In these challenging times, have you considered what would happen if you could no longer purchase supplies required to keep your entrance control points operating because they are manufactured in Europe?
This could be a dress rehearsal for what is down the road and image if your access control needs repair and the parts require weeks or sometimes months to arrive from overseas.
West Virginia American Access Control Systems, the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Gold Award Winner for Best Integrated Security Management Solution, invites you to visit wvaacs.com for All-American manufactured portals manufactured with American parts.
Mantraps or security portals have been in military facilities, mental health facilities, hospitals, tech data centers, and similar locations for decades in one form or another.
Older mantraps consisted of a small enclosure with two locking doors that a security officer manned.
The officer would let the person enter the enclosure through one door and then, once cleared, unlock the second door to allow access to the person into the facility, in a slow process, allowing only two to three people per minute into a building.
Since those early manual days, the industry has evolved into fully automatic mantraps/portals capable of verifying the user and allowing access.
The “modern” mantraps can be equipped with biometric sensors, metal detectors, and anti-tailgating/ piggybacking sensors to verify and facilitate the users into the building.
This type of mantrap has a higher throughput average of four passages per minute with single slide doors or six passages per minute with bi-parting doors.
Since these technologies are the only means for positive access control, they have mainly been used in high-risk facilities.
However, they are increasingly becoming the norm for public facilities in the near future due to the rise of violent crime in schools, workplaces, and retail stores.
West Virginia American Access Control Systems (WVAACS) provides technologically superior security portal solutions that help protect military and government buildings at the local, state, and federal levels, all manufactured in the United States with American parts.
Veteran-owned WVAACS, now also offers Temperature Screening which can denies entry if the user’s body is above safe levels.
WVAACS has the right portal solutions to address high-risk government and military facility needs.
End users provided huge amounts of input during the development stages, resulting in an extremely reliable, user-friendly, robust, and long-lasting portal.
American Access Control Systems portals currently installed in the field have over two million passages each over the last nine years; with a nominal failure rate of one failure every 425,000 passages.
Early warnings of impending failures are displayed on the control console so the facility can schedule a service call before the portal experiences a failure. Data from the last 1500 cycles can be downloaded to assist in the troubleshooting process.
The combination of low failure rate, early warning, and easy repair have made these systems user-friendly, management-friendly, and technician-friendly. Installation is a breeze as they require no building modifications.
Depending on the model, the installation takes 1.5 to 2.0 days from beginning to placing into service.
The portals are assembled at the factory, operation and sensors are fully tested – before the portal is disassembled and shipped to your location.
These steps ensure that the portal is functioning properly and that installation is trouble-free, fast, and requires minimal adjustments before being placed into service.
WVAACS portals are ADA-compliant and eliminate the need for a dedicated portal for ADA use.
The electronics in the portals switch between ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) mode and normal operation depending on the badge presented.
If the facility supports two separate signals from the facility’s security system, the portal will operate at normal speeds for NON-ADA users when a NON-ADA badge is presented. However, when an ADA badge is presented, the portal operates at a slower speed to facilitate the user.
(See a demonstration of WVAACS portals ADA capabilities. Courtesy of American Access Control Systems and YouTube. Posted on Jul 26, 2018.)
Alerts are sent to the security officer when there is a security violation or an attempted violation.
The Smart E-Stop feature attempts to open the door that the user entered the portal three times. If the door opening is unsuccessful, the clutch is disengaged allowing the portal door to be opened manually.
All sensors are laser-based preventing ambient light interference.
The control console can monitor/control up to eight different portals from a single location.
(See a demonstration of WVAACS portals metal detection capabilities. Courtesy of American Access Control Systems and YouTube. Posted on Jul 26, 2018.)
WVAACS Series 400
Better technology means better reliability and better security.
The WVAACS Series 400 makes security easy.
Designed to easily replace existing swing doors without additional construction, the WVAACS Series 400 is a fully customizable, ADA compliant security portal solution.
Trusted to meet the high-security needs of America’s most secure facilities for years, WVAACS security portals are made in the USA with US components, to ensure that all parts are always readily available.
The product is assembled and tested in the factory to ensure all corresponding parts fit properly, eliminating the time-consuming problem of field modifications.
The electronic panel is pre-wired and labeled for plug-and-play use.
WVAACS units do not require a pit to be dug into the floor, eliminating costly and time-consuming construction!
The Series 400 is a 48-inch by 60-inch portal that is available in bi-parting doors, which allows six passages per minute.
The Series 400 can be installed in an existing doorway by removing the swing door from the hinges and mounting the portal against the frame.
This portal is also ADA compliant, and can be equipped with anti-tailgating/piggybacking, metal detection, left object detection, and biometrics such as iris scan.
