Supporting a competitive tender to secure the HQ of a leading utility provider
Working with Alternative Systems Protection (ASP) – one of our preferred installation partners – the IDL team recently provided support during the tender stage of this project, leading to the successful installation of new entrance control turnstiles at the headquarters of a major utility provider.
In March 2023, the client contacted ASP to discuss their security needs. The building involved had no entrance control system in place at the time, and the company had decided they required more awareness and management of pedestrian traffic through their lobby, an area which leads directly to stairs and lifts that offer access to the entire building.
Winning a competitive security contract
The client sought quotes from a number of security installers, so the first challenge for ASP was to convince them that they were the right partner.
“IDL was the obvious choice of supplier for us, for a project like this,” comments Claire Preen, Business Development Manager at ASP. “The turnstiles are very high-quality products, but what really sets them apart is the service their team provides throughout a project. If I need a quote, for example, I know it will be prompt and well thought out for the particular location involved. Their 3D rendering service was also invaluable in this case. More than anything else, that’s what helped convince the client that we and IDL were the right choice.”
The IDL team is always happy to visit and survey the site of a proposed installation at no cost. As Claire mentions, one of the things we can do as part of any survey is to create a visualisation of how the specific units under discussion will look once in place.
Using a combination of 2D and 3D art and design software (AutoCAD and Photoshop), our team use rendered images from models of our turnstiles and insert them into photographs we take during our site visit. For more information on that, click here.
Entrance control in a constrained space
The lobby area of the client’s building is fairly small, and features lifts and stairs as well as a reception desk and the building’s main entrance. A key challenge with this project was simply fitting several lanes of turnstiles into the limited space available.
Fortunately, the IDL range is extensive. Whether the need is for a large and imposing unit such as our Glassgate 400 Plus, or something with a much smaller footprint, there will be a turnstile suitable for any location.
All of the units in our Glassgate range can also be customised in height and lane width. In this case, ASP specified four lanes of the compact Glassgate 150. These were arranged in pairs – one pair giving access to the stairs and another to the lifts. Glass infill panels and stainless-steel posts were also supplied to complete the security solution.
ASP turned to Paxton to provide the access control system and readers that complement our turnstiles. Fastlane products are designed as open systems, able to seamlessly connect to other elements of the overall security system using industry-standard communication protocols.
Preserving the aesthetics of the space
Typically, our turnstiles are fixed in place with bolts, and connected to cables that are laid beneath the floor. However, if the client has spent time and money on attractive flooring, they may ask for a solution that involves no drilling. That was the case here. The Fastlane floor protection system is always available to create a wholly above-ground installation wherever needed.
A successful outcome
The solution ASP proposed was ordered in July 2023 and installed in September. “The client was really, really pleased with the system,” continues Claire. “Additionally, they engaged an external consultant to assess various aspects of their location, and he commented on how impressed he was with the turnstiles. He asked for our contact details, so this successful project may lead to further work for us and for IDL.”
Adds Phil Allen, IDL’s Regional Sales Manager UK: “ASP is one of our oldest integration partners. It’s always a pleasure to team up with them, so it will be fantastic all round if this installation leads to further opportunities for working together.”
To find out more about ASP, visit their website or read our earlier piece profiling ASP’s Managing Director, Grant MacLean.
If you think Fastlane turnstiles might be the right choice for your security needs, please get in touch with our team today on +44 (0)208 890 5550 or by email at info@fastlane-turnstiles.com. Feel free to request a tour of the London facility where we design and manufacture all of the Fastlane range.
