How to keep your business cool while protecting the environment

Summer is in full swing and this year in the UK we’ve experienced some shocking heatwaves. Many of us are reaching for the fans and cranking up the air con. Office-based teams are seriously feeling the heat right now, with most buildings in the UK designed to trap hot air in rather than keep it out.

With many of us now back in the office full time, creating an environment that is actually comfortable to work in is a serious challenge. That’s where we can help here at EA Group. We specialise in entrance solutions, including doors, speed gates, access control and building management. Using the right entrance solution is great for security, but this isn’t its only benefit. We’ve found that it provides great benefits for keeping your office at a comfortable temperature, while keeping costs and environmental impact down. Here’s how it’s done.

Revolving doors

Revolving doors were introduced to allow multiple people to enter and exit a building through the same door at the same time. They’re a visually impressive and convenient addition to any office building. Did you know they’re also great for the environment?

Revolving doors are designed in a way that stops the majority of outside air from getting inside your building and keeping the air inside from getting out. This was initially designed to keep buildings quiet, but now allows businesses to save on their air conditioning bill! Whether it’s during the summer or winter, revolving doors help to conserve energy from your air conditioning.

We know that environmental concerns are being prioritised by businesses more heavily, a revolving door helps to mitigate your carbon footprint. We can even install optional air curtains to further achieve a finer temperature-controlled environment around the door. It also saves money! When looking to install a revolving door, you should consider its long-term energy savings against its capital outlay.

At EA Group we can offer a range of revolving doors depending on the needs of your business. Whether you need a wide access door to accommodate a range of mobility needs, or our sleek all-glass models. Speak to a member of the team to find out more.

Reduce congestion

We’re going back to basics a little bit here, but we think it proves a point. Crowds create heat, so reducing the amount of congestion around your site helps to keep your business cool and comfortable. This won’t be relevant in every office, but we know that for some environments like business centres and coworking spaces it has to be considered.

Thankfully, at EA Group we have plenty of solutions that make this possible. The first are speed gates, which can be implemented to ensure quick and secure access to every part of your site. Think of speed gates as the evolution of turnstiles you’re used to seeing at stations and events. They integrate with access control service to ensure that only authorised users can access your site, but they work much faster than a staffed reception or security presence.

This means that people entering your site can get to where they need to go much faster. Therefore, reducing queues, congestion and confusion.

Our range of speed gates have a modern, contemporary design and we can assist you with integrating them with most access control systems. In the case of an emergency, they can be locked open. If you’d prefer a more robust security presence, they can work alongside a staffed reception with a push button.

Industry specific services

We know that every business is different, and many have very specific requirements when it comes to regulating temperature. Building management systems help, but sometimes there need to be more systems put in place.

In the leisure sector, we can help by implementing time and attendance tracking alongside your access control systems. This means that guests can see how busy your site is before they decide to visit, preventing overcrowding. Check out our ClubManager membership management service to find out more about how this works.

While for gyms and leisure centres maintaining temperature is a matter of comfort, in sectors like healthcare or the chemical industry it’s often a necessity. This is where our range of hermetically sealing automatic sliding doors can help. These doors have a special hermetic seal that help maintain a sterile environment, preventing the transfer of dust, moisture and germs to any room. Naturally temperature is maintained too. All our doors are temperature tested too, working for up to 3 days at 70°C heat and -25°C cold.

For more information about our systems mentioned here or if you have any questions that we haven’t managed to answer here, get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536. Check out our other blogs for more tips about how your business can make the most of these services.

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6 entry solutions and their uses within the healthcare sector

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We have specialised in providing and installing advanced technology and modern standards for integrated healthcare entrance systems for over 30 years.

There are a range of entrance systems that each have their own unique benefits and applications within the healthcare sector. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, it has become increasingly crucial to provide entrances that adhere to social distancing guidelines and hands-free access.

In this article we aim to explain just how we can help hospitals, practices and NHS trusts in different ways.

If you have a direct question in relation to our products and services, you can get in touch on +44 (0) 1372 459536.

Revolving doors, do I need them?

Revolving doors have many benefits for hospitals, clinics and care centres. Firstly, they are convenient and easy to use for all patients and personnel. They provide safe and easy access and though they are not suitable for those who have a walking disability, we also provide automatic sliding doors in pairing with these entrances.

Revolving doors also help you save energy. They do this by minimising the escape of air from your building, which in turn preserves the temperature. Healthcare providers will also of course understand the importance of managing the flow of people via their entrances and exits, which revolving doors can assist with.


