Access Denied

Over the past year there has been a rise in the number of projects such as airports, hospitals, universities and government buildings within the Gulf. With security a top priority in such institutions, fmME investigates what access control solutions are available on the market.

The days when a lock and key provided enough security to protect a building’s assets are long gone.

In today’s computer age, the amount of information that can be contained in a single building is immense; and in the case of developments such as hospitals, airports and government institutions, the loss of any of this information to members of the public could be extremely dangerous.

Providing the correct amount of protection to ensure a facility and its contents remain untouched is a careful balancing act. Any solutions used must ensure that access control is tight enough to adequately protect the property and its contents, while enabling it to function efficiently and as was intended. The latest such products to hit the market are the stuff of spy novels and action movies, with biometrics, iris scanning and internet supervision all playing a leading role.

And the Middle East market is welcoming these new technologies with open arms, it appears, as clients strive for hi-tech security solutions. “Smart cards and biometric technologies have caught up very actively in the region,” reports Sanjay Chellappa, head of sales, Bosch Middle East security systems division. “Awareness of the technology is on the increase due to the high security requirements,” explains Chellappa.

“Recently, clients have been asking for ‘smart’ access control, since they are not only seeking security, but luxury and convenience as well,” agrees Gantner Technologies’ regional manager: Middle East & Africa, Ahmad Hawa.

One type of access control system being applied is now making use of the Internet and the uniqueness of individuals. “Iris recognition, face recognition, Web-based databases, SMS notifications and ERP integrations [are all being applied in the region],” according to Michael Kandelas from Dataline Technologies.

Raising security

So how do the access control needs of such high-security buildings differ from those that contain less-sensitive or pontentially harmful information?

“Critical infrastructure such as airports are vital for the essential functioning of a country/economy. Incidental or deliberate damage will have a serious impact on the economy, as these provide essential services to the communities they serve,” stresses Kaba deputy general manager Patrik Eigenmann. “One of the major challenges for access control systems in airports is the vast number of people not belonging to the same organisation, that security-wise must be controlled by the airport operator. The possibility of system hardening by introducing a second verification method, be it PIN codes or biometrics, according to threat levels or security zones, is an absolute must,” asserts Eigenmann.

Other high-security properties with public access have their own individual needs. “Access control varies from building to building, depending on their importance. It is very highly secured in airports —where iris recognition may be used—and may be lower in hospitals and government buildings,” states Kandelas. “[Some projects] may have needs that require higher levels of security at times, with the flexibility to apply those stringent measures,” adds Dennis Geizler, vice-president: marketing and international sales at Keri Systems.

“The choice of reader technology plays a vital role in these sectors, and database management is another important factor,” reports Chellappa. “Large projects generally involve integration with other sub-systems like CCTV, BMS and fire protection. A high level of encryption is required between the various devices to prevent stealing of information,” adds Chellappa. “Combining the access control system with other applications is an important feature to implement,” Hawa adds.

An integrated approach to security can provide the most effective solution, especially in largescale projects. “Only a fully-integrated security system offers a business the maximum protection against theft, sabotage, loss of intellectual property and ensures that businesses stay running,” stresses Honeywell Building Solutions Middle East business development director Kyle Bashy. Such systems include the use of all, or a selection, of physical, electronic, process control and internet applications.

For largescale projects, such integration can reduce implementation and management costs by up to 50%, reports Bashy. “The programming and configuring of such large systems can be time-consuming, but is a key task in deploying the right security strategy,” stresses Niek Bragt, MD of Nedap Middle East. The ability to expand the systems is also vital to such projects.

With so many options now available, how do contractors and installers know which system is most suitable for a project? “Access control systems should always be designed as a result of the client’s input,” stresses Bragt. “Too often systems are way over-specified and unfortunately sometimes even under-specified,” he warns. “High-security systems are often managed far more carefully than low-security systems, not least because of the deployment of clear security standards and procedures. A system can only manage so much; the final call is very often with the security guard who needs to take action,” stresses Bragt.

As client demands for secure access control systems grow more sophisticated, many of the major manufacturers and suppliers are responding with new and updated product ranges.

