R&R 8954 52 Nov '15 cc

Doors & Windows |
Protecting people, Assets & Data
with Entrance & Exit Systems
The security infrastructure of a building, regardless of its function, should be designed to protect the people, assets and data that exist
within it. Jonathan Nobbs, Head of Technical and Marketing for ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems, discusses how entrance and exit
solutions have a key role to play in all three areas.
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People
The main entrance to a building is a key security
factor in any pedestrian facing facility.
Commercial offices and controlled environments
incorporate ID checks and authentications of
varying intensity, including identification cards,
fobs and biometrics as commonplace security
procedures. It’s imperative that door systems
work seamlessly with the specified access control
software, as design integration helps mitigate the
need for trade-offs between securing a premises
and creating a comfortable feel for the
workforce.
Access controlled compact three or four wing
revolving doors can be used to provide restricted
one or two way access tailored to security
parameters, or be programmed to allow only
authorised access and restrict unauthorised
passage. When integrated into emergency
systems, electro-mechanical release mechanisms
can be programmed to allow the manual “break
out” of the turnstile, upon fire alarm activation,
providing additional escape capacity for
pedestrians.
refurb| RENEW November2O15 issue 8954
Assets
Theft prevention studies suggest that reducing
the amount of time a door stands open is an
effective way to hinder stock leakage. Even the
most sizeable goods entrance can be optimised
to impede unauthorised access. Door opening
and closing speeds are a good starting point, as
are “auto-close features” which return secure
sectional doors to their closed position quickly
but safely, sealing gaping entry points.
Warehouse doors can be specified to only
activate when a vehicle or trailer is detected,
preventing warehouse operatives from leaving
doors ajar whilst unattended - a simple yet
effective solution. Interlocking doors, where
security is of particular concern, allows for a
second barrier to be created, even when external
doors are open - creating that valuable second
hurdle to thieves.
Data
In some environments, data is one of the most
valuable assets that could be stolen. Data leakage
is often primarily associated with human error,
but in some cases disgruntled staff, ex-employees
and even temporary workers who gain access to
sensitive areas have been able to obtain
restricted information. If such cases teach us
anything it is that deterrent, difficulty and
traceability must be equally accounted for.
Beyond simply securing an area, integration of
access control into exit and entrance points
provides 24-7 access logs and activity reports,
instilling an air of accountability for those with
access. Well blended hardware and software
makes easily retrievable data available in the
event of an incident. Users of well specified
buildings can see who has activated a door,
length of opening and times of entry and exit.
Primary and secondary exits and entrances play a
key role in keeping people safe and secure,
without doubt. However, it’s also important to
consider the data and assets that an organisation
needs to protect, thinking beyond whether a
front or back entrance simply does its job, and
considering the entire building. A holistic
approach to specification can improve security,
reduce asset losses and keep data from falling
into the wrong hands.
www.assaabloyentrance.com