Revolving doors also serve as an impressive and welcoming feature of a building, whether you are looking at the three or four wing versions.

Hermetic medical doors – safe, sterile and Covid-friendly

For areas such as X-ray rooms, operating theatres and pharmaceutical production facilities, barriers that employ hermetic seals are vital for providing a sterile environment. Our hermetic door seals are easy to clean and keep an area safe from foreign contaminants.

We can offer automatically sliding, hinged swing, X-ray room or observation room doors that seal hermetically. All of these can be fully integrated into a pre-existing access operating system or built-in with an independent one.

How speed gates can assist with the accessibility of your building

A speed gate, apart from being stylish and integrated by design, will regulate the flow of people entering an area. This is a key benefit in high traffic areas that would benefit from regulation, such as a hospital. Our speed gates are perfectly suited for controlled access, so they would be ideal for use in areas where restricted personnel can enter using key cards or fobs etc. Speed gates will also limit the spreading of germs via the handle-less entry system.

Access control – secure restricted areas

Integrated access systems are any technology that you employ to grant access, benefit all manner of buildings that are open to the general public and members of staff. Using access control can provide benefits such as visitor monitoring, integrated security systems and fire roll-call software.

They allow the controllers to provide security to a hospital or care centre. Through these services you can keep track of patient/staff entrance times and even keep record of entrance times stored in a database where necessary.

How to protect your site with CCTV cameras

We offer a complete line of CCTV video surveillance products, of the highest quality, performance and reliability. Our products are suitable to be fitted inside and outside any healthcare facility and once again can be fully integrated into your broader security infrastructure. We include high-definition cameras, colour security cameras, day and night CCTV cameras – ideal for 24-hour healthcare units.

Cameras selected by EA Group are designed for exceptional build quality and long-term functionality. They are also designed to look good and to fit into any aesthetic, wherever you choose to position them.

Easy admin for hospitals – time tracking and attendance

Every second counts in hospitals. When it comes to everyday tasks, efficiency is simply essential. We offer a range of tools to speed up admin and access control. These include:

  • Time and attendance access control
  • Hands-free access control
  • Intercoms
  • Security and access management systems

Our fully integrated range of products can lower the overhead costs of administration and serve to simplify event reporting for your personnel. Obtaining a reliable and functional access and security system to a hospital can also increase your CCG funding, by demonstrating your commitment to operational efficiency.

At EA Group, our product selectors and installation team have had a wealth of experience in kitting out entire hospital entrance and security systems. Whatever your needs and set up, we can accommodate.

For more information on how you can utilise these systems and individual features for your unit of healthcare or have any questions that haven’t been addressed in this blog then don’t hesitate to get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536. Check out our other blogs for tips on how your business can make the most out of our services.

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Under vehicle inspection systems

At EA Group we’re always excited to unveil some fantastic new technology, especially when it can keep businesses and residential spaces safe. The under-vehicle inspection system SecuScan is exactly that kind of technology.

We’ve partnered with SecuScan to deliver this service to businesses in the UK. SecuScan have delivered these services since 2001, and their continued innovation matches our own philosophy. Initially designed for military usage, SecuScan have since diversified into industrial and transport sectors.

This service does exactly what it says on the tin, scanning the underside of vehicles that pass over it to detect hazardous objects, people or safety defects. In today’s blog we’ll cover why this service is so important, how it works, and how it can benefit your team.

The importance of under vehicle security

Security checkpoints have to be used by a range of different industries around the world. In fact, our SecuScan detection systems have been deployed in over 50 countries, from Northern Europe to the Middle East. Initially designed for use at military checkpoints, they have now been implemented across a range of civilian industries, from embassies and airports to powerplants and prisons.

These industries have one thing in common: security is a top priority. Threats can potentially be smuggled in or out of the premise using the underside of the vehicle. In military situations the most common of these are IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Other dangers include weapons, drugs, contraband, illegal tracking devices and, in rare cases, people.

Before SecuScan, checking the underside of vehicles required the use of mirrors. This method is slow and only provides limited visibility. They also often mean that security personnel put themselves in unnecessary danger by being too close to the vehicles.

As well as security, these services have also seen new usage in the automotive sector. Here they provide a quick and easy way to check for safety and quality defects on vehicles. The ease of use, and ultra-high image resolution makes them a perfect blend of speed and efficiency for this industry.

How SecuScan works

SecuScan can be deployed in two ways. It is either as a permanent security fixture at your entrance, or as a mobile solution that can be implemented at short notice. As the vehicles pass over the system, a camera captures the entire underside of the vehicle as a high-resolution, full-colour image. The system is equipped with an automatic foreign object detection algorithm. This algorithm detects explosives, weapons and various other known forms of contraband.