(See a demonstration of WVAACS portals anti-tailgating/piggybacking capabilities. Courtesy of American Access Control Systems and YouTube. Posted on Jul 26, 2018.)
With WVAACS Series 400 Security Portals You Can:
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Prevent unauthorized access via tailgating
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Prohibit the exploitation of credentials via piggybacking
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Prevent forced entry
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Improve security environment
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Manage and monitor unmanned security portals via console
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Manage traffic with faster throughputs
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Improve productivity with faster throughput times
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Customize a solution
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Have in-factory assembly and pre-testing
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Have faster installation and shorter downtime, and more!
WVAACS Series 400 Security Portal Features Include:
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Outside cabin dimensions 100”H X 60”D X 48” W with clear passage measuring 87”X34”
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Switches to a slower operating mode when an ADA badge is presented. Smart E-Stop technology forces the person out the same door used to enter the portal when the E-Stop is activated.
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Console alerts security of an alarm situation and allows for override of detection systems by an authorized individual.
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Console displays the current status of up to eight portals individually or collectively
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Logs 16,000 cycles of data for troubleshooting assistance.
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Main Control is internally protected to prevent failures due to overload conditions
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Voice message is programmable on-site allowing for a custom message to meet the facilities needs.
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Laser-based tailgating system immune to ambient light
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Laser-based safety sensors immune to ambient light
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Five-hour battery backup
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Secure automatic emergency release. WVAACS portals use E-Stop, a secure automatic emergency release, that NEVER gives a clear passage thus keeping the facility secure.
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Powder coated finish available in all RAL listed colors
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Custom finishes available in stainless steel #4 & non-directional
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Optional Metal Detection
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Optional Left Object Detection
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Glass options include 9/16” safety glass, BR1, BR2, BR2 with film (BR3)
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Connections can be made to the building’s fire alarm system, opening both doors immediately to allow evacuation
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Fire alarm override allows the security officer to close the doors in the event of an attempted security breach
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When this is activated, the inside door(s) close, the portal scans the interior of the portal to ensure no one is inside, the exterior door(s) close when clear, then the portal automatically locks down
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(See a fire alarm override demonstration. Courtesy of American Access Control Systems and YouTube. Posted on Jul 26, 2018.)
As a veteran-owned business, supporting American businesses and vendors is paramount at WVAACS, explains CEO Dave Jones.
“All of our portals are 100% ‘Made in America.’ However, we have taken that ideal and have made it part of our core DNA.
“For example, we chose to manufacture our portals using U.S. steel over foreign aluminum for a long useful life.”
“We carefully selected and bought the highest quality components and subassemblies from American manufacturers.”
“We designed our portals using American engineers; we assemble portals in our factory in West Virginia, and our technicians are highly trained American veterans.
(See WVAACS Customer Testimonial by John Bustle, of VarcoMac Electrical, speak to the reliability, ease of use, and robustness of their eight-year-old WVAACS portals. Courtesy of American Access Control Systems and YouTube. Posted on Jul 10, 2018.)
West Virginia American Access Control Systems Returns to Compete in 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering it’s Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
West Virginia American Access Control Systems
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The AACS Series 300 is designed to make security easy. Available in single-slide or bi-parting doors, the AACS Series 300 has a throughput of six people per minute.
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The bi-parting doors reduce the wait time significantly and are ideal for high-traffic entrances, and is assembled and tested in the factory to ensure all corresponding parts fit properly, eliminating the time-consuming problem of field modifications. The electronic panel is pre-wired and labeled for plug-and-play use.
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The AACS Series 300 does not require a pit to be dug into the floor, eliminating costly and time-consuming construction, and AACS security portals are 100% Made in the USA with US components, so all parts are always readily available.
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Additionally, the AACS Series 300 portal can now be outfitted with Temperature Scanning capabilities that automatically scans the user’s body temperature, and if it exceeds the threshold, the user is denied access to the building.
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*WVAACS is a Returning ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champion, having secured Wins in the 2022, 2020, 2019, and 2018 Homeland Security Awards Programs, respectively.
In addition, the continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. #MentorshipMatters
So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2023 in New York City!
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘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 | COVID Innovations |
| Workforce Management | Government Security Programs | And Many Others to Choose From! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.
These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.
Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.
The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City.
The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.
The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.
The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.
AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.
FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.
Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.
As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.
Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis,’ thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors.
The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!
We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police, as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).
The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights 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.
In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.
Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.
ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:
Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!
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.
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 the 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.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘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 levels as well as from private firms allied to the 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, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or 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 – to name a few), the 2022 ‘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 features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