Bosch now offers two main access control ranges: Access Easy, plus Access Professional Edition. The first is a Web server-based system that has expansion capacities of up to 320 readers and is suitable for the low- to middle-segment market. The latter range caters for the mid- and large-segment markets, being scalable to meet a project’s needs. It includes features such as video verification as well as on-line swipe. An extended range of biometric readers is also due to be launched soon, reports Chellappa.

Gantner recently launched a new controller specifically for the Middle East market that can control two or four doors via four readers. This effectively reduces the number of controllers needed for a project, and hence lowers system costs. The firm has also introduced two slimline readers that enable the user to activate or deactivate the alarm system via the keypad. It has further product launches planned.

“Access control systems are changing every day; in the Middle East market, we are going to launch our new cylinder for access control, which will be a virtually on-line system that is connected wirelessly to a controller,” reports Hawa. “Our target for 2010 is to have all products working with PoE [Power over Ethernet],” adds Hawa.

Keri Systems manufactures access control and integrated security systems for applications that vary from a few doors up to large-scale and Enterprise systems. The firm is set to launch the Doors.NET software platform for the NXT IP controllers. “This provides far greater functionality, with more application speed and security than previous products, and is based on Microsoft’s .NET framework,” reports Geiszler.

Currently offering a range of proximity, RFID, biometric recognition, time and attendance, GPS tracking and CCTV systems, Dataline Technologies is set to launch Singular Tech Span (time attendance and access control), plus BSMART (GPS) systems, into the market.

“The latest technologies applied by Nedap AEOS are the PoE readers in combination with Nedap’s security controller concept, in which one hardware platform operates your IP [Internet Protocol] cameras, intrusion and access control,” explains Bragt. Nedap AEOS is a full IP-based access control system that is suited to applications with multi-site buildings or multi-tenant capabilities. Full integration of fingerprint, vein recognition and face recognition technology are possible.

At Intersec 2010 in January, Nedap plans to launch a new AEOS version, which has a graphical user interface, comprehensive alarm handler and inbuilt on-line guard tour. It is also planning to launch its UHF reader for vehicle identification at the event.

HID Global has launched a number of products recently that are offered in the Middle East through the firm’s distribution partners. These include desktop readers and a secure contactless, high-frequency module Multi-ISO reader for the Psion Teklogix Ikon handheld computer. The firm’s Omnikey PC-linked smartcard reader drivers have also been updated to support the recently released Microsoft Windows 7.

As one of the world’s largest suppliers of security and access control systems, Honeywell Building Solutions Middle East has a wide portfolio of products and solutions. The firm plans to introduce Honeyell’s IQ MultiAccess and ACS-8 to Middle East by the end of Q1 2010, reports Bashy. IQ MultiAccess access management system is based on a genuine client/server architecture with a high-speed database connection. “This makes the ACS-8 with IQ MultiAccess system fully scalable, enabling the support of an unlimited number of workstations, time zones, areas, doors and people,” explains Bashy.

After three years in research and development, Kaba has introduced TouchGo. This electronic locking system allows doors to be opened by authorised personnel without the need for a key or access card.

By simply touching the door handle, the lock recognises whether the person is carrying an authorised Kaba TouchGo transponder in the form of a key fob or card holder. This is made possible by new RCID technology, which transmits energy and data via a magnetic field, making use of the body’s own static energy. The first Kaba products based on RCID technology are due to be on the market in the summer of 2010, reports Eigenmann.

Bosch Security Systems is a global, one-stop-shop for high-quality security and communication products. The firm provides systems and components for a wide range of applications including educational, industrial, residential, commercial and institutional, such as hospitals. Bosch Middle East - Security Systems Division takes care of seven countries: the GCC and Yemen.

The firms product portfolio comprises: closed circuit television (CCTV) systems, including state-of-the-art Internet Protocol (IP) solutions; access control systems; intrusion detection and control; security management systems; public address/voice evacuation systems; conference systems; paging and personal security systems; plus social alarm systems.