SecuScan can be combined with ANPR and CCTV cameras for added security, or quality control. If you’d prefer, numberplate data can be gathered manually instead of through an ANPR camera. This data can then be stored remotely in a cloud database, or on site. At EA Group we can help install, deploy and manage your business’s access control systems. Get in touch to find out more.

The covers of the vehicle scanner can be changed depending on how you need them to be used. They can be equipped with a heavy-duty cover where there isn’t the need for additional guidance for the driver. This guidance can be handled automatically by including specialised axels that ensure the vehicle stops in the correct position.

For temporary usage at events, pilots, demos or rental usage, we offer two different kinds of quick deployment options. We offer lightweight aluminium ramps designed for fast set-ups and changing inspection sites.

The benefits you’ll receive from SecuScan

There’s a wide variety of use cases for under-vehicle scanners. Aside from their standard use as a fixed security presence at borders and checkpoints, we’ve also seen them successfully integrated in industrial applications. Some sites, like airports, or industrial sites that handle dangerous chemicals, rely on a robust security presence.

A service like SecuScan, combined with CCTV and ANPR, means that every time a vehicle enters, you’ll have a view of their exterior, licence plate, the vehicle’s underside and the driver. All of these images are taken and stored on a cloud database within seconds. This means that security personnel, even working remotely, can check the status of your entrances and exits at any time. This massively reduces delays and keeps security staff safe.

The reason why EA Group have chosen to partner with SecuScan, rather than a different under vehicle inspection system is because of their full colour imaging. Most other services can only provide black and white footage. A colour display gives maximum visibility, and therefore maximum security.

For more information about our systems mentioned here or if you have any questions that we haven’t managed to answer here, get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536. Check out our other blogs for more tips about how your business can make the most of our other range of entry and security systems.

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Entry and security systems for coworking spaces

Coworking spaces are becoming more and more popular. With the rise of flexible working, many teams are now seeing the great opportunities that can arise when you don’t have a fixed desk. There is now a lot of competition between coworking spaces in cities for who can provide the trendiest, best- stocked site. At EA Group we think creating a warm welcome is a huge part of this.

Coworking spaces are high traffic environments which need to be kept safe and secure. You need to be able to accurately and easily differentiate between the access levels of your own staff, your guests and unauthorised entrants.

Thankfully, at EA Group we’re here to help. This blog will take a closer look at the systems and features that can protect your coworking space and keep your members happy.

Create the perfect entrance

In a rapidly developing and competitive industry like coworking spaces, your business needs to immediately stand out. Of course your marketing is important here but so is your building itself. 63% of consumers say they are likely to check out a business through Google Maps before visiting, and this is no exception for coworking spaces. Ensuring your site has an aesthetically pleasing entrance is a great way to make a good first impression.

This is where our range of doors can support your business. We offer automatic sliding doors and revolving doors featuring a wide range of styles and mechanisms. The first thing you need to consider when choosing a door is accessibility. Your site needs to offer a warm welcome to any visitor no matter their level of mobility. That’s why we recommend using a combination of sliding and revolving doors with power assisted drives to accommodate for all guests. These both can be reinforced and secured with access control measures.

Revolving doors especially can have a huge impact on your environment. We constantly have to measure the internal temperature of buildings to ensure they are comfortable to work in. Revolving doors stop the escape of conditioned air and protect from the outside elements. Keeping your guests comfortable while reducing your carbon footprint.

Secure and reassure your members

Working somewhere new is always a slightly challenging experience. Your goal as a coworking space should be to make this experience as relaxing and productive as possible to keep visitors coming back time and again.

Security is a huge part of this. You need to implement a solution that keeps members, and their possessions, safe. This is where our range of speed gates can help.

Speed gates are the step above the turnstiles you’re used to seeing at stations, events and other businesses for decades. They are ergonomically designed for quick access from authorised users, while blocking any tailgaters or unauthorised entrants. We can customise the style of your speed gates, from lanes that swing open, to two panels that retract into the gate’s body. Naturally, they also come in large gate models to allow easy disabled access.

We’ve used speed gates in the education sector for years now. They allow users to feel safe while on site, and can also be used to track attendance in case of an emergency.

Protect your site

Keeping your coworking space secure is of course important for your guests. As a business though you need to make sure that no unauthorised people are using your space without paying for it.

