses

Physical Security Checklist

After a prolonged period of business closures and uncertainty, the threat of an economic downturn still weighs heavy on the mind of many business owners. Not only for their futures but also the risks of a boom in crime so often associated with economic slumps.

Here is a list of our most essential recommendations for most businesses looking to shield themselves from criminal activity. Here is our physical security checklist for businesses

1 – Start with a risk assessment

Every business is different and when it comes to perimeter security there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach. An experienced security provider should be able to explain the reasoning behind their recommendations, rather than just trying to sell you the latest technology for the sake of it.

Indeed, often the most simple forms of perimeter protection can have the most profound impact, so your first step should be to identify potential areas of weakness. This could come in the form of missing equipment, equipment in need of repair or replacement, or other more general considerations that can help you level up your security.

2 – Have you secured your entry points?

In terms of sending a message, gates can have a strong impact on the psyche. Robust, well-maintained gates send a message to criminals that your business takes their security needs very seriously. Gates are a critical step in dissuading the opportunistic type of criminal. They also give staff and clientele reassurance that your premises are safe. Heavy-duty security gates can come in the form of automatic, bi-folding, cantilever, or manual swing gates.

3 – Are you making the most of technology?

Advancements in technology mean that perimeter security has now come a long way from the lock and key methods of old. While there is a place for this type of equipment, keys can be easily lost or cloned causing headaches for business owners. Access control equipment uses the latest tech that is both secure and hard to bypass. This may come in the form of electronic keys, key cards, phone entry, registration plate recognition, or even biometric fingerprint readers.

Access control equipment can be used both internally and externally, equipping entry points, or perhaps used internally to block off specific areas where sensitive information or high-value goods might reside.

4 – Are you considering vehicular traffic?

Depending on the nature of your business, you may have vehicles visiting and driving around your premises. However, it may be important for you to be able to restrict access to approved vehicles and manage their movement during their stay.

Gates and barriers can be either manned or unnamed and fitted with equipment to regulate access. Gates and barriers can be opened manually, or automatic styles can be operated through passes, fobs, pin codes, registration readers, and other types of credentials. Having these types of tools in place can prevent unauthorised access from the off.

Should you need to manage vehicles as they move around your site then equipment such as flow control plates to focus traffic in a certain direction, speed ramps to control speed, and rising kerbs or security posts to block off specific areas might also be used.

Security might not be your only concern in this scenario. Sometimes it is important to shield pedestrians and employees from heavy goods vehicles, or other forms of traffic that might endanger them as they go about their business. This can be achieved through the use of automatic or manual bollards and barriers.

5 – Stop unwanted visitors

Another important consideration for many brick-and-mortar businesses is how to stop unwanted visitors who arrive on foot. Without the proper equipment and checks in place, it may be easy for someone to slip inside unnoticed – stealing equipment, documents, cash, or sensitive data. You can guard against this with the use of turnstiles, which are available in a variety of different sizes and styles. Turnstiles are commonplace in settings as diverse as corporate offices and music arenas, and effectively halt the progress of a pedestrian until their credentials have been checked – either by technology or actual personnel.

6 – Have you briefed staff?

Many of the investigations initiated after a crime throw up instances where employees may have been able to thwart criminal activity in its tracks. No one expects your employees to be law enforcers, but knowing the signs to look out for, and a culture of reporting strange behaviour can go a long way towards reducing your vulnerability.

7 – Have you protected your business out of hours?

A great deal of crime is conducted outside of working hours. It is important, especially in isolated areas, that you consider how you might be able to guard against this. As well as alarm systems, security lighting can help to prevent intruders, who largely want to remain undetected.

8 – Get in touch to discuss your needs

Here at Gateway Automation, we provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey, and quotation process free of charge. This means you can be sure that you are spending your money only on areas where it can make the biggest impact.

For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here or call us on 01522 682 255

/ By admin / intercom • intercom security • intercom systems/ 0 Comments

Benefits of installing an intercom system

Intercom Systems

Our strategy towards perimeter security has always been to take a holistic approach. To look at a business’s needs in a 360 degree way and make suggestions that will address any weakness and vulnerabilities in their operations. One surprising recommendation that we might propose is that of intercom systems.

While intercom systems might make you think of outdated, rusty equipment on industrial buildings, the reality is that intercom systems have come a long way in recent years and now incorporate modern technology – such as control through the use of a mobile phone. Let’s take a look at how intercom systems can benefit your business in the modern-day.

What are Intercom Systems?

No matter the nature of a business, or organisation, there is always a need to protect and safeguard your employees from harm. This is why many businesses are once again turning to access control equipment such as intercom systems.

An intercom system (short for intercommunication device) is a stand-alone tool that can be used at almost any property or building. The two-way device transmits and receives audio/visual communications from one part of the building to another, allowing the person indoors to be able to talk and view the person outdoors.

Protecting employees from harm

Intercom systems remove the need for face-to-face, physical contact with a visitor. The employee can be tucked safely away in another part of the building, or even from the comfort of their own home with mobile access, and can still grant access to the visitor. This removes the risk of an unwanted visitor forcing entry once an employee answers their call, and viewed in the present light of Coronavirus can also limit their risk and exposure to potential illness.

Provide internal access control

Intercom systems are traditionally viewed as an externally fitted piece of equipment, but they can also be used indoors. For instance, in hospitals to prevent unauthorised access to a ward outside of visiting hours. Visitors can be viewed and vetted before being allowed to enter.

Reduce the need for door security

While some businesses will always need manned security for their doors, there are often instances where this can be scaled back or even replaced with intercom systems. This may free up funds to invest in other areas of the business, or other security measures.

Improve communications

With an intercom system, visitors will be able to identify themselves upon arrival and be directed to the appropriate department or zone of your building, which can be particularly useful in large and busy environments. If a visitor is lost, or has a question, and is unable to find a member of staff, they will be able to gain the attention of the employee attending the intercom who can help them. This is perfect for fast-paced, busy environments, or large, expansive sites. Specific bright red ‘Help’ intercoms can be provided for the sole purpose of attending to queries and questions.

Extend your hours of operation

24-hour access to your site becomes far easier and far more efficient with the use of intercom systems. Employing security personnel to control access can be costly, but with the use of an intercom system, you can extend your hours without the need to always have a guard on duty, as other employees may be able to respond to requests, either from another part of the building or remotely.

Track activity and timekeeping

Intercom systems can support your payroll needs, allowing you to log who arrives at your building, and at what time. This can be used from both an HR perspective, and also to aid your security investigations should something go amiss.

Support disabilities and access requirements

Businesses are becoming more and more attuned to the needs of people with specific access requirements. There may be areas in your building where a person may be in need and unable to attract the attention of passers-by. Equally, current legislation requires that commercial buildings of one story or more provide safe areas of refuge where someone who isn’t able to access fire escapes or evacuation lifts can call for assistance.

Our specialist refuge point systems are a form of intercom that provide two-way communication, allowing rescue teams or trained staff to quickly diagnose a situation and act as is appropriate.

A custom fit

Modern intercoms are flexible to your business needs and can be fitted with bespoke enhancements tailored specifically to you. Video surveillance solutions, biometric scanners, and two-way communications are just a few of the numerous options which are available with modern-day systems.
Click here to read more about our intercom systems.

Gateway Automation is a nationwide manufacturer and installer of perimeter security systems and devices. We undertake civil and electrical site preparation and automate existing perimeter security devices and equipment throughout the UK. For a free, no-obligation quotation please contact us on 01522 682 255 or visit our website for further information: http://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk