February 2021

Insight February 2021 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 11 security devices such as keypads’. When it comes to access control systems, proximity systems that enable users to present a card or tag at a reader, without needing to touch that reader, are an ideal, well-established alternative. These are relatively inexpensive in terms of capital outlay, but they do come with the ongoing cost of issuing and managing tags/cards. To avoid that you could look at a biometric based system instead, such as readers that feature iris recognition. Whilst these involve a larger capital outlay, the ongoing costs are minimal. Access control readers can be removed altogether from the equation if you instead opt for Facial Recognition through a CCTV system. Facial Recognition relies on matching a live facial image from a camera to a database that holds a biometric ‘map’ of each individual authorised to be on that site, using Artificial Intelligence. Handle with care In many instances, access control and facial recognition systems can be integrated with other on-site equipment to help reduce the number of people touching equipment. In offices, this could be printers or scanners. You could also look to link your access control system to automatic hand sanitiser dispensers mounted at the entrances to your premises. It could be set so ensure that people cannot gain access into your building or past reception if they haven’t sanitised their hands. Equipment already exists for use in high risk areas, where a very strict hygiene level is required. These systems require both hands to be placed within the sanitation machine and only when the sanitation is completed will the door open. Remote monitoring With the aim being for the minimum number of people to work on site, businesses should consider the safety, security and peace of mind of those that are. Here, remote monitoring services may be advisable. For example, CCTV monitoring combined with the latest video analytics can monitor employees who are working either alone or in high risk/high security locations from a remote Monitoring Centre. For a comprehensive remote solution, all your on-site security – intercoms, access control and CCTV – can be used to take over the duties of some, if not all, manned guards on site. Monitoring Centre operatives have full control over the security systems and can activate/deactivate alarms, alert the emergency services, direct people or vehicles to specific areas. It’s an around the clock service, plus comes at a far lower cost than employing a team of security guards on site. This solution could also help to monitor the new drop off points or transfer zones that have been recommended, to prevent people passing things directly to each other. Review & revise To ensure the safety of all those on your premises it’s vital to review your health and safety procedures and take a long term approach. Employing appropriate technology now to help you manage the pandemic is an investment in your company’s future. *Matthew Marriott is general manager (UK, Ireland and Portugal) at STANLEY Security