This is where you need a robust security and access control system. This not only reassures customers that your site is safe, but it also protects your bottom line. Access control can be heavily customised to suit your specific needs in terms of both security and aesthetics. All our doors and speed gates can be opened using our access control systems. These include biometrics, swipe cards, access tokens and more. This means there’s no issue around providing keys for your customers, but it still improves your security.

We know in coworking spaces there are likely areas where different levels of access are required. Our service allows you to keep staff only areas secure, even including access logs that show if any attempts have been made to force a door.

Having a CCTV presence is also crucial. CCTV has come a long way in recent years. It can now act as an effective deterrent, but also as a genuine way to ensure your peace of mind. Unlike older systems, our CCTV services can be monitored remotely, and can even send alerts to your smartphone if a camera is triggered out-of-hours.  

Whether you need a simple intercom, or a fully fledged security solution, EA Group are here to help.

For more information about our systems mentioned here or if you have any questions that we haven’t managed to answer here, get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536. Check out our other blogs for more tips about how your business can make the most of these services.

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EA Group’s Bespoke Security Services

At EA Group we know there are no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to business security. No matter the systems you have in place, it they don’t work together then cracks start to appear. That’s why when we work with a business on a security project, no matter the industry or scale, we take a bespoke approach.

Today we’ll take a quick look at each of the security products we provide, and how they integrate together to create a complete security solution.

CCTV

When you think of business security, you think of CCTV. Digital video equipment helps you to gain that extra peace of mind, allowing you to review events as or after they happen and make constructive changes moving forward. A great CCTV solution isn’t just about spotting crooks, it’s also about meeting regulatory and safety standards.

At EA we can help with the provision and installation of your cameras, ensuring that you have them set up in a way that ensures maximum coverage. Modern cameras also now work in low-light conditions and can be monitored remotely from a device of your choice.

Revolving Doors

A revolving door is a great way to make an entrance. Their energy efficiency and stylish appearance make them one of our most popular solutions here at EA Group. However, did you know they can also provide a number of security benefits?

Revolving doors allow you to manage entry into your buildings in an orderly, efficient way. They allow people to enter quickly, but also help to manage crowds and ensure that everyone moves through your entrance safely. We offer a range of revolving doors, which can integrate with access control services for greater security.

Speed Gates & Turnstiles

Speed gates are the perfect way to control pedestrian traffic, both inside a building and for outdoor events. They allow a staffed security presence to validate entry or ensure payment, and with the integration of access control, allow you to automate your security.

Speed gates are the natural successor of the turnstiles that have been keeping businesses secure for decades. Our speed gates combine impressive aesthetics with a high degree of functionality. They feature advanced sensors that can detect when one person has entered through them, and close in less than a second to prevent piggybacking and tailgating.

Access Control

Access control is an umbrella term used to refer to a range of different systems, but here we’re specifically referring to the technology you use to grant access. This can range from ID tokens, cards and biometrics to simpler keypad entry systems. We can help you integrate these services with the entry systems around your site.

This includes attaching access control readers to your speed gates, turnstiles and doors throughout your premises. We also include more tailored access control services that can better suit individual industries. This includes AEOS Access Control, that enables you to comply with rules and regulations in the ever-changing world of security.

Intercoms

Intercoms are a deceptively simple security solution for businesses. With the right integrations, they can be a genuinely helpful tool in a variety of situations. This is good to know, as by 2025 analogue intercoms will need to be replaced. That’s because of the ISDN switch-off – BT are removing all analogue phonelines, and calls will instead be routed over the internet. Analogue intercoms use those old phonelines, so they’ll need updating. This applies with CCTV too.

By integrating your intercom with your access control, you can remotely allow access to your site if needed. This is a great way to enhance security and convenience when working from home. Integrating alongside CCTV helps you get a better view.

Barriers

Every business is different, and it’s crucial that the security solutions you use accurately reflect your individual site. Car parks are a great example, and it’s worth taking the time to get car park security right.

For our clients, we provide a range of barriers for areas with widely varying security requirements. Ugly barriers are never the first impression you want your customers to have. With a bespoke approach, we can meet your aesthetic needs and a range of different security levels.

ANPR

ANPR systems allow you to track the number plates of cars as they enter your site. This is great for reviewing footage in the case of an incident, but it has a variety of other benefits too. These include tracking number plates for parking charges and attendance purposes. It is also useful if you need to block unauthorised vehicles from the site entirely.

ANPR can integrate alongside your CCTV. We can even take existing CCTV cameras and convert them to ANPR systems.

