TDSi's access control systems have recently been installed in a passenger terminal at one of the UK's busiest ports, which caters for the ever-increasing demand of cruise liners and commercial ships. With other areas of the port having already implemented TDSi solutions, the client was keen to discuss its new requirements with its long-standing partner Wessex Fire and Security and TDSi.
Primarily these requirements were to ensure the security of all control and fire doors within the building, as well as ensuring full integration with, and complete integrity of, the AMSA Line. This Line, defined by the Aviation and Maritime Security Act (AMSA) 1990, applies to all international cruise and ferry operations from UK ports, and delineates shore-side and sea-side areas, ensuring that the only crossing points of the Line for passengers are through clearly designated customs areas.
The solution, developed in close partnership by TDSi and Wessex Fire and Security, has at its heart the EXcel4 controller, which is capable of integrating fully with a wide range of access control readers and cards. For this application, the controller also integrates with a number of legacy systems that were already in operation in other areas of the dock. The controller is used in conjunction with TDSi's access management software, EXgarde PRO that has been configured to incorporate photo ID functionality and detailed site plans. These options allow storage, viewing and retrieval of images from selected terminals on site. Working to a particularly tight schedule, the installation was completed, tested and fully operational in just twelve weeks.
EXcel4 and EXgarde Pro were specified not only for their ability to provide an excellent access control solution to fully meet the needs of the project, but also to provide considerable scope for future expansion.
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| EXcel4 has a card capacity of 18,000 users |
EXcel4 has a card capacity of 18,000 users - with the opening card-holding population of several hundred at the terminal, there is enormous potential to add to the database. Working with EXgarde PRO, the access control system provides a complete, fully configurable-networked access control solution. This versatile controller is capable of serving four readers and provides an extremely cost-effective, integrated solution.
The controller operates on a distributed intelligence principle, such that the system parameters are retained within the controller - in the event of the network connection failing, the controller is able to continue to fully function and will synchronize with the network once the connection is restored.
EXgarde PRO access management software may be configured to suit the specific needs of each individual application. Featuring intuitive, user-friendly screens and powerful integration capabilities, the system is proven in a wide range of projects worldwide. The system is able to seamlessly integrate the many and diverse aspects of buildings' management and security systems with just a single database and single user-interface. With ease of integration, expansion and operation the cornerstones of EXgarde PRO's development, the system is able to integrate the latest CCTV, fire, intruder, building management and biometric technologies.
