Guest Editorial by Mike McGovern, PSP, Automatic Systems and Frank Scala, PSP, CTS, WSP USA
Do you want to be secure, safe, healthy, and beautiful? Maybe just add “happy” and we have a possible New Year’s resolution for 2021, right?
Well, the first 4 of these (we will save “happy” for others to address!) are also goals for security entrance control products going into the new year – challenges which must be addressed in a balanced way.
While historically these seemingly contrary goals always existed for security designers – the main emphasis has shifted in the past year.
Health and safety concerns are taking the front seat more than ever before thanks to the COVID pandemic and the sudden realization that the threat of future public health concerns need to be mitigated going forward.
Turnstiles, portals, other pedestrian speed gates and vehicle gates have long been our go-to solution for controlling access.
Speed of throughput, security of transactions, durability and product aesthetics have and continue to be design priorities for the suppliers of such products.
But a new challenge emerges in the post-pandemic, hygiene-oriented world as we enter 2021.
There are many new developments in readers and authentication technology.
We now have 2D barcode readers, advanced smartphone technology, turnstile-optimized readers, superior biometrics and AI (artificial Intelligence) systems for credentialing.
In this article we examine how some of the latest advances in authentication and credentialing are perfectly integrated and blended into security entrance portals, turnstiles, and gates.
(SmartPhone (Bluetooth, BLE, wifi and NFC) readers are more convenient and hygienic than some “touch” biometric readers and many card readers. No touching is required. Most patrons have their phones handy rather than searching for access cards. Visitor credentials can be issued with automatic expirations in place. Generally a more convenient and preferred method to standard access card readers and palm/fingerprint readers. SlimLanes are a superior swing glass optical turnstile by Automatic Systems. Courtesy of Automatic Systems and YouTube.)
Sure, it was always nice to say that we have clean security access products that will not spread germs or require frequent cleaning. But the authors observe now that what had been “a want” is now “a clear need”.
Preventing the spread of diseases and contact tracing have become goals previously never discussed when considering entrance control solutions.
Today’s security designers, consultants and technology engineers almost need a window to the future, a crystal ball of sorts. Future-ready solutions are demanded by today’s and tomorrow’s smart building technology focus.
The security designer manages demands such as maintaining high quality product selections with smart connectivity, budget constraints, future focused, beautiful…..and now we must provide hygienic focused designs too!
using their smartphones, even when phones are in use, pocket, and/or app not open)
Generally, architects and security technology designers work together to design the best solution for their client.
But architects are focused on day one operations and aesthetics – while technology consultants are more concerned with long term technical functionality and supporting/integrating with new smart building systems.
Speed, security, appearances – and recently the need for hygienic solutions – were already raising new challenges for the industry.
Security authentication design was moving in the right direction before we had COVID-19 to deal with, as evidenced by the many new technologies that were already being introduced prior to the year that was 2020.
Security design engineers and consultants tell us that new approaches to authentication integration were necessary.
Our co-author Frank Scala of WSP USA, his colleagues, and other technology consulting experts agree that new contact-free access is a must, not a want.
Jon Harris, PSP, CPP is Director of Enterprise Solutions at Guidepost Solutions LLC. He observed some current trends in contactless access control.
As he says, “The COVID pandemic is driving the adoption of the contactless technologies that were already existing and readily available, however, they were previously viewed more as a novelty than providing security value.”
Jon continues, “I project that trend will continue to be a lasting impact and legacy in our industry, as people have become used to this and may come to expect it.
Entering a facility more quickly, with less friction or human intervention, the safe/secure environment is being realized without the onerous controls that had been historically required for the more secure environment.”
Good Harbor Techmark’s Design and Engineering Principal Frank Gallagher had this comment regarding contactless entrance control: “Due to the pandemic, we are seeing a trend in contactless entry – including an increased installation of turnstiles with biometric readers (facial, handwave, etc.) as well as the use of automatic and sliding doors.”
“Automatic doors and turnstiles need to open upon presentation of a valid credential or biometric and touchless egress would be via a hand wave sensor – allowing the staff member to enter/egress the site without touching door handles, credential readers, etc.”
Manufacturers of entrance control devices have had to devote significant design engineering resources to the task of providing aesthetic and functional solutions that will be intuitive and easy to use.
UL 2593 and UL 325 certifications require speed gates and turnstiles to be engineered against entrapment and accidental contact of barriers with the users – so they already supported the “touchless” mission.
But still many vehicle gates, security gates and pedestrian products like portals, mantraps, optical turnstiles and speed gates needed new design enhancements to contain and present the new credentialing methods in a way that maximizes the function and appearance of these new contactless systems.
Once thought of as a luxury, these technologies are now essential in a post COVID era.
Considering the observed clear needs for better, faster, more secure and health focused authentication, and supported by the expert opinions of security consultants, we are certain that these new contactless credentialing systems are and will continue to be the continued strong focus for entrance control system manufacturers.
Forward thinking applications engineering teams at entrance control makers are meeting the challenge.
Elevator destination dispatch screens are integrated into turnstile pedestal ends – no touch required – at an ergonomic 45-degree angle for viewing by the passing user.
Frictionless handwave readers are being deployed in slim swing glass optical turnstile designs at an increasing rate.
(Automatic Systems’ SlimLane optical turnstiles are shown integrated with the Idemia Morpho Handwave biometric reader. This is a fast, high throughput, secure, and hygiene oriented solution to pedestrian access and entrance control. The legacy of COVID-19 causes all security and facility professionals to look for better credential control, authorization readers, and entrance control solutions. This technology will be considered for its advantages over typical card readers and fingerprint biometrics. Courtesy of Automatic Systems and YouTube.)