Commercial gates

Our range of commercial gates can be integrated with many of the systems we’ve mentioned here previously, including access control, ANPR, CCTV and intercoms. Our automatic gates are designed and made by our team, allowing us to deliver solutions that can keep your business secure for years to come.

It’s important to mention that our gates, and many of our other security solutions, can be customised to meet your business’s aesthetic requirements.

For more information about our systems mentioned here or if you have any questions that we haven’t managed to answer here, get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536. Check out our other blogs for more tips about how your business can make the most of these services.

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Revolving doors and entry systems for the leisure sector

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Customers visit the leisure sector to unwind after a long day or to train and work on themselves. It goes without saying that businesses here need to make sure that their buildings are as secure and comfortable as possible for customers and staff alike. This of course involves investing in the right equipment, but you should also look at the services that support each site itself. This includes your doors, security services, access control and building management systems.

At EA Group we’re specialists in all of the above! We provide modern solutions that allow guests and staff to enter your site securely and easily, and ensure that their stay is comfortable and safe. We do this by providing a range of technology that integrate with your existing services and each other to create one complete solution.

In today’s blog we’ll take a closer look at these services, and recommend solutions that could be right for your business.

Revolving doors: Dazzle your guests

Revolving doors are arguably the most visually impressive entrances available to most UK businesses today. Their all-glass appearance means they look great inside and out. They allow more light to enter your building and support the flow of people both in and out of your site.

We know that for gyms and leisure centres especially, air conditioning is incredibly important. Revolving doors can be a great help here. As during their operation at least two wings of the door are touching the wall, technically no conditioned air is allowed to escape the site. Similarly, outside air is not allowed in. This prevents drafts, saves on your bills and keeps guests and staff comfortable.

Speed lanes and turnstiles: add security and protect revenue

The purpose of all great security services is to keep unauthorised people out, while keeping your guests safe. This sounds simple but it has to be done in a way that’s efficient and unobstructive to everyone involved. Many leisure businesses have a staffed presence but for those looking for added efficiency, look no further than speed gates.

Speed gates are the evolution of traditional turnstiles you’re used to seeing around stadiums and events. They are usually made of glass and integrate with a variety of access control services. This is perfect if your business uses ID cards, tokens or other forms of ID.

Our speed gates use automatic sensors to detect when their intended user has passed through them, and then closes before any tailgaters can follow. You can heavily customise your speed gates to suit your needs. This includes choosing between waist-high or full-height turnstiles for added security or changing the method of access control.

CCTV: Protect your site

Keeping your site secure has to be a priority. Especially when your customers are likely to be leaving their personal belongings on-site. Having a staffed security presence is a great way to deter potential thieves, as are the entry solutions we mentioned previously. Combining these with CCTV gives you an extra layer of protection.

CCTV has come a long way since the grainy camera displays we were used to in the early 2000s. Modern cameras have far greater range of motion, covering all corners of your site. Their displays can be customised to include colour footage, or even to capture footage during low-light conditions.

Monitoring your cameras is also much simpler. Instead of having to view cameras through a dedicated control room, you can now access footage remotely from a device of your choice. This allows for some genuine peace of mind.

Access control: ClubManager integration and more

We know that your gym or leisure facility likely has its own software for bookings and membership. We’re pleased to say that our turnstiles, speed gates and other entry solutions all integrate seamlessly alongside them.

This includes ClubManager, the service we’re asked about most often. ClubManager features booking and attendance management services operated via an app or kiosk. With the help of open APIs, businesses can use ClubManager with other business systems such as accounting and customer relationship management.

Integrating a booking and membership system like ClubManager with your access control adds an extra layer of security and convenience for your guests. Using this service you can allow easy access for your members and their guests, while blocking unauthorised access. You can track attendance, which can be vital in the case of an emergency and also track usage which can be relevant when renewing memberships.

Overall introducing a well-designed access control system to your gym or leisure centre allows you to create an exclusive image and keeps your members safe.

For more information about our systems mentioned here or if you have any questions that we haven’t managed to answer here, get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536. Check out our other blogs for more tips about how your business can make the most of these services.

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What you need to know about car park barriers

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Car park barriers are one of those common sights that we take for granted. But if they go wrong or don’t meet the needs of the business that uses them, there can be a huge amount of disruption. Controlling the flow of traffic to and from a business is a hugely important task, so the technology you use throughout this process needs to be carefully considered.

Installing automatic barriers is a fantastic way to shore up the safety and security of your site. They also help to ensure that any required payments always take place. They are designed to work seamlessly alongside the rest of your security and access control solutions. In today’s blog we’ll discuss the factors you need to consider when investing in car park gates, and how they can benefit your business.

