Out of the box thinking overcomes common entrance control installation challenges
No two buildings – or their users – are the same. So it stands true that no entrance control installation is identical. Every location presents a different set of challenges.
Fastlane products have been chosen to secure a wide range of buildings all over the world. We work with a variety of leading installation partners who ensure that each project is completed to the highest levels of client satisfaction.
Here we take a look at some of the scenarios that have required some out-of-the-box thinking and how Fastlane’s product range and experienced in-house team, have helped.
Client preferences
For some projects, the client might have very specific requirements about where and how the turnstiles are installed. This could be for functional or aesthetic reasons, might be driven by building regulations or simply to satisfy a client’s design preference.
This was the case for an installation carried out by AVANZA Intelligent Security for large insurance company LV at five of their office locations.
As Charlie Salamone, Director at AVANZA Intelligent Security, explains: “Each of the installation locations provided a variety of challenges, particularly as our client required turnstiles to be installed at a number of entrance/exit points around the building, including on different floors.”
In order to satisfy the brief, AVANZA worked with the Fastlane team to conduct on-site surveys, ensuring that each install could be carried out in the most straightforward manner, with the least disruption to staff.
Space restrictions can also impact what type of entrance control solution can be specified. This was the situation facing security integration company Helinick, at their project in Bucharest. Their client, needed an entrance control system with extra-wide lanes and also a solution for a separate part of the building that would fit into a very confined space,” comments Viorel Tules, Sales Manager at Helinick.
Helinick’s experience of working with IDL’s product range ensured they were able to select the best products to meet the client’s brief, as Viorel explains, “We knew that the Fastlane Glassgate 155 would be one solution as it offers wider lane width options of up to 1200mm. For the area of the building where the space was too small to fit a full pedestal, here we specified the Intelligate 300, a bi-directional motorised access gate which would provide robust security within a compact footprint.”
Building restrictions
While some facilities such as prisons, police stations and government offices have always made security a priority, the growing need for security in traditionally low-risk buildings has seen entrance control increase in importance for a range of other buildings too.
Some of these buildings may need to have security systems retrofitted, and this can present its own set of challenges. For integrator, Alternative Systems Protection (ASP), installing an effective entrance control system within a listed building formed part of the brief for Edinburgh Leisure.
As operators of leisure centres across the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Leisure was looking to implement an integrated approach to entrance security with the overall ambition to improve the customer experience at 23 of their sites. This included the historic Dalry Swim Centre, built in 1897 and Leith Victoria pool, originally constructed in 1899.
Derek Cardno, Business Development Manager at Alternative Systems Protection, said: “When we discussed the install requirements with our client, we needed to provide a solution that would streamline security across all of their sites, plus would work for a wide style of buildings, from purpose-built sports centres to Victorian pools. Our client advised us that owing to the restrictions at a couple of locations that held listed building status, any entrance control system would not be able to be fitted directly to the floor.
“We knew that we could install the Fastlane turnstiles on raised, floor protection units which secured them in position without needing to drill directly into the floor. Adapting our approach meant we could provide a solution that was secure and suitable for the different locations which met the client brief in terms of entrance control and was sympathetic to the design of the building.”
It’s not just within listed buildings where the use of raised floor protection units is often needed. Within many office settings, there can be a variety of services running beneath the floor that installers have to be aware of when commissioning an install project. These services might include cabling for IT and telecoms, or even pipework.
Knowing where these services might be located in advance of any project starting will ensure there are no costly surprises when the installation commences!
Understand what you’re working with
IDL can provide installers with an in-depth site survey option, free of charge, which can prove valuable, particularly for more complex projects.
Tony Smith, Major Accounts and Marketing Manager at IDL said: “Our aim is to assist our installation partners wherever we can to ensure that their projects are completed to the client’s satisfaction.
“We will often recommend that a site survey is carried out before the project commences. During the survey, we will visit the site and explore exactly what is needed to deliver the most suitable solution, including integrations, customisations, and potential installation challenges.
It is important to complete these stages first, as it provides all the information upfront and avoids both unexpected extended timescales and any confusion when it comes to integrations, customisations or installation techniques.”
If you need further support or information, our team and our installation partners are experts at helping you to select the right product for the environment.
Get in touch with our team on +44 (0)20 8890 5550 or email info@fastlane-turnstiles.com