Smartphone tracking and access control are seamlessly integrated into doors, turnstiles, portals, and parking gates.
Specially designed smart card readers are now optimized for read range in steel turnstile housings to eliminate any touching.
Facial recognition technology has improved greatly in recent years and can be tied into a speed gate turnstile in an effective and aesthetic design.
(Facial Recognition can be a superior credentialing system for doors, entry points, and optical turnstiles, when compared with traditional access card readers, fingerprint biometrics. The recent COVID-19 pandemic raises concerns about hygiene such that any card access or “touch” biometrics will be eventually considered for replacement by facial recognition and other touchless biometric systems. Biometrics like this can be faster, more secure, and certainly more hygienic when used with a swing glass or retracting glass optical turnstile or a pedestrian security portal. Courtesy of Automatic Systems and YouTube.)
Similarly, QR (2D barcode) readers, specialized turnstile (no-touch) multi-tech card readers, AI systems, and a variety of biometric readers are cleverly blended with entrance control devices in similar ways by quality entrance control system manufacturers, all of this while maintaining their needed UL 325 or 2593 certifications.
Tighter integrations between systems such as contactless access control and elevator destination dispatch will provide valuable in being future ready for smart buildings of tomorrow.
The conclusions are clear concerning the new designs to make our access control experiences cleaner, safer and more efficient while maintaining security.
These new contact-free, touchless authentication/credentialing systems – when combined with well-designed entrance control turnstiles and gates – are the new baseline for controlling access in 2021 and beyond.
About the Author
Mike McGovern is a security and entrance control industry veteran who has been helping develop & design integrated security strategies since 2000, including entrance control systems at many of the USA’s most iconic and recognizable buildings and campuses.
Mike is responsible for sales of vehicle entrance control products (optical turnstiles, portals, gates) in the Southern USA and New England Regions for Automatic Systems.
Frank Scala, PSP, CTS, is Technology Practice Lead for WSP USA Properties and Buildings, where he leads a technology and security design team for the Boston office.
Frank is a detail oriented and sales savvy professional consultant who possesses both client-facing account management and technical skills.
His diverse background cover sales, pre-sales engineering, project management, design engineering, operations management, and customer service.
Automatic Systems a Multi-Award Winner in 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is entering its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
90% of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners return to compete in the Annual ‘ASTORS‘ Homeland Security Awards Program, and 100% of ‘ASTORS’ Sponsors have returned year to year to reap the benefits of their participation in the industry’s largest and most comprehensive Annual Awards Program.
2020 was a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC was canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.
However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.
Automatic Systems (First of Three)
Automatic Systems
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2020 ‘ASTORS’ Extraordinary Leadership and Innovation Award
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Automatic Systems continues to evolve their award winning SlimLane swing optical barrier turnstiles.
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For over 50 years Automatic Systems has provided innovative secure access management, for fluidity of movement, security of people and infrastructure through the design and manufacture of automated pedestrian, vehicle and passenger access systems.
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Automatic Systems is being recognized for their long-term dedication and commitment to service and quality, and ongoing investment in R&D for reliable and highest quality speedgates, turnstiles and barriers, with a coveted 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Platinum Award for Extraordinary Leadership & Innovation.
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Every day, more than 100 million people use Automatic Systems’ equipment worldwide, with over 300,000 units installed in 150 different countries.
Automatic Systems (Second of Two)
Best Contactless Pedestrian Entrance Control Turnstile
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SlimLane EPW Touchless
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Automatic Systems continues to evolve their award winning SlimLane swing optical barrier turnstiles.
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With the current social distancing and contactless requirements, this SlimLane can offer a fully touchless solution while protecting its users.
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The hand “wave” and facial recognition readers were easily integrated and offer a fully contactless solution while the UL 2593 Certified SlimLane offers a highly reliable (10 Million MCBF) physical access control turnstile.
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With its 5 year standard warranty, and infinite customizations, the SlimLane continues to be a perfect solution for lobby entrances.
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Selected as the “standard” for multiple financial institutions, we are confident that the SlimLane will continue to answer any pedestrian access control requirements for your years to come.
(Automatic Systems SlimLane EPW Touchless swing glass turnstiles offer custom integration provides an innovative and effective solution with multiple biometric authentications during continuous movement. Courtesy of Automatic Systems and YouTube.)
Automatic Systems (Third of Two)
Best Vehicle Security Entrance Control Gate
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BLG 77 ETL Rising Fenced Barrier Gate
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Automatic Systems newly redesigned BLG 77 is now ETL Listed to UL325 specifications which requires that, after sensing an obstruction, reversing must begin within two seconds to ensure user safety.
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BLG 77 are full height automatic gates recognized for their reliability and low cost of ownership, while providing long-term access control to a facility’s perimeter.
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One of the fastest full height automatic gates on the market, it is capable of opening a passage width of 20 feet in seven seconds and is an ideal solution for high traffic applications that require strict entry control.
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These barriers are used at sensitive sites requiring a high level of security such as ports, airports, logistics companies, and military installations.
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Recognized for its reliability and low cost of ownership, the BLG77 is a great investment for the long term access control of your perimeter.
*Automatic Systems is also a Returning Premier Sponsor for the Fourth Consecutive Year in the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, and a Platinum-Award Winner in their Fifth Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, X.Labs and Reed Exhibitions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2020, 2019 and More.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
| COVID Innovations | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
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The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
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