What makes a great barrier parking system?

Any good car parking barrier system needs to be focussed on a key set of features. First and foremost, it needs to be able to actually physically block vehicles from accessing your site! After this, the best parking systems can then integrate with revenue and security solutions, creating a complete security system.

How to choose the right barrier?

Before we get down to the integrations, you first need to make sure you have a barrier that meets the physical and aesthetic needs of your car park. You need to consider the level of security and length of barrier required. A manufacturing business and a shopping centre will likely have different needs.

The FAAC 614 barrier is one of the most versatile solutions on the market today, and one we often recommend for car parks. Their beams can reach up to 5 metres, and they feature an efficient and elegant operation. You can customise your barrier with a range of different beams, with rectangular and rounded versions available. For extra traffic control, you can include reflective stickers and flashing lights to help drivers in low visibility conditions.

For a heavier duty solution, we’d recommend our EA 6000XHD automatic barrier. This barrier achieves a vast 9 metre roadway span and is designed for constant use. It has a unique design and single-phase power supply, making it a very heavy-duty solution. This barrier is ideal for both car parks and industrial use.

What can your barrier integrate alongside?

While just installing barriers is a great way to protect your site, did you know that we can help you integrate them alongside a range of other services?

Using bollards alongside your barriers adds an extra layer of security. We recommend using automatic bollards to protect your site during out-of-hours. We can assist with choosing the best location and mechanism to meet your architectural surroundings.

Alongside bollards and barriers, we can also consult on choosing the right payment systems. There’s a lot of choice when to comes to these solutions. You need one that can integrate with your barriers, for an easier and more secure customer experience. This will likely be a pay on foot parking system, but new services are arriving all the time that we will be happy to advise you on.

Finally, barriers can play a key role in your security network. They delay vehicles for enough time for security services to clock them, but not long enough to cause irritation. At EA Group we offer a complete line of CCTV cameras that meet the latest standards in quality, performance and reliability. We also offer ANPR cameras that can record number plates within seconds. Our cameras feature modern cloud databases, saving on storage while allowing easy access to footage whenever you need it.

The benefits of robust car park security

Protecting your car park using barriers and other solutions can be incredibly valuable to your business in a number of ways. Naturally it’s great to keep unauthorised visitors out, but they also keep your guests’ and staff’s vehicles in! The peace of mind that barriers provide can be just as valuable as the physical security that they maintain.

Car park barriers are also a great way of ensuring that your car park is never overfilled. Without a robust entry solution, cars may end up parking in entryways or other unsafe areas which can be a major hazard in the case of an emergency.

When combined with the other solutions mentioned earlier, a parking security system essentially negates the need to have extra staff patrolling your car park. With a solution from EA Group, visitors are guided efficiently to where they need to park. Payment can be better guaranteed and security can be monitored from anywhere through your well-placed cameras.

For more information about our range of barriers, bollards, CCTV, ANPR or any other security solutions mentioned here, get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536.

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What is the difference between speed gates and turnstiles? And other FAQs

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Speed gates and turnstiles. They fulfil the same role in a building, making entry throughout a building a smoother, safer and more organised process. There are some fundamental differences between them though, and as the experts here at EA Group, we want to explain them today.

First, it’s helpful to explain exactly what speed gates and turnstiles are.

What are speed gates?

Speed gates are a medium security entry solution that are usually waist-high. Speed gates are usually made up of a body, a gate, and an access control system. The gate can open in a variety of ways depending on the model you choose. Some swing open or closed, while slide lanes feature panels that retract.

What are turnstiles?

The most common type of turnstiles are tripod turnstiles. These reliable entrance solutions are made up of a body and three rotating arms. These are a much more established entry solution. Though they may lack visual impact, they more than make up for it in functionality.

What are the different types of speed gate?

There is more than one type of speed gate. They are usually differentiated by their method of opening. Swing lanes are arguably the most common. As the name suggests, they feature a gate that swings open and closed automatically. Swing lanes are excellent as their size can be customised to accommodate varying levels of accessibility.

Slide lanes feature glass sliding panels that retract when authorised by an access control system. These slide lanes can be customised in terms of height for better security and have a very fast opening and closing time.

Speed lanes are a variation on slide lanes. The difference between them is that speed lanes have a more ergonomic and elegant design. Depending on the aesthetic style of your building, these incredibly modern solutions could be right for you. They feature a 0.8 second opening/closing time, to prevent tailgating.

What other types of turnstiles are available?