Within the Middle East Bosch has supplied solutions for the hospitality sectors, including hotels and resorts; commercial and residential towers; stadiums and sporting arenas; transportation projects such as airports, ports, Metro projects; industrial sectors, such as power plants; the education sectors in the form of universities and colleges plus medical sectors including hospitals and clinics.

Website: www.exportme.boschsecurity.com/

Dataline Technologies

Established in Dubai in 2000, Dataline Technology is a service provider that focuses on IT, security and facility management systems. It is an exclusive distributor in the region for several products in physical and online security systems and has a wide number of partners and resellers. The firm operates in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, libya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Syria and Pakistan.

Dataline Technology products and services cover access control systems including proximity, RFID, biometric recognition, time and attendance, GPS tracking systems and CCTV systems; hr and payroll systems; plus wireless point of sales systems.

The firm has a large number of clients, including the UAE army, CID Dubai, MOI Abu Dhabi, MOH Dubai, MOD Dubai, Dubai Statistics Centre, Dubai Police, plus schools, retailers, banks, contractors and developers.

Website: www.datalinetech.com

Austrian firm Gantner Electronics was established on 1982; its first projects in the Middle East were Dubai’s Wild Wadi Waterpark on 1998 and Al Watan newspaper in Saudi Arabia on 1999. The firm officially opened its Gantner ME office in 2001.

Gantner now operates in the GCC Countries, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt; and North Africa in Al Geria, Sudan and Morocco.

The firm has supplied solutions for a wide range of different market sectors including banks, where the system must be connected to CCTV for high security; media; hospitals and leisure parks. Within the UAE some of its largest clients are contractors and developers; in Dubai many clients are governmental or semi-governmental. The firm has also supplied security systems to oil companies such as Shell in Syria, Hegleig Petroleum Services and Perco in Egypt.

Website: www.gantner.com

HID Corporation

HID Global provides access and ID management systems with technology-based access solutions, issuance solutions, embedded technology solutions and logistics technology solutions.

It is a leading manufacturer of secure ID solutions and contact-less smart card technology for physical access control. In addition, it develops, manufactures and markets ID components, products and services typically deployed with national ID and e-passport programs, corporate access control, supply chain management, animal tagging, financial transactions, transport and various industrial or manufacturing solutions. It has distribution partners throughout the Middle East, and has provided solutions for a variety of buildings and projects.

Website: www.hidglobal.com

Honeywell Building Solution Middle East

Honeywell Building Solutions (HBS) is a leading provider of technical building solutions and services. Our range of integrated building solutions includes the design, installation and commissioning of technically advanced fire and security, building management, energy, networks and refrigeration systems. Honeywell also offers maintenance and facilities management services.

The firm is present in most major cities in Middle East; Honeywell Access Systems is based in Abu Dhabi. The firm has undertaken several high profile projects in the region including: Dubai Mall and Dubai Airport, for which it provided 1,000 and 1,300 doors respectively as part of an integrated access control system; the Royal airport; Shangri-La Hotel; and Traders Hotel.

Website: www.honeywell.com

Nedap Middle East

From its base in Dubai Airport Free Zone, Nedap Middle East provides solutions for the entire Middle Eastern market. Its business partner network covers the complete GCC and is continuously expanding.

Nedap is a well known provider of high-end access control systems and products including access and smartcard readers. The firm’s clients include leading world banks, airports and the European Commission.

Website: www.nedapavi.com

Kaba Group

Established in 1862, the Kaba Group is now a global player in the security industry. An internationally active, listed company with around 9,000 staff in more than 60 countries, the firm offers a range of comprehensive security solutions and provides access control solutions for buildings, facilities and sites; plus enterprise data collection systems.

Kaba Dubai serves the regional GCC market with its Total Access strategy, offering holistic solutions that address the customer’s needs for security and organisation at all physical entrances and exits as well as for identification and enterprise data collection functionality.

It has provided services for a large number of projects throughout the region including: intelligent mantraps for a data centres in the UAE and Oman; public entrance tripods for a UAE stadium; plus access control systems of varying scalre and complexity for an airline and oil and gas firms in Kuwait, law enforcement, commercial, industrial and air transportation projects in the UAE, plus banks and utilities projects in Saudi Arabia.

Website: www.kaba.com