The classic tripod turnstile is one that is instantly recognisable from train stations, stadiums and events of all kinds. What you might not have seen before is a Glass-Pass security turnstile. These turnstiles are full-height and are designed for un-attended areas where security still needs to be kept tight. Glass-Pass turnstiles are visually impressive, being designed mostly from glass as the name suggests!

We also offer different variations on the tripod turnstile. Our newest are electromechanical turnstiles, which are ideal for the transport and events sector. They feature bi-directional access and are compatible with most access control systems. They even have space available for a coin mechanism and safe.

Should I choose a turnstile or speed gate?

This depends on a variety of factors, including your budget, the aesthetic you’re going for and the amount of guests you expect to enter and exit your premise at any time. Security needs to be considered above everything.

Although turnstiles do provide a level of security, when combined with a human presence, they aren’t suitable for high-security areas unless you use a Glass-Pass. Speed gates include systems to prevent tailgating, and provide a more easily managed entry process. Speed gates also work alongside more access control systems, such as card readers, biometrics, intercoms, or remote control. Turnstiles are more limited here.

In terms of aesthetic, you have a variety of options no matter whether you choose turnstiles or speed gates. All our solutions are expertly crafted bespoke to your needs by our team based in the UK. This means that no matter the architecture of your site, we’ll find a solution that matches your needs. Our solutions are all made in the UK, meaning there’s no long wait for replacement parts or maintenance if needed.

What safety features do turnstiles and speed gates have?

Turnstiles and speed gates aren’t just about managing entry to your site, they also provide valuable safety benefits. Their integration with access control systems means that your team can see exactly who is present in any part of your site. This is incredibly valuable for tracking attendance in the education sector.

Similarly in the case of an emergency, speed gates can lock to an open position and the arms of turnstiles can be set to move freely in either direction. If you prefer your entrance to have an attended security presence, but still wish to gain the value of these services, they can be operated manually using a button.

Using either of these services, or a combination of them for your business, allows you to guide visitors throughout your site. It will also make your premises more secure.

For more information about our speed gates or access control systems mentioned here or if you have any questions that we haven’t managed to answer here, get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536. Check out our other blogs for more tips about how your business can make the most of these services.

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Revolving doors for your business

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Revolving doors are arguably the most visually impressive entrance that most businesses can access. Their association with luxury hotels and large enterprises makes them a popular choice, as does their modern and sleek appearance.

It’s this association with executives and the high life that might lead many businesses to overpay on their revolving doors, or choose a solution that doesn’t work for them based on price. At EA Group we’re helping businesses of all sizes to access these fantastic solutions in a way that actually works for them.

Our team here at EA Group all share a passion for detail and innovative solutions. In today’s blog we’ll cover the qualities that you need to look for when choosing a revolving door and how finding one that can make a real difference for your business might not be as difficult as you might think.

How many revolving doors do I need?

This naturally depends on the size of your building and flow of pedestrians. A typical 3-wing revolving door allows 24 people to enter and 24 people to exit within one minute, which adds to a total of 48 people per minute. If you’re expecting more than that number, you need more doors!

What kind of revolving doors are available?

In terms of size and finish you have a lot of options when working with EA Group. All our doors are designed by our team of experts here at EA. This means we’ll always strive to meet your exact specification in terms of the size and appearance of your door and recommend any changes that could be made.

In terms of the types of doors available, our most popular are the all-glass models. These stunning doors refract, reflect and diffuse light in and out of your premise, creating a bright and welcoming entrance. We manufacture these doors bespoke in size increments of one millimetre, so they fit your precise specifications. They are constructed almost entirely from glass or can have a thin metal frame if you prefer.

Other options include manual revolving doors which are a stylish solution for traditional style buildings. We also offer doors with larger frames to create a great entrance for sites with more challenging architecture.

Are revolving doors energy efficient?

The short answer to this is yes! Especially considering soaring energy prices and environmental concerns, businesses need to look more closely about how we heat or cool our buildings. Revolving doors do a fantastic job at naturally keeping warm air inside and cool air out, and vice-versa in the summer.

With a revolving door, it’s physically impossible for it to be left ajar. This means that conditioned air doesn’t escape, and external air doesn’t enter. This is because at least two of the door’s revolving wings will be touching the wall at any time, creating a seal as the door revolves.

This means that when you consider investing in a revolving door, you should consider the outlay alongside its potential energy savings.

How can revolving doors be made more accessible?

Accessibility is incredibly important to any business or organisation. You need to ensure that people with all levels of mobility can reliably access your building. The best entrances ensure that anyone can get to where they need to go quickly.

We can offer extra-wide revolving doors that do not feature a centre shaft. This provides much easier access for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. We usually provide this style of door for airports, where moving through with luggage trolleys is a necessity.

For extra accessibility, we can also offer automatic sliding doors alongside our revolving doors. These provide a range of options for entry, without compromising the aesthetic quality of your entrance.

What businesses need revolving doors?

There are some industries more associated with revolving doors than others. Hotels, airports, and business centres immediately spring to mind. The truth is, however, that if you need a professional entrance and a contemporary appearance, they can work for just about any site. We’ve provided doors for all the sectors mentioned above, but also for the education, leisure and residential properties.

In terms of aesthetics, we’re guided by you. Not only can you customise the number of wings that your door has, but you can also customise its finish. Our revolving doors are available in a choice of stainless steel (brushed or polished), brass or bronze finishes. We can even offer copper cladding, or your choice of anodised colour finishes.

What are the alternatives to revolving doors?

If you’ve read this blog and started considering other options, we can help. Our automatic sliding doors are incredibly popular, and can be customised to the same degree as the revolving models.

For more information about our range of revolving or automatic sliding doors mentioned here, get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536.

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Transforming entry with a wireless intercom solution

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Our offices are increasingly connected. With the rise of cloud and other internet-enabled services, the technologies we use speak to each other much more. This is fantastic for business efficiency and collaboration between colleagues and customers alike.

At EA we’ve also seen many of the security benefits as well. You can now connect your access control systems to your CCTV, gates, doors and communication services. This enables better remote monitoring and more efficient access for guests and staff. This integration now extends to your intercom, and that’s the topic of today’s blog.

Intercom services used to run on analogue connections. They would connect to a single phone and that was about all they did. Now with the arrival of cloud-based services and a wider range of integrations, they can do a whole lot more. For another level of security and convenience we’ll also detail the benefits of integrating your intercom with access control.

Audio and video

This is the basic function of the intercom, but it is worth mentioning. A good quality intercom service that integrates with your access control service should also have a high standard when it comes to audio.

Many IP systems and even some analogue services now come equipped with video as well. It’s great to be able to check your camera when you’re in a hurry, and it can help to deter some more persistent door-knockers.

With the basics out of the way, here are some of the newer features you might not yet know about.

Mobile notifications

With an integrated IP system, your intercom can connect to a mobile device of your choice. This automatically sends you a notification when the intercom is triggered. From here you can check the video or audio feeds from your mobile. This is not only great to access when you’re away from your desk in the office but also enables remote monitoring.

This means if you’re working from home, you can easily let colleagues in if needed. If a delivery driver arrives, you can quickly get in touch or even deter potential unauthorised guests. IP systems generally include a higher standard of video camera, so you’ll get a clear picture wherever you are.

CCTV Integration

The best technology works well together, and security systems are no exception. Our intercom services can integrate alongside CCTV to give you an unparalleled level of visibility at all times.

Depending on the age of your CCTV system, and whether this is IP enabled as well, you’ll be able to check multiple angles when an alert is triggered. This is valuable not only for your peace of mind but can also enable better remote monitoring in future. If you’d like to find out more about how we design and install our CCTV systems, check out our last blog.

Access control systems

So far, we’ve focussed on improving the functionality of your intercom system, but integrating your intercom with your access control unlocks another level of new features. Your access control system is any system you use to unlock doors around your office. It could be a swipe card, access token or even biometrics. You can integrate your intercom with these systems as well as your CCTV. This means you can hear, see and then allow access to any visitors or staff members in seconds.

This process can be entirely handled remotely. We know that many teams now work flexibly or entirely from home and have seen intercoms used in more situations than just to watch out for crooks. For example, you can buzz in anyone who forgot a key that day, or even just let in a delivery person.

In the case that someone does attempt to force open a door, our access control service creates record logs of when access was attempted. This can then be cross-referenced with your CCTV and intercom at a later date.

Get in touch with EA Group

Finding the right security solutions for your business can be a headache. We’re here to help. We offer a comprehensive range of intercom systems which we can supply, install and support with regular maintenance.

Not every system is right for every situation. Depending on the needs of your business we can offer either an intercom, a keypad, or both integrated as a single unit and part of an access control solution from our partners.

We can get the ball rolling with a free site survey. Our team can identify flaws in your security network and recommend the right service to help. Whether you’re looking for a new intercom, to update your existing one to integrate alongside more services, or are looking for a complete overhaul of your access control system, we can help.

For more information about our intercoms, CCTV or access control systems mentioned here, get in touch at +44 (0) 1372 459